Updated. Severe Thunderstorm Risk Friday.

Image from SPC updated outlook for Friday.


The Storm Prediction Center has updated it's outlook and has issued a slight risk of severe thunderstorms across all of Wisconsin for Friday afternoon, including all of my 6 county blog coverage area. A strong low pressure system and cold front will push through the area this afternoon, and it has the potential to bring strong to severe thunderstorms to the area, at this point our chances for severe storms are higher then it has been in quite a few months. The risk includes severe thunderstorms with the possibility of damaging winds, large hail, and even the risk for tornado's, this risk will be even more enhanced if Sunshine develops. People should watch the weather Friday

My forecast below!

Good Rainfall chances the next few days. Strong storms possible Thursday and Friday.

Regional View.

This forecast was issued to help notify people of the severe weather chances tomorrow and Friday, this counts as the update to Thursday forecast from my last issue.

A low pressure system, with warm and cold fronts will pass through the area the next few days, bringing with it a good chance for much needed rainfall. Warm, somewhat humid conditions will set the stage for Severe thunderstorms which are possible across most of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois Thursday into Friday, as the system cold front pushed through. Cooler, showery and rainy conditions will follow on the back side of the low.

Local View.

For the local area, Most of Thursday should be dry, but it will be windy with strong SE winds near 40MPH at times, with rain chances increasing the most after noon Thursday, then rain becomes pretty likely, Some storms could be strong Thursday afternoon, and it cannot be completely ruled out that there may be a few severe storms close to the local 6 county area Thursday or Friday. Friday has a the best chance of rainfall, with thunderstorms fairly likely, Again some storms could be strong to even possible severe. This is the first real chance at Severe Thunderstorms the area has been in so far this season. We should see some pretty nice rainfall totals with this system, as it will be slow to move out bring us soak rains through the weekend. Temperatures will be fairly warm close to the 70s Thursday and Friday, it may even feel a bit more muggy. then temperatures cool off Saturday to the 60s with a chance at showers,

Thursday, Warm and Windy winds 35 to 40MPH at times, Partly Sunny then a chance of Thunderstorms in the afternoon, some storms may be strong, if not severe, highs in the low 70s. Thursday Night, a chance of showers and Thunderstorms, otherwise mostly cloudy with lows in the low 50s

Friday, Warm, Showers and Thunderstorms possible throughout the day, some could be strong or even severe, heavy rainfall possible. Highs in the low 70s. Friday Night, a chances of showers and thunderstorms otherwise mostly cloudy, with lows in the upper 40s.

Saturday, Windy, and cooler, with a chance of showers. Highs in the low 60s. Saturday Night, Mostly Cloudy with lows in the low 40s.

Looking Ahead.

at lest a snall chances if Showers may last into parts of our Sunday with this low pressures system that will be pulling in. It does looking cooler behind this system. Things dry out some for Monday, and temperatures appear to warm up to fair values. Then we got even warmer with rain chances increasing slightly again for Wednesday May 5th. Then a warm-up with dry weather the 6th-7th, then the forecast models show a strong cool front push through the 8th with a chance at rainfall, too early to tell if this will be severe or not, but it's something to watch. then I see chilly temperatures around the 9th, but the cool air doesn't look to stick around long, warm air pushes back in after this date, more on this later.

Continued sunshine, but turning warmer, then increasing rain chances towards the end of the week.

Regional View.





Canadian High Pressure will continue to bring us dry and sunny weather, with chilly temperatures for Tuesday and Tuesday Night before things warm up Wednesday as a cool front turns into a warm front and moves north. by Thursday highs will be approaching the 70s once again with increasing chances for rainfall, more in the looking ahead forecast.

Local View.

Locally, Were going to have a couple of nice sunny days area, Thursday should be clear sunshine, with chilly temperatures, but not bad, with highs in the 60s. Winds should be more calm then they were Monday. Tuesday Night will fall to the mid 30s, with some low 30s in areas of the north. Wednesday will be Warmer with sunshine and highs in the mid 60s, lows in the low 40s. Thursday will be warm with sunny skies at first, then increasing clouds ahead of a low pressure system which could bring us some rainfall Thursday night or Friday, I may have to update this forecast before Thursday, Daily forecast below.

