WQOW Weather

Help In Determining Climate Change

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced recently that it was nearing completion on the installation of a high tech weather monitoring network.  Weather observation stations have been set up across the country to track temperature and precipitation changes, pinpointing the shifts in Americas ever changing and unpredictable climate.

The stations have been strategically placed in rural areas which will minimize the affects of urban influences such as heat islands and wind variations.

Click on the link below for more information on the stations and to view the data they have collected.

Weather Monitoring Network

The network will give scientists more information to help explain what's happening with the climate at a regional and local level.  With such a controversial subject, it's good to see every effort is being made to shed some light on the topic.

Weather-wise closer to home...we'll see a warm start to the week but a low pressure system will continue to spin off small disturbances through Wednesday morning keeping rain and thunder in the forecast. We stay dry for Thursday and Friday before our next weather maker moves in just in time for the weekend.

Have a great week!

Meteorologist LeAnn Lombardo

Severe Weather Awarness - Preparing for Bad Weather

The sirens are blowing - there's a low rumble in the distance - and the Stormtracker 18 Weather Team has just cut into regular programming with a tornado warning for your county.  Your first thought through your mind may be: "I should head to the basement."  But, against your training in elementary school, you grab the video camera, slide open the porch door, and capture video of violent winds, hail and a tornado. 

Many people have experienced scenarios similar to the one that I just wrote above.  But unfortunately, many die each year from severe weather related events.  Some people are just unlucky - no matter what precautions they took, the storm was just too strong.  However, most people didn't have adequate shelter or didn't follow the rules that were taught to them: go to the basement or find an interior room at the lowest level of your home.  It is really easy to get tied up in "the moment" of severe weather next to your home.  I've been there, and have what a lot of people called "cheated death" twice.  And, after the adrenaline stops flowing and you get back in your normal mindset, you realize how lucky you actually were to still be standing - alive.

My main point of all this writing is this:  From my experience, I don't think a single person should be put in that kind of a position, regardless of their knowledge of thunderstorms and severe weather.  So, what should you do to remain safe during a severe weather event?  Let's start off first with a Severe Thunderstorm.

A Severe Thunderstorm is a powerful thunderstorm in which wind speeds are greater than 58 mph or hail is larger than 3/4" in diameter.  The main thing you want to remember during a severe thunderstorm is stay away from windows.  Debris picked up by the wind or hail could cause the window to break, and that flying glass could injure you.  Also, stay off any wired electronics such as the computer or telephone, and keep out of water.  Lightning can travel instantly through these things and into your body, possibly causing serious damage or death.  But what about a tornado?

A Tornado Warning is issued of the National Weather Service either detects rotation in a thunderstorm with radar, or a certified spotter calls in an actual report of tornadic characteristics. (i.e. funnel cloud, rotating wall cloud, tornado on the ground)  If you learn a tornado warning has been issued for your area, it is advised that you immediately go to your basement or an interior room at the lowest level of your home.  Basically, you don't want a room with windows in it.  When you get there, cover yourself with a mattress or heavy blanket, or get underneath a piece of heavy furniture, such as a table.  This will help protect you from flying debris.  If your out in your car, pull over and lie in a low ditch.  The main thing you want to remember about a tornado when outside is this:  It's not the wind that will hurt you, it's the debris.  By lying down in a ditch, you minimize your body exposure to flying debris, and you are more likely to survive.

Remembering these simple steps can save your life.  But, you can help out others and the National Weather Service if you are interested.  Become a SkyWarn Weather Spotter!  All you have to do is attend one of their meetings around the area.  For Eau Claire, that meeting is April 22, 2008 at CVTC.  For more information, go to www.crh.noaa.gov/mpx and click on "2008 SkyWarn Weather Schedule".   It would be nice to have another pair of eyes watching the skies.  Your one call could cause a warning to be issued, saving hundreds of lives.  Plus, I know I have a degree in Meteorology, but it is always fun to learn more, meet new people and share experiences about weather!  Thank you for reading, and feel free to share your stories or input!

