Sunny & Bright weather next 3 days!

Regional Weather Conditions





Were looking at an actually quiet next 3 days ahead, with high confidence that there will be no rain, and nothing but bright sunny skies! a coolish high pressure will keep our weather sunny and dry across the entire Upper Midwest for the next 3 days and beyond.

Local View.

Locally we can expect the same! Bright Sunshine and pleasant temperatures and humidity for the next few days. Although Tuesday night may be a bit on the chilly side as temperatures fall in the upper 40s to low 50s. but things will quickly warm up come Thursday as highs warm near the middle 80s.Daily forecast below

Tuesday, Sunshine, cool, Highs in the mid 70s. Tuesday Night, Clear Cool, lows in the upper 40s to lower 50s.

Wednesday, Sunny, Warmer, Highs near 80. Wednesday Night, Clear Cool, lows in the lower 50s.

Thursday, Sunny & Warm! Highs in the Mid 80s. Thursday Night, Clear, lows in the middle 50s.

Looking Ahead.

The Weekend of Independence Day looks like a Warm and Dry one at this time although on Sunday, Independence day there may be a few thunderstorms, Monday the 5th looks cooler and dry. then towards Midweek we have another chance at some rain with warming temperatures. then towards the 10th of July things look more interesting, it shows a stronger system possible impacting the area. Then it shows drier conditions and warm conditions by the end of the run towards the 14th of July. More on this later.

Heavy Rain/Strong winds hit parts of the area Sunday.

GRL-3 radar shot, Polk/Barron, Dunn and St Croix counties.



Sunday a large Mesoscale Convective System developed and pushed east across Minnesota, late in the evening, This system reached Western Wisconsin, and It's northern edge hit the area, bringing moderate to heavy rains and some gusty winds to some areas. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for Southern Dunn County when high winds were expected, but no damage was reported. although there were some strong winds in this area. A Flash Flood Warning was also issued for Southern St Croix & Dunn Counties, for heavy rainfall totals, but no flash flooding was reported.



Video Snapshot of bright lightning Sunday Night June 28Th

At my place I got Moderate rains, lasting about an hour and a half and a few booms of bright lightning with loud thunder. I picked up a total of 0.56" with this system. None of this was extremely heavy, so it continues to ease drought conditions across the area. The entire area from north to south, east to west picked up half inch to nearly an inch of rain.


This system put my rainfall totals for the month to above average levels, which is the first month we've been above normal for rain this entire rain season. Monthly I got 4.92" The average for June is 4.79" This will also go down as the Wettest June I've recorded in the past 3 years.

Severe chances again Saturday, Slight risk.

Image from SPC

The SPC has issued a Slight Risk for severe weather Saturday, which includes the entire 6 county area. Tomorrow storms are expected to be late day storms, possible not even until past sunset for our area, The models show a ling of storms quickly coming out of ND and pushing through Centreal Minnesota into the Western part Wisconsin, before dissipating, if these storms hold together long enough, we may be dealing with severe storms here in the local area tomorrow. Highest threats at this time will be Hail, high winds, and very heavy rainfall.

Slight risk of Severe Thunderstorms Friday

Image from SPC

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman,OK has issues a Moderate Risk! for Minnesota and Wisconsin, including parts of the 6 county area, especially Polk, Barron, Dunn and St Croix Counties.. Storms are expected to develop in Minnesota sometime Friday and move east, potentially effected the local area, The highest threats right now are very large hail and damaging winds, with the potential for a tornado. This is one of the higher risks our areas has been in so far this season. People in the area should stay closely tuned to weather forecasts and warnings today.

Very heavy rain and strong thunderstorms with Very High Rainfall totals in Burnett County last night

Rainfall Total Estimate from GR level 3 radar.

We had quite a range of extremes when it comes to rainfall totals across the local area. ranging from very heavy amounts to very little. A Large portion of Burnett and Washburn counties, and even the far northern part of Polk County picked up some extremely heavy rainfall totals last night, radar suggests at least 4 inches! may have fell in areas northeast of Grantsburg. A very moist air mass with dew points in the 70s, and a line of training thunderstorms moved though in the very early morning hours, as I was watching the radar, the storms formed along a trough, and literally did not move in any direction, they stayed parked over Burnett County for quite a long time, producing hail and frequent lightning, and torrential downpours. The NWS even had issued severe severe warnings for possible hail many times through-out the night, but no reports of hail or wind damage came in If you were in the Siren-Grantsburg area last night, you probably had trouble sleeping!