Tuesday, Sunny and Dry, Chilly temperatures, and less wind, with highs in the low 60s. Tuesday Night Clear, Chilly, lows in the middle to lower 30s.

Wednesday, Sunny, Warmer, highs in the mid 60s. Wednesday night, Clear, lows in the low 30s.

Thursday, Sunny then increasing clouds, highs in the low 70s. Thursday night. A chance of showers and Thunderstorms, lows in the mid 40s.

Looking Ahead.

Attention in the long range forecast is turned to a low pressure system which has a good chance to finally give us some descent rainfall. Friday appears to be wet, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. At this point it is too early to tell if things will be severe, but it will be something to watch. The rainy showery weather could last through Sunday May 2nd. Monday and Tuesday look dry, with fair temps then Wednesday a cold front passes and brings chilly temperatures for the middle of the first week of May. then it warms up quickly as we approach the weekend of 8th/9th. towards the end of the model run, It shows possible Very warm temperatures and rainfall chances. So to sum it up, it looks like a more active pattern then we have been in for the past week.

April Showers bring, well.... & The area could still use more rain. Moderate to Severe drought across the area.

Rain covered Tulip April 25th

Well certainly not May Flowers if that's what you were thinking from the title of this post, Because we got flowers blooming now and it's still April! The northern edge of some rain bands from A area of strong low pressure well to the south of Wisconsin finally brought some much needed rain to the area, after a week of dry calm weather, light to moderate steady rain fell through much of the day Saturday, some places even had thunderstorms with heavy rainfall. Most places picked up around a quarter inch of rain, I recorded exactly 0.25" from this weekends rainfall, Which isn't drought breaking, but it really helped out.

Image from U.S Drought Monitor April 20Th image.

Even though we got some much needed rainfall, we could still use more, Moderate to Severe stage drought covers all of Northern and Western Wisconsin. and in the 6 county area Northern Dunn & Northern St Croix, Polk, Barron, Burnett and most of Washburn counties are listed in this category, Severe drought covers all of southeastern Washburn county. here at my location I've only picked up 2.77" just under 3 inches of rain this entire Spring so far, including March. and Spring is known for lots of rainfall, but this year it has been fairly dry, and this is not a good way to start of the growing & planting season. Southern St Croix and Dunn counties are completely drought free from abundant rainfall in that area last fall.

I want to mention I haven't always been the most timely with my forecasts and posts lately, Spring is a very busy time, especially for a Gardener! I've been busy planting, and cleaning and restoring parts of our yard which have not been messed with in years, and now lawn mowing starts hard to believe talking about that when it's only April!

Tulips are in full bloom! turning out to be much earlier then last year & even more surprises!

Full view of my entire garden April 22nd,

Tulips from my former 2009 fridge project are in full bloom this week, making this the most sucessful Spring garden I ever grown. Just like Daffodils are, Tulips are extra early this year. One of the earliest I've ever recorded! in the past 3 years I've been observing Tulips in my garden, they generally were in bloom the second to 3rd week of May. including last year when Tulips were in full bloom on May 10th, This is typical bloom time for Tulips in Western Wisconsin, so it is very easy to tell were having an earlier then normal spring growth, up to as much as 3 weeks!

4 Tulips along side many yellow Daffodils April 22nd, both former fridge projects from 2009

Even though this has already been a very exciting spring for me in the garden, I am continuing to be extremely surprised at the way these Tulips from the fridge 2 winters ago are blooming. They are absolutely beautiful! When I saw these sprouting earlier in the season I was expecting maybe a tulip or 2 would flower since it is known that tulip bulbs grown in a refrigerator are severely weakened and do not bloom again, but I actually got not a decrease in number of flowers, but a significant increase! I have a total of 17 flowers from these bulbs this year, where last year I had 10 from the same number of bulbs, That's in increase by 7 flowers! The clump that had the least number of flowers last year has the most this year, and the batch that had the highest number now has the least.

A batch of a dozen Tulips April 22nd.

