March 4, 2018

Calm Before the Storm

Current Conditions

Temperature: 38 °F

Dew Point:23 °F

Winds: E 17 mph

Pressure: 1023.4 mb

Visibility: 10 miles

This morning started out overcast with a light snow falling around 9:00 AM. The temperature was 34 °F and winds were SE at 13 mph. As the day progressed the temperature rose slightly to 36 °F

at noon with winds E at 14 mph. Skies were still overcast but no precipitation. The conditions are much the same right now but skies are partly sunny. 

We've got some interesting weather heading towards the Wisconsin area shown in figure 1.

Figure 1. Surface map of the United States.

A series of low pressure systems over the Wyoming/Nebraska region are heading towards the area tomorrow and should produce some decent snow cover. Out east the weather has died down from the hurricane force winds and heavy snow/rain that hit earlier last week due to the bomb cyclone. The west is experiencing some precipitation from the low pressure systems but nothing beyond some snow and possible rain. 

The low pressure system can also be visualized in a wind map pictured in figure 2. 

Figure 2. Wind map of the United States. The low pressure system is to the west of Wisconsin. The counterclockwise surface winds indicate the low pressure system.

Previous Prediction

Yesterday I predicted overcast skies and rain. We did have both but the rain was very brief. In fact, we are experiencing some glimpses of the sun! 

Prediction

For tomorrow, I predict overcast skies, cooler temperatures, and snow! The snow is pretty obvious not only because of the low pressure system heading this way but also the winter weather advisory in effect for Monday.