On the other had, there was quite a sharp cut off in the high rainfall totals areas, areas south of Burnett and Washburn counties barely has anything, most spots barely picked up a quarter inch of rain! including at my location where I had a total of 0.18" from light thunderstorms.

Some rainfall totals below

Siren 2.20"

Grantsburg 1.83"

Minong 1.79"

Spooner 0.67"

Looking Nice and rain free Thursday! then Heat and Humidty, along with storms, some possibly severe moves back in for the weekend

Regional View.

The Upper Midwest is looking at a quiet day Thursday, because our active pattern continues again for the weekend, with storms moving back into the region, Some storms could be severe in Minnesota and Wisconsin on Friday and Saturday, temperatures will be on the rise as well.

Local View.

This forecast may be updated.

We will have one day to mow our yards! Thursday is looking very nice for our area, with sunshine, and pleasant, seasonable temps in the 80s.

Friday and Saturday, moisture, heat will make a return, and an increasing threat for storms. at this time it looks like storms may become severe here in the local area, either Friday night or Saturday afternoon. This will have to be watches as we get closer to the weekend. Temperatures and Dew points will also be on the quite warm side Saturday making for a humid, hot day with highs in the middle 80s, highs could top 90 if we get sun Saturday. Storm chances continuing right into Sunday,

Thursday, Nice! Sunny with highs in the low 80s. Thursday Night, Clear, Lows near 60.F

Friday, Increasing Humidity, Sunny at first then increasing clouds and the chances for thunderstorms. Some could be strong to severe. Highs in the mid 80s. Friday Night, A chance of Thunderstorms, Humid, lows in the low 60s

Saturday, Very Warm and Humid, with the chances for Thunderstorms in the afternoon, some may be severe. Highs in the mid to upper 80s. Saturday Night, Humid, A chance of thunderstorms, lows in the mid 60s.

Looking Ahead.

Sunday the models have troubles pin pointing what will happen but it appears there may be a fairly good chance for Thunderstorms again, We will have to watch this day for the threat of severe weather. It will be warm and humid Sunday. Monday it looks like it will dry out, with dropping temps and dew points. We might actually have several days 3 of dry weather next week from Monday, through Friday, starting off with seasonable temps, then a warming trend starting Wednesday, Actually appears like a dry and quite warm Independence Day weekend as well. Highs could be in the middle 80s to even 90s. Then an even stronger warming trend in the the work week following Independence Day, rain chances also increase. More on this later.

Severe Risk Increasing for Today

Image from SPC. Wind Threat.

The Storm Prediction Center continues a Slight Risk for most of the state of Wisconsin and Minnesota, with a Moderate risk to the south, Southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa. Thunderstorms are expected to develop late today in Minnesota, possible moving north and impacting the local area, The main severe weather threats will be strait line winds, Large hail, and a risk for tornado's, although this risk is on the lower side. With the humidity as high as it is, I would believe very heavy rain and lightning would also be a factor. The Storm Prediction Center has a 30% risk for locations in the 6 county area southwest of a line from Grantsburg to Turtle Lake to Sand Creek. People in the area should monitor weather later this afternoon, Things may become quite active later today.

Small risk of Severe Weather Today, Slight Risk of Severe Storms Tuesday.

Image from SPC Wind Probabilities


The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Small 5% risk of severe weather to the entire local area, with a slight risk covering Southern Minnesota, the rest of Wisconsin and all of Iowa. a 5% risk generally means there Strong Thunderstorms will be possible, with a few maybe becoming briefly severe. highest threats are hail and strong winds, with heavy rain and lightning. Thunderstorm chances will be most highest in the morning, then afternoon.