A couple interesting things about this particular batch of Tulips is not only the fact that there was only 4 blooms here last year, which is an increase by 6 flowers, But the color in which these are arranged. These were bought in 2 mixed bags of colors they were supposed to be colors of pinks, reds, purples and such that I mixed up and planted at random in cups before putting in the fridge in Winter of 09, I just think it's interesting how it looks like I had a plan when really I didn't! It appears like a "rainbow" of colors in waves, If you notice, from the left side of the picture to right, light orange is on the side, yellow in the middle, red in the second middle section, and darker orange on the right side! Even in the other clump in the photo above this one, there happens to be 2 reds, 2 yellows, It's interesting how things turn out sometimes!

The Tulips from my 2010 fridge project have not yet bloomed because they were planted at a later time, and the ones left in the ground really got ahead of them. I will post once those open There are supposed to be some fancy ones!

Very nice for end of week. Then rain chances for Saturday & Sunday, Also remider that the Statewide Torndo Drill is tomorrow. Updated X1

Regional View.

Were still looking at Pleasant and Sunny weather for the rest of the work week, with highs approaching the 70s Friday!

Then Saturday, The first chance of rain moved into the area in many days. A low pressure system and a warm from will pass by across the Upper Midwest and bring a chance for rain showers, with rain spreading Friday night into Saturday night, Some Severe Thunderstorms and heavy rain is possible across parts of Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois, and will have to be watched closely especially in the red shaded areas above. Rain showers may lasting into Sunday. Rain will make for a cooler weekend compared to Fridays highs.

Local View.

Locally we are looking at nice weather Thursday and Friday, with sunshine both days, and Highs in the 60s as 70s during the day, and lows in the upper 30s to low 40s at night,

But the high pressure system that has been giving us this nice weather will move off and bring us a chance at some much needed rainfall for the area. I did make some changes to my forecast when it comes to timing on this rain, and even added the chance for the possibility of strong storms. It is now looking like there will be a off and on chance of showers and Thunderstorms through all of the daylight hours Saturday, Although it looks like the best chances for Severe Thunderstorms and heavy rain will be south of the area, some storms could be on the strong side and may have heavy rainfall. Showers will possible we we go through Saturday night into Sunday as a low pressure system moves slowly east. Sunday will be mostly cloudy with a chance at off and of light showers. The reason for the change in my forecast is, The models moved the low pressure system with a more Northerly track then what it was showing a couple days ago, and are now hinting that some of the rainfall possibly being a bit on the heavy side with the best chance at the heaviest rain and possible thunderstorms during the afternoon Saturday, This will also be the best chance at stronger storms. rainfall amounts could to near the half inch range. Daily forecast below.

Thursday, Nice, Sunny with highs in the upper 60s. Thursday Night, Clear, lows in the upper 30s to lower 40s

Friday, Very Nice! Sunshine with highs in the lower 70s. Friday Night, Partly Cloudy, lows in the low 40s.

Saturday, Off and on showers and thunderstorms through out the day, some rain could be heavy at times, also watch for stronger storms possible, Highs in the mid 60s.

Sunday, Mostly Cloudy with a chance for off and on showers. Sunday Night, Mostly Cloudy, lows in the mid 40s.

Looking Ahead.

After this weekends rainfall things look to clear out for Monday, Mild April temperatures continue. Tuesday and Wednesday April 27th-28th the models hint at a weak systems bring a chance for light rain. Then it looks dry again for Thursday the 29th. Friday April 30th and Saturday May 1st shows a larger system bring a better chance at some rainfall, with possible some heavier amounts. Then a small system brings another chance at rainfall May 4th. then afterwards things dry back out. So all in all the long ranges charts show up and down temperatures and increasing chances for rainfall, Unknown at this times if any Severe Weather will occur with these systems.



Statewide Tornado Drill Tomorrow

The Wisconsin Statewide tornado drill as a part of Severe Weather Awareness week is set for tomorrow, Thursday, April 22nd. The Drill is to remind people that were in severe weather storm season, and to have plans in case severe weather strikes. Most communities will sound outdoor warning systems tomorrow in the afternoon. Below is a list of times siren expected.

1:00PM the NWS issues a simulated Tornado Watch for all of Wisconsin.