Meteorologist Nick Grunseth

Finally!

Oh what a winter it's been.  Our average high for this time of year is in the low to mid 50s, we hit that a few days early on this month and that's it.  We've been well below average for most of the month.  I saw a sign over the weekend that pretty much sums it up, it said -  "missing: spring, if found please return to Mother Nature as soon as possible."

People were getting crabby...and rightfully so!

At this point I'd like to remind everyone that meteorologists are just the messengers. : )  Before anyone starts throwing tomatoes at their TV, I have good news...a significant warm-up is on the way.  Average temperatures and yes, even ABOVE average temperatures are in the forecast this week!  We'll climb into the 50s, the 60s and by golly, I bet 70s are not too far behind!

Now that everyone is all ramped up about spring finally arriving, a little sour note.  Typically when we experience a cool, snowy spring...summers tend to be cooler as well.

Oh oh, here come the tomatoes...gotta go!

Enjoy the warm-up!

Meteorologist LeAnn Lombardo

Maple Syrup and Maybe 50

You hear the dripping, the trickling, and the sound of splats of heavy, wet snow hitting the ground from the roof above you.  Yes, it is time for spring, unless you live in western Wisconsin this year, then, it is a hope for spring!

But, the spring has been nice to some people across the Chippewa Valley.  For example: Maple Syrup Producers.  Mmmmm....maple syrup has to be one of my favorite "sauces" in the whole wide world.  And, better yet, the making of maple syrup ties directly into weather.  Did you know that the "perfect" conditions for making maple syrup are 50 degree days, 20 degree nights, sunny skies and calm winds?  I helped my dad make maple syrup years ago, and I always thought that when the sap stops running, then "that's it!"  That is usually true, but the reality is, the season can last a lot longer with consistent and close to normal temperatures - meaning more maple syrup!

However, every now and then during maple syrup season, we get one of those wet, sloppy March snow storms.  Recently, people asked me why the snow gets so wet and sloppy in the month of March.  This is for many reasons.  First, the air about 5,000 feet above us this time of year is much warmer than in the late fall or the majority of the winter season.  Because the air is much warmer due to southerly winds aloft, it is able to carry a lot more moisture.  That means that in the Bergeron-Findeisen process, a snow formation process named after the Swedish meteorologists, snow flakes are able to grow much larger than usual.  Also, as they fall to the Earth, the snow flakes get stuck together with other snow flakes, which is why you can get that "clumping" effect sometimes in snow storms. 

Which brings me to my next factoid - Did you know that 99.9% of the precipitation over Wisconsin falls  as snow?  Yes, and the reality is, it has to fall this way.  If the precipitation didn't form and fall as snow first, we would be a parched piece a landscape.  Here's why:  Precipitation in much of the Midwest depends on Cloud Condensation Nuclei (CCN) to form.  CCN are made out of anything small and fine, such as dust particles, fine sand grains, pollutant particles, etc.  Water vapor droplets form around these particles, which then leads to the Bergeron-Findeisen process, the snow formation process that we talked about in the previous paragraph.  That's why snow falls to the Earth, all year around.  It is the temperature, in the cloud and the atmosphere between the cloud and the ground which determines whether we see snow, sleet, or rain.  Hawaii is one place in the world where the precipitation doesn't fall as snow.  That's because enough moisture is able to be pumped aloft with the help of the island's landscape.  See, you didn't know you can learn so much from one reading, and go from maple syrup to Hawaii.  Thanks for reading this week, and feel free to comment!

Meteorologist Nick Grunseth

Get Ready For Spring

Even though the snow is still flying around the Chippewa Valley, it's never too early to start thinking about severe weather safety.  If you're interested in the weather, why not take a Skywarn class and become a weather spotter for the National Weather Service!  Or, if you don't want to become a spotter, you can still take the class and learn what to look for during severe weather and how to keep yourself and your family safe.