Image from SPC

The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk of Severe weather for nearly all of the Upper Midwest, Including the entire blog coverage area. Storms are expected to develop sometime during the day Tuesday, Some of these storms may be severe. The highest risks will likely be large hail and damaging winds. heavy rain and frequent lightning will be possible. People in the area should stay tuned to area weather forecasts for Tuesday. This post will be updated.

More stormy and Humid weather coming back into the area, Chances of Strong storms Mon, and possible Severe Tues.

Regional View.

A storm front that has been giving the Kansas area wave after wave of severe weather everyday will slowly start to move Northward, This will bring more Stormy and more humid conditions to the Upper Midwest for the start of the week, with the chance of Severe Storms on Monday in Iowa and Southern Minnesota, and parts of Southern and Southwestern Wisconsin. on Tuesday the severe risk area will move even father northward and will include nearly all of the state of Minnesota and Wisconsin, and the northern part of Iowa.

Local View

This is what it's looking like for us, We will have more stormy conditions moving into the area, with chances for Thunderstorms just about every afternoon and evening of the next 3 days, Some could even be strong or severe. It's also looking like it will be a warmish, Humid next 3 days ahead, days with sun will easily rise into the 80s, more rainy days may stay in the upper 70s, but it will feel sticky all 3 days. Monday will bring the chances of Thunderstorms, especially in the Morning, then again in the afternoon, There will even be sunny parts in between rain, I do not believe any of these will be severe, but some may be strong, some may even my on the lighter side of severe, if things develop enough. Tuesday the severe weather threat is looking much higher, with a front moving in close enough that we could see Strong to severe storms here in the local area, Tuesday Afternoon, so this will be one to watch, Otherwise Tuesday will be partly sunny with humid conditions and highs in the 80s. Wednesday the front is still close enough to bring us the chance of Thunderstorms, but the chances for rain wont be as highs as Tuesday, if thunderstorms do not form Wednesday, Skies will be Partly, to Mostly Cloudy with highs in the low 80s. Daily forecast below.

because of all the severe weather chances the next 2 days, this forecast may be subject to change.

Monday, A chance of Thunderstorms, in the morning and afternoon, a few could be strong. Humid, Highs in the low 80s. Monday Night, Partly Cloudy, lows in the mid 60s.

Tuesday, Humid, A good chances of Thunderstorms, Some may be severe. Otherwise mostly cloudy with highs in the low 80s. Tuesday Night, A chance of Thunderstorms, lows in the mid 60s.

Wednesday, Humid, Partly to Mostly Cloudy, a chance of a few thunderstorms, highs in the lows 80s Wednesday Night, Partly Cloudy, lows in the mid 60s.

Looking Ahead.

Thursday and Friday it appears like we get a break from the stormy pattern, skies could be partly cloudy and it could be on the warm side, with highs in the low to mid 80s. then Saturday the storms start up again, We have to watch the chance for severe storms with these systems, as we are in a pretty active pattern. It is also looking like quite warm next Saturday and Sunday coming up, highs could be near 90.F it's looking like at this time. Monday and Tuesday also has storm chances, Continues warm and humidity also looks to be the issue. Wednesday July 1st looks Very warm at this point, we could be talking mid 90 degree temperatures if the the forecast plays out the way the models are showing. The rest of the model run continues to show warm conditions with chances for on an off storms from the 2nd through the 6th. More on this later.

Slight risk of Severe Storms late tonight.

Image from SPC

The Storm Predicition Center has issued a Slight Risk of severe weather for portaions of the 6 county area, with a Moderate Risk in Iowa and southern Minnesota and South Dakota. At this time what it's looking like for the local area, storm will develop in parts of Iowa and South Dakota, and if the hold together long enough, some storms could be strong or severe late tonight, All of Sunday during the day will be dry. The main slight risk areas covers area mainly Southewst of a line from Cushing to Clayton to Sand Creek. Highest risk would be strong winds, and maybe some hail, heavy rain and frequent lighting would also cause some risks.

Severe Weather Report, Grantsburg area tornado rated EF0 to EF1 on the Minnesota side. Damage also reported in Yellow Lake area of Burnett County.

Radar image showing thew storm just entering Grantsburg in Burnett County.

Yesterday was quite and active and even scary day for Much of Minnesota, and Wisconsin, as Tornadic Thunderstorms developed across much of the region. Including one that hit part of Burnett County.