1:40PM-1:45PM the NWS in the Twin Cities will issued a simulated Tornado Warning for Polk, Barron, St Croix and Dunn Counties. Most communities will sound their tornado sirens for about 3-5 minutes at this time.

1:50PM-1:55PM the NWS in Duluth,MN issues a simulated Tornado Warning for Burnett and Washburn counties. Most communities will sound there tornado sirens for about 3-5 minutes during this time.

Very Mild, Nice few days ahead!

Regional View.

Weather will be very in active with no preip for the nect few days. A high pressure system will be in control of our weather, Which will brind pleasant April weather with sunshine and warm highs in the 60s and 70s and night lows in the 40s and 50s across the Upper Midwest.

Local View.


I would like for first take the time to mention that this week is Severe Weather Awareness week in Wisconsin, Which means people should make there severe weather emergency plans for Severe Weather It is also a reminder that were in Tornado & Severe Weather season, and such weather can happen anytime from this point on through Summer.


The high pressure system will mean continued mild and pleasant weather for the start of out work week, to mid week! We should have partly cloudy to sunny skies Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with a repeat of the days for weather, Highs in the upper 60s to low 70s, with lows in the 40s. Daily forcast below.

Monday, Partly Cloudy, Nice & Mild, Highs in the upper 60s. Monday Night, Partly Cloudy with lows in the low 40s.

Tuesday, Partly Cloudy and Nice & and very mild! Highs in the low 70s. Tuesday Night, Partly Cloud, lows in the mid 40s.

Wednesday, Partly Cloudy, Mild. Highs in the mid 60s. Wednesday Night, Partly Cloudy, lows in the low 40s.

Looking Ahead.

our beautiful April weather doesn't look to stop at Wednesday, It looks like Thursday will be quite nice as well. With the next chance at Preip holding off until the End of next week. Friday does look like we have a nice shot and some rainfall, It looks like a farily good sized system may come in and bring rains possible lasting into Saturday and Sunday the 24th & 25th Then midweek that same week looks like another system may deliver us rains on Wednesday, Then possibly another system pulling in for the weekend of that week, Which will be the first weekend of May. Keep in mind things will change.

Spring growth Updater, Early Springs bloomers in full swing across the area.

Early poplar trees with green growth April 16th.

Spring growth is in full spring across Western Wisconsin this week, above normal temperatures and rainfall this past week has allowed for a lot greening up to take place. This especially seemed to take place after Wednesday and Thursdays rainfall I picked up 0.66". Fields and yards are now looking green and lush, Early Spring flowers and trees are in full bloom, and Many trees types are now showing signs of growth. Early trees like Poplar have already leafed out, Late sprouting trees like oak and ash are just starting to break buds.

Spring Daffodils and Hyacinths in full bloom April 16th.

My Hyacinths projects, and both the 2010 Daffodils projects, as well as the former 2009 Daffodil projects left in over winter ( seen as most of the yellow ones on the right side of the garden ) are in full bloom and look great! I'd also like to report that the Daffodils my aunt gave me last year that I mentioned here are also in full bloom so they've done well over the winter. Even the Tulips from my former 2009 project are nearly in flower, and should be blooming in the next day or 2! Will post when that occurs. This is turning out to be the most successful Spring flower garden I've ever grown.



Apricot tree in full flower April 16Th.

Close-up Apricot tree flowers against deep blue skies!

Our trusty Apricot tree is also in full flower this week, This tree continues to flower more, and become more beautiful with each passing spring, I think it is even more beautiful that these trees flower way before the leaves come out! Funny thing is we never get any fruit from this tree maybe it's not so trusty! Turns out we need a pollinator tree.

Lilacs have already fully leafed out soon they will be blooming!

Green Barberry bushes April 16th.

Even the barberry's are green and lush! With all this greenery, it's easy to forget it's only Mid April! Were about 2 weeks ahead in the growing season then last year.

Chance of Rain lingering into tomorrow, Some storms could be strong, Then back to Sunshine for the Weekend.

Regional View.



A frontal System currently stalled our over the area will continue to effect our weather into early Thursday. Showers and Thunderstorms will continue to be possible across all of the Upper Midwest Thursday, A strong cold front will finally sweep this system to the East during the afternoon. A few scattered storms could be Strong or even Severe across parts of Northern IA, Southern MN and Western WI.