I've included a link below to Skywarn classes being offered through the National Weather Service.  Sign up for one in your area, they're free!

Chanhassen National Weather Service Skywarn Classes

LaCrosse National Weather Service Skywarn Classes

There are also many people in and around the area that report weather right here to us at News 18 via email.  If you would like to report rain, snow, hail or other happenings in the weather world, email us at weather@wqow.com.  Feel free to send pictures of weather related events as well.

Have a great week!

Meteorologist LeAnn Lombardo

Flood Safety Awareness

March 17-21is Flood Safety Awareness Week.  Even though we rarely experience widespread flooding in the Chippewa Valley as some other communities do, localized flooding in small areas carry the same dangers.  As our forecast team travels to schools around the region, along with severe weather safety, we also teach flood safety.  Chief Meteorologist Doug Michaels uses a good analogy with the kids in comparing floodwaters to a water slide.  Once you get on that slide, there's no turning back.  The water pulls you along with no way to stop.

You've probably heard the saying "turn around - don't drown."  Heed this advice if you encounter floodwaters.  It doesn't take much water to carry a vehicle away and even less to carry a body away, plus...how do you know there's not a big, deep hole underneath all that water?!

The National Weather Service in LaCrosse has more information regarding flood safety.  Click on the link below to check it out.

Flood Safety

Have a great week and enjoy the (somewhat) warmer temperatures!

Meteorologist LeAnn Lombardo

A Farwell to Winter - Maybe?

The winter season officially ends in the midnight hour of March 20th.  But, Mother Nature is not taking a hint whatsoever.  This - what soon will be this past - winter season brought us nearly fifty inches of snow to the Eau Claire area as well as many bone-chilling days.  It was all at the expense of La Nina, but La Nina is only in her prime, still ready to bring wet and chilly weather to western Wisconsin.

I talked to many people across the Chippewa Valley recently about this winter.  A lot of the older folks said that they remember colder temperatures in previous winters, but they don't remember a winter that has been consistently cold and snowy.  And, it looks like this next week (March 16-22), we'll have two more chances to see snow or mixed precipitation throughout the Midwest.  And, many are wondering - will the snow ever stop?  Will we see 50 degrees ever again?

Thankfully, the sun gets higher each week in western Wisconsin.  That means those below zero temperatures are very unlikely to occur anymore.  And, if we melt away all of that snowpack - we'll get to see those temperatures rise into the mid 50s, which is normal for the end of March.  It would be a great way to bring in the season of Spring!  It is just amazing what a little bit of snowpack can do in the Chippewa Valley - it is the difference of nearly 20 degrees, and a lot more headaches.  Thanks for reading and have a great night!

Meteorologist Nick Grunseth

Our old friend - La Nina

I realize that we have heard a lot about la nina in the past year - it was about a year ago that a signal began showing up in the Pacific equatorial waters of a developing la nina - but I think you'd agree that it has played a significant role in our weather over the past few months.  So we are now about to emerge from our cold and somewhat snowy winter cocoon, and the question becomes:  will spring arrive on schedule?

The one thing that I hate to be is the bearer of bad news, but I have to be in this case.  According to the climate records of past la nina years, it may be a chilly start to the spring season.  I'm not saying the entire season will be a chilly one of course, but the initial weeks of calendar spring could average out to be below normal.  First, you have to ask yourself:  what is normal?  The average high temperature for April 1 is 50 degrees, with 64 degrees being the average high by May 1.  That being said, can we expect 60 degree days in April?  I'm quite sure that we will accomplish that threshold several times over.  The statistics for la nina springs, however, point at a below average trend through the first half of April.  According to the numbers for La Crosse from the National Weather Service, 10 out of 15 la nina years have featured below normal temperatures for the February-April period (see graphic below). 

