Dew Point: 32°F
Wind: NE 14 mph
Clouds: Nimbostratus
Precipitation: 70%
Today has already stirred up a diverse precipitation events falling from the sky. Anything from rain, freezing rain, to sleet, and maybe even some hail. The dip in the jet stream, as seen in Figure 1, is currently where this heavy and unpredictable storm is beginning to circulate.
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| Figure 1. Jet stream at 250 hPa (earth.nullschool.net). |
The fact that the winds are moving from the NE for the Midwest is bad news in terms of weather conditions. The winds from the south are colliding with this the low pressure system and developing even more precipitation for this area.
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| Figure 2. Surface winds (earth.nullschool.net). |
This stationary front has a similar dip as the jet stream and creates a boundary to where the wind direction changes as well. This strong low pressure system is carrying one of the largest storms of the "winter."
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| Figure 3. Current surface (intellicast.com). |
A line of very precipitated areas are moving from the Midwest to MidSouth. The Midwest is expected to have cooler temperatures entering the atmosphere. Therefore, this series of rain will soon turn into piles of snow. Meanwhile, in the Midsouth, there is warnings for Tornadoes brewing in the typical tornado season.
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| Figure 4. United States Colored Water Vapor Satellite (accuweather.com). |
In term of what to expect, that is still not entirely certain. There are predictions that Eau Claire, WI could get about a foot of snow. But do not be surprised if there is more. The heaviest parts of the storm will begin late tonight and continue to Saturday night. Hopefully, by Sunday this storm will begin to taper off.
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| Figure 5. snowfall forecast (NWS-Twin Cities). |
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