Local View.

Scattered Showers and Thunderstorms will effect the first part of our Thursday here in the local area, Due to some factors, I will have to continue to mention that Some storms could be strong or even briefly severe in the morning. Before a strong cold front moves through bringing a end to the rain. The next chance of showers and storms will be in St Croix and Dunn counties tomorrow. Friday things clear out, with cooler temps and strong NW Winds, Cooler night lows in the 30s Friday night. Saturday still look nice with sunshine and warming temperatures. Daily forecast below.

Thursday, A chance of Showers or Thunderstorms in the morning, Then ending. partly sunny skies with highs in the mid 70s. Thursday Night, Cooler, partly cloudy with lows in the low 40s.

Friday, Cooler, Sunny with highs in the low 60s. Breezy North West winds. Friday Night Chilly, Clear with lows in the mid 30s, low 30s possible North.

Saturday, Sunny, not as windy, With highs in the low 60s. Saturday Night, Clear with lows in the mid 30s.

Looking Ahead.

It looks like we will fall into another dry pattern the early to middle parts of next week. With sunshine and mild temperatures. The models do try to bring in a cooler pattern with some rain showers for the late part of next week around next Thursday, which could last through next weekend, and even into the following week. The models bring back in warm and rain by 29Th and the models shows we could have a stormy end to the month. more on this later.

Small chance at isloated severe storms across the area today.

Image from SPC.

There is a small chance at some isolated Severe Storms across the area today, as we continue to watch our first Severe Weather chance of the season. A cold front is expected to move through late today, There is a good chance of showers and storms along this front, If the develop, a few storms could be Severe with brief large hail, and strong winds.

Rain and Thunderstorm chances increasing for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. looks Very mild for Wednesday.

Regional View.

A strong warm front will be moving north through the next 3 days, bringing with it the chance for showers and thunderstorms, and very warm temperatures. There will be a chance of storms starting late Monday, then again on Tuesday and Wednesday, but there wont be any all-day rains, it will mainly be scattered. A couple of storms may prove to be on the strong side. Were also looking at a Very mild temperatures for the all of the Upper Midwest for Wednesday.

Local View.

Were looking at and active next 3 days. Monday will bring partly sunny skies for the most part of the day, but late in the day, Thunderstorm chances will increase as storms develop along the front. it wont be an all-rainy day, but there could be a few thunderstorms especially late. Some might be a touch near the strong side. Tuesdays rain and storm chances will come from redeveloping rain along the front. this chance of rain could happen at any point during the day. Highs will be in the 60s both Monday and Tuesday, and lows will be well up into the 40s. Wednesday the warm front will be to the north of the area, and temperatures will be very mild, highs will be in the upper 70s near 80 degrees. There will be a chance of Thunderstorms once again, but this time it will be with a cold front starting to approach from the west. They could be strong on this day as well. Lows Wednesday night will be very mild up into the 50s. Daily forecast below.

Monday, Partly Sunny, with a chance of Showers and Thunderstorms starting late in the day. Highs in the 60s. Monday Night, scattered showers and Thunderstorms early otherwise mostly cloudy, lows in the mid 40s.

Tuesday, Partly Sunny, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 60s. Tuesday Night, a slight chance of rain, otherwise mostly cloudy with lows in the upper 40s.

Wednesday, Very Warm, A chance of Showers and Thunderstorms in the afternoon, Some may be strong. otherwise partly sunny with highs in the upper 70s to 80. Wednesday Night Mostly Cloudy & mild, lows in the mid 50s

Looking Ahead.

Thursday a cold front will push through and bring cooler temperatures to the area, it will lower our highs back into the 60s. The long range forecast models continue to show it active, with another chance of rain on Friday, but then it looks to clear out for the next upcoming weekend. temperatures look seasonal. Then The forecast shows a dry and chilly pattern setting up for Mid April with only small chances at rainfall. Then the it looks like this warm back up for the end of the month. Things will be changing.

First Daffodil bloom from fridge project 2010, and first blooms from last years fridge project Daffodils.