Scary-looking Mammatus Clouds pass overhead my house as a Tornadic thunderstorm passed to my Northwest June 17th 2010

All of the Severe Weather in our area has been centered over Western Burnett County, in the Grantsburg area, where a tornado was reported across several locations. Following the storm that hit this area, Thunderstorms first exploded over Central Minnesota in the afternoon, Many tornado's were reported West of the Twin Cities Metropolitan, the storms weakened some as they moved NE north of the Metro, but then strengthened as they approached western Burnett County, This storm dropped a tornado about 7 Southwest of Grantsburg, on the Minnesota side of the St Croix River, This storm was rated a EF1, which did some significant damage about a half mile west of the Wisconsin state line on Highway 70, the damage was severe enough that the highway had to be closed for a time Thursday night. This tornado continued Northeast, and passed just to the west of Grantsburg, Thankfully just missing the populated areas of the Village of Grantsburg, The tornado dissipated about 2 miles NW of Grantsburg, but the storm continued to produce damage as it moved Northeast, the radar at this time was picking up some pretty strong rotation, Damage was reported in the small community of Yellow Lake, which is just north of Webster, 2 people were injured in Minnesota, but thankfully, no one was killed.

This tornado came as a very scary reminder to the people of Burnett County, because it hit one day before the 9 year anniversary of the June 18 2001 Siren tornado, which produced significant damage in Siren.


At 9:18PM as I sat next to my computer covering the storm on my blog, we had a complete power failure, A sign that the storm up in Burentt County was doing significant power line damage. I picked up Trace of rain yesterday from light thunderstorms.


NWS Damage Reports so far.

5 Miles W of Grantsburg in Minnesota. Tornado Crossed Highway 70 a half mile from the Wisconsin State line, Highway 70 is closed due to debris on the road.

5 Miles S of Grantsburg, Funnel rotating up and down, but no debris visible.

3 Miles W of Grantsburg, Power lines down, and damage to a house near Grantsburg on highway 70, likely tornado damage.

2 Miles ENE of Grantsburg, observed tornado, the tornado blew some large branches and threw some small derbies a couple hundred yards

6 Miles WNW of Webb Lake, Tornado on the ground near Staples Lake Road.

Image from SPC

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman,Oklahoma Continues a Moderate Risk! for Severe Thunderstorms on Thursday for most of the Upper Midwest. This includes most of the 6 county blog coverage area!

A fairly strong system with a lot of moisture to work with will slide into the area with a warm front Thursday afternoon and evening, Severe Thunderstorms are expected to first break out in Western Minnesota, then slide East into Eastern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin during the evening hours, The highest threats will be strong Damaging strait line winds but Large Hail, maybe a tornado may also be possible. The Storm Prediction Center has a 45% wind risk in parts of Minnesota and Western Wisconsin for this system. This is the highest risk of severe weather our area has had so far this year.

My forecast guess below!

Severe Thunderstorm Chances, One of the more sigificant chances in a long time, And weather looking Nice for Cheese Days!

Regional View.





A Hot and Active Day expected on Thursday for much of the Upper Midwest, with the chance of Severe Thunderstorms appearing like a real possibility for Northern Iowa, Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Things clear out and dry nicely for the weekend, but highs will remain on the warm side!

Local View.

There will be no looking ahead forecast due to the focus needed for the severe weather threats for tomorrow. I've also extended the forecast to cover the entire weekend because of festival events being held in my community this weekend. This forecast may be changes before Thursday afternoon.

Severe Weather Potential Thursday

It is going to be a tough Thursday to forecast for becuase of the concern for Severe Thunderstorms, Including here in the 6 county area around the time of the late afternoon to evening. This is worth mentioning becuase this is one of the more better chances for Severe Weather we've had so far this season. Right now the models show a low pressure system, Warm/Cold front passing through tomorrow, with the warm front pushing through sometime in the morning hours, with a cold front passing through early Friday, Right now it appears Thunderstorms breaking out in Minnesota, then it shows a line of thunderstorms developing and moving east possible effecting the local area around evening time, but I also don't want to rule out the chance that a few storms may fire along the warm front in the morning hours, People in the area should keep a close watch on the weather Thursday, for the possibiltiy of severe weather.