I kind of groaned when I first read this, but there are definite advantages to a slower warmup.  The biggest would be a gradual runoff of the snowmelt that is going to occur in the next few weeks.  If we are so fortunate to get hit with another winter storm (as appears might be the case early next week), that will only add to the amount of water that will eventually run into the rivers.  A lot of people still remember the disastrous flooding that occurred in 1993 when melting snow combined with heavy spring rainfall to create destructive flooding along the Mississippi River.  A fast meltoff due to a quick warmup could very well lead to more massive flooding.  On the flip side, a quick melting of the snow and thawing of the ground will only expose it sooner to the stronger rays of the April sun.  The past few spring seasons have featured fairly dry conditions, which in turn has led to a higher fire danger when you factor in warmer temperatures, low humidities, and brisk winds.  So far this year, I'd say that conditions have been ideal for the ground around western Wisconsin!  Snow cover has protected the ground from the several rounds of Arctic cold, while maintaining a consistent snow cover for winter outdoor enthusiasts.  Now, as we push forward into spring, a slower warmup will reduce the chances of river flooding and/or spring drought and grassfires.  Still, a taste of 50 degree weather in the near future would be nice!

Chief Meteorologist Doug Michaels

Ch-Ch-Ch Changes

March is a month of transitions.  We start to see our snow showers mix with rain and the snow pack begins to dwindle due to longer days and a higher sun angle.  But what everyone wants to know is when will we start seeing 40s and 50s on a more regular basis?

Well, looking ahead, probably not in the next 10 days.  We were below average through most of February and it seems as though March is starting off the same way.  A couple of mild weekends and then sure enough...arctic air moves back in during the week.

Last year we saw 40s, 50s and even 60s the second week of March and during the last week, we hit 80, twice! Wow...can you even imagine that this year?!  In 2005 and 2006, there were a couple of days with highs near 50 in the second week, but we didn't see the consistent warm temperatures until the last week in March, which is more typical.

This week offers a similar pattern to last week with cool temperatures during the week and more mild temperatures over the weekend.  We do have a couple chances for light snow on Wednesday and Sunday, but nothing significant and nothing that will be mixing with rain anytime soon.  It can't stay cold forever, right?!

Patience I guess.

Meteorologist LeAnn Lombardo

Finally, We've Hit 30! Are You Wearing Shorts Yet?

The weekend of February 23 - 24 ended up being pretty nice across the Chippewa Valley.  Yeah, the sun came out, and yes we are gaining daylight.  But, the temperature actually surpassed the 30 degree mark!  Before this winter started, I never would have imagined that I would be so happy, along with many Wisconsinites, that 30 degrees would be so welcoming.  And the great news is: It looks like it will try to stick around!

I did some number crunching in earlier shows, but I would like to post them on the blog.  Since December 1st, there have been 86 days.  (Side note: December 1st in the Meteorology field is considered the beginning of the winter season, though winter officially starts December 21st.)  About 74 of those days, our high temperatures were below freezing.  And, about 40 of those days had overnight low temperatures below zero.  That means 86% of this winter has been below freezing, with 47% of the nights having temperatures below zero!  Now, I bet you're saying, "No kidding Nick, it is winter in Wisconsin!"  But, compare these values to the past couple of winters that we've had here, and the percentages for the winter of '07-'08 are 30%+ against past winters.  These are interesting facts, but I am ready to retire the cold graphics and bring on the warm graphics.

There is one more thing I wanted to blog about, and I would like readers to feel welcome to comment.  My dad, who is 61, said that for anyone who is younger than about 35, this winter has been one of the worst that they can remember; that is, if they've lived here their entire life.  To me, I've never felt consistent cold and seen so many storm systems pass through the Midwest.  I remember the winter of 1994 and 1996 - those were very cold winters.  But yet, I've talked to many in the Baby Boomer generation, and they always say that this is just a taste of what it used to be like, especially in the 1970s, where temperatures were far below zero for two to three weeks straight.  But these days, do we judge how "bad" a winter is by events 30 years ago, or do we compare it to recent winter seasons?

Thanks for reading and enjoy the sunshine!

Meteorologist Nick Grunseth