First flower from former 2009 Daffodil fridge project, re blooms for 2010. April 10th

The first Daffodil in my Main Garden opened today from both former 2009 fridge projects that came back, and from 2010 Daffodil fridge project bulbs I grew in the fridge over this past winter. This garden is a bit more special for me to observe, because this is the garden that I've been observing Daffodils. and other spring flowers in for the past 3 years, where as the others on the south side of my house I've been showing photos of for the past few weeks, have only been there for one year.

Comparison from last years first blooms, to this years.

First Daffodils blooms in my Main garden are earlier this year then last year. The yellow variety in the photo above began blooming on April 25Th last year, and this year the first bloom opened today April 10th, this puts us at about 2 weeks earlier then last year, which generally suggests that the early snow melt this year has allowed the growing season to start 2 weeks earlier then last year. I will to continue to monitor and post about the Daffodils and Tulips as we go through the next few weeks.

I got quite a nice surprise this year. I had both Tulip, and Daffodil fridge projects from last spring in 2009, come back this spring. Not only did they survive the winter in the ground, The Daffodils are starting to bloom, and I seen promising signs of blooms on the Tulips from last year.

Unopened Tulips buds April 10th.

The surprise was, when this spring came despite what I had heard about fridges weakening the plants or always having fall planted bulbs turn to mush by spring, and no madder how expensive or how many years I put into trying growing them in the ground over winter. The Spring bulbs that were grown in the fridge over winter in 2009, planted in spring and left in the ground over winter the 2010 Winter actually survived. I was shocked to see the Daffodils from last year actually beginning to grow, and when I saw flower buds appearing, I decided to leave these Daffodils as my permanent ones in the garden. Even the Tulip bulbs from last spring look promising for blooms, which is even more shocking because normally once tulips are forced in a fridge It is rare to have them bloom again. Because these Daffodils are turning out to be so successful in the ground I may decide to end Fridge Projects for Daffodils something I thought I would never say!

Cold lows Friday Morning. Some places fell into the teens!

Daffodils which made it through 20 degree temperatures completely unharmed April 9th

A strong cool high pressure system bringing cool daytime highs and calm winds, made for a cold night across the area Thursday night into Friday Morning. All weather stations across the 6 county area fell well below freezing Some spots even hit the teens! Lots of white frost could be seen in yards and fields this morning.

In preparation for a cold night I did cover Spring bulbs that would have gotten the full force of the cold temps in my main tractor garden (often seen in my web cam,) plants here were shorter and easier to cover without damage, but the Daffodils which are in full bloom on the south side of my house are too large to cover without high risk of crushing the blooms, so they went through the night along with many other sprouting plants, trees and shrubs uncovered, but Surprisingly to me, not only did the trees and shrubs, plus other spring bulbs in the main garden make it through fine, the Daffodils which are in full bloom, made it the upper 20 degree temperatures completely unharmed from cold damage. I think the south side of the house really heats up during the day and holds some of this heat overnight, keeping it a bit warmer then the surrounding yard. This was my first year I've ever had to deal with well below freezing temperatures at the same time Daffodils are blooming. I had a High of 47.F Thursday and a low of 27.F Friday morning. Night lows reported below

Reported temperatures Friday Morning.

All spots fell below freezing overnight last night, but some areas got quite cold. Minong was the coldest report at just 14.F while the warmest areas had mid to upper 20s. average lows are in the low 30s this time of year. Highs are expected to rebound nicely into the 60s today. With No freezing weather expected Friday night.

Dry next 3 days expected, but Chilly tempetures Thursday. Quick Warm up starting Friday.

Regional View.

A Chilly High pressure system has brought some cooler weather to the Upper Midwest. It will be especially cool across Eastern Wisconsin and Illinois where a low pressure system will actually bring accumulating snowfall to that area with highs in the 30s and 40s. Weather to the West over Western Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota, will be sunny and dry, so temperatures will be much warmer during the day with highs in the low 50s. Friday starts a pretty significant warming trend, with highs warming into the 60s by the time we reach Saturday.

Local View.

Across the local area, It will be dry and mainly sunny for the next 3 days. Thursday will be chilly with highs only in the mid 50s, even though that's normal for this time of year it will feel chilly compared to what we got used to. Night lows will fall below freezing Thursday Night, lows in the lower 30s, even the upper 20s are likely in cool spots. People may want to cover spring bulbs in their gardens Thursday night. Friday will be Much warmer. Highs will warm into the upper 50s, under partly cloudy skies. Friday Night we will not have to worry about freezing temperatures, lows are expect to fall into the upper 30s. Saturday, will still be dry, but we may have increasing clouds from a Warm front which will start to approach, skies will be Partly cloudy to partly sunny, with highs once again in the 60s, lows in the 40s by this time. Daily forecast below.

Thursday, Chilly and a bit breezy, Sunny skies with highs in the low 50s north, mid 50s south. Thursday Night, Chilly, Clear lows in the upper 20s north low 30s south.

Friday, Warmer, Partly Cloudy highs in the upper 50s. Friday Night, Warmer, Partly Cloudy lows in the mid 30s north, upper 30s south.

Saturday, Partly Cloudy to Partly Sunny, highs in the low 60s. Saturday Night, mostly cloudy, lows in the 40s.

Looking Ahead.

The Weather is looking Much warmer for the late part of the weekend into early next week. Next week also looks to be more active, A Strong warm front looks to push through around Sunday, and bring warmer temperatures with the slight chance for showers or Thunderstorms with it. It's looking like a warm one next week, 70s looks to be a good bet, with another chance at rain or storms by Wednesday, then a 3rd chance a rain Sunday the 18Th. It is too early to tell if Severe Weather expected with this, but with warmer temps, and more moisture in the air we may have to watch these systems closely. I will know more as the week goes by. The forecast models continue to show a warm extended forecast, even as we head into Late April. Remember things will change.

Southern Foundation Daffodils in Full Bloom.

Daffodil collection planted along the southern foundation of my house April 5Th.

I've been watching spring-growth lately and I was amazed as these Daffodils along the south side of my house explode into bloom in the madder of days just in time for the Easter Holiday, they especially progressed fast after last weeks rainfall. These are the same Daffodils that I've been following here since late Feb. although I've added quite a few since that time this spring. all of the White ones, and some of the yellow ones seen above were all given to me from my aunt who was disassembling a garden where these were. This is the earliest "Full Bloom" report on Daffodils I've ever made from my yard. last year I didn't report a full bloom from Daffodils in my yard until May 1st, I must note that these are along the warm southern foundation of our house, I also must note, the Daffodils I used for these reports are located in my main garden away from a warm southern foundation. These have not yet even flowered yet, but I seen today one starting to open. I will report on those once that happens.

Yellow and White Daffodils April 5th.

I wanted to report this "happy ending" for these Yellow Daffodils to the left in the picture. most people remember the story of these Daffodils I bought at a store for Easter in 2009 seen in this post. These were planted partly the ground last spring to hold the pot from tipping, I was meaning to take them out of the pot and plant them, but, they were forgotten, and survived the entire Winter in a plastic pot partly exposed to the cold! So not only did they survive, they bloomed out nicely! Which really surprised me because, as most know here for many years I was unable to grow Daffodils in the ground.

Continued dry & nice weather Monday, Then turning rainy and stormy Tuesday/Wednesday.

Regional View

Weather for Monday looks mainly dry across the Upper Midwest, but Tuesday and Wednesday, a storm system will move in, an produce the chance for strong to severe storms. The best chance of severe weather will be well south of the local area in Southern Wisconsin/Minnesota, and Iowa/Illinois. I still think a few strong storms will be possible North of that area. Heavy rainfall totals are possible across much of the Upper Midwest.
Local View.

For the local area, Monday looks quite pleasant. Sunshine with highs in the 60s, and little wind. This will make for quite a nice Monday, but Tuesday things change. The storm system will begin to move in and Shower and Thunderstorm chances will increase starting in the morning, Some storms could be strong in the afternoon, but Severe Weather chances are low. Heavy rain is possible. Wednesday things will be a little quieter, with a chance of light showers in the early half of the day. then remaining cloudy, maybe a break in the clouds late.

Monday, Nice! Partly Cloudy with highs in the low to mid 60s. Monday Night, Partly Cloudy then increasing clouds. Lows in the low 40s.

Tuesday, A good chance of Showers and Thunderstorms, Some storms could be on the strong side. Highs in the low 60s. Tuesday Night, Showers, Otherwise cloudy lows in the low 40s.

Wednesday, A chance of showers with some thunder possible, Otherwise cloudy. Highs in the low 60s. Wednesday Night, cooler cloudy with lows in the mid 30s.

Looking ahead forecast coming in later.

First strong thunderstorms of the season for some areas.

Video of the rain and thunder April 2nd

At first I wasn't going to do a report on yesterdays storms, but I thought the first "good" storms of the season deserved a report. Yesterday an area of strong to severe storms following along a strong cold front pulled in all the way from the IA/MO boarder, they quickly moved north at 70MPH, it only took 3 hours for the storms to travel from the IA/MO boarder to here. the storms did weaken some before reaching here, but they came with lightning, gusty winds, heavy rain, even strong winds in some places.

At my location I saw lots of lightning, gusty south winds, and heavy rain. My uncle said, the tarp covering a home that was under construction in my area completely blew off in the storm. I saw my wind gauge reported a wind gust of 26MPH. areas near Menomonie may have had much windier conditions in that area, Eau Claire airport reported a 53MPH wind gust in that line of storms. This wasn't the only thunderstorm that rolled over, the 6 county area received waves of heavy rain and thunder. I picked up a total of 0.55" of rain when the day was over. Many people said the grass seemed to turn green right before their eyes! We definitely needed that rainfall.

Record Highs Tempertures today, 80s across most of the area & Spring growth report, a Much earlier start to the growth season this year.

Reported highs Thursday.

I may have just reported on the first 70s of the season yesterday, but record high temps were reached and surpassed at some locations today. A cold front that move through last night, returned and moved north as a Warm front today, this surged very mild air across the area on breezy S winds. 80s were reached at many locations for the first time this season, which is 30- to 40 degrees above normal. It actually felt quite warm outside today, it didn't take much to break a sweat. My location also hit 80s for the first time this season today, My high temp was 80.F and a low of 47. This was the earliest 80 degree temperature in my 3-year recordings. last year my first 80 or above temperature was not reached until May 19th, which is significantly earlier then last year.


Spring Growth Report.



large Purple Crocus April 1st 2010.

I wanted to start off by showing this beautiful Purple Crocus flower, which bloomed in my garden today, I waited 3 years for these to bloom! I got them as a gift in a pot of forced spring bulbs that I got for my 17th birthday, it took some time for the bulbs to regain their strength from being forced. Crocuses are about 1-3 weeks earlier then in a typical year last year I reported the first Crocus on April 21st.

Young Weeping Willow leaves April 1st.

All the very warm weather this past week has lead to a quick start on the spring-growth season. I've seen many plants, trees and shrubs beginning to process of growth, and flowering. early trees like Red Maple, Aspen, are flowering or have pollen catkins blooming. Weeping Willows and Lilac bushes both have had first leaves coming out this past week. I've also noticed the grass in my yard is starting to turn green.

Lilac Sprouts April 1st.

I did some digging in some pictures I took last year and found out, that we were at this stage of spring-growth last year on April 21st, so we literally got a 3 week earlier start to the growing season then last year. It will be very interesting to see how this turns out, will we have Tulips in bloom before May 1st?

South side of house Daffodil April 1st.

This is one of the blooms from the Daffodils I've been following here since late Feb. It took me awhile to find out what kind they were but I figured it out. These strange looking Daffodils are an heirloom verity called Van Sion Daffodil dating back to the 1800s. I got these bulbs from my Moms house in Lower Michigan, she lived at an old home site, the bulbs were from an old established clump of Daffodils which were so crowed, the barely even bloomed. They were definitely in desperate need of separation. I would say these have definitely done quite will for me so far, because out of 12 bulbs I got 3 flowers here at my first spring with these and they were planted last May. that's a pretty good start. These were the first Daffodils to show a sign that they didn't fall victim to the "daffodil curse" I saw that I have many other kinds and colors of Daffodils just starting to open on the south side today! I will have to post when they fully open