Wind and Warmth

before the possible evening strong thunderstorms Thursday it will be very warm and windy, with winds gusting to 30MPH from the south, Temperatures will be in the mid to upper 80s across the entire area, with dew points near if not in the mid 70s will make for quite a hot sticky day across the area, much of which people are not used to after spending over a week in the 60s.

Weather for Clayton Cheese Days

All the strong to severe storms will be pushed our well in time for the starting of Cheese Days on Friday, I looks to remain dry and pleasant the entire 3 days ( shaded in purple below) with sunny skies and highs on the warm side in the low 80s. late Sunday might have the chance for a few storms late, but even this appears low! Daily Forecast Below.

Thursday, Partly Cloudy at first, Hot & Humid, then Thunderstorms Developing late in the evening, storms may be Strong to Severe. Highs in the middle to upper 80s. Thursday Night, Thunderstorms Possible, Some may be strong, Lows in the mid 60s.

Friday, Partly Cloudy and Warm, Highs in the low 80s. Friday Night Partly Cloudy, lows in the low 60s.

Saturday, Partly Cloudy, and Warm, looking nice for the parade! highs in the low 80s. Saturday Night, Partly Cloudy, lows in the low 60s.

Sunday, Partly Cloudy, A slight chance of thunderstorms late. Highs in the low 80s Sunday Night, A chance of Thunderstorms, lows in the low 60s.

Very Heavy Rain across portions of the area up to 3 inches, First Tornado Warnings of the season & Very Interesting rainbow pictures!

Storm clouds from a storm to the west, storm eventually passed overhead June 15th.

Today was a surprisingly active day across the area for Thunderstorms, including a couple of scary moments in the afternoon when a couple Tornado Warnings were issued for portions of the area. Thunderstorms began forming off a trough which was centered just West of the 6 county over a line from Lake Elmo,Minnesota Northward to North Branch,Minnesota and even father Northwest into MN,

First Tornado Warnings of the season

The storms first started forming in SW St Croix County, storms were forming in clusters from River Falls to Osceola, Shorty after this is when things started to get a bit active, for a short time radar was detecting some fair amount of rotation in thunderstorms near Balsam Lake in Central Polk County, and near Baldwin in Southern St Croix County, causing the NWS to issued the Tornado Warnings of the season for these areas. Luckily by the end of the evening, there were No reports of tornado's or funnel clouds, or damage anywhere in the area.

Heavy Rainfall

Very heavy rainfall fell over parts of the area as well, as thunderstorms kept developing and training very slowly over the same areas, The heaviest bouts fell over portions of Western Burnett, Western Polk, Central St Croix, Northeastward through eastern Polk/Western Barron Counties. Radar suggests as much as 3 inches in parts of Western Polk County, over Osceola and St Croix Falls, but especially over Dresser, another area that picked up very heavy totals is Central St Croix County where up to 2 inches of rain fell over Roberts and Baldwin. My area also got into the action, I has multiple Thunderstorms pass over with bouts of moderate to heavy rain, I ended out with a total of 0.66" of rain for the daily total. Storms eventually moved East Northeast over the rest of the area, but they weakened quite significantly as they moved east, here between 0.25" to half an inch of rain was reported.

Some of the highest Rainfall Reports below.

Osceola 2.42"

New Richmond 0.73"

Clayton-My Station 0.66"

Amery 0.56"

Woodville 0.42"

Siren 0.37"

Rainbow June 15th

As the rain came to an end, Sunshine finally broke out across at my place for the first time in a week, This made for the neatest looking rainbow I've seen in a long time, The end of the rainbow, also known where the "pot of gold" is! appeared to end at the end of the feild between my house, and the neighbors!

Here is another picture showing the intense colors of the end of the rainbow, right above an old, large White Oak tree across the field from my yard!

Here is a picture of the raindrops on the grass/trees gleaming through the sun, It was great to see the sun again! expect sunny skies and warm temperatures tomorrow!

A few Strong maybe Severe storms possible the remainder of the afternoon

Image from SPC

The Storm Prediction Center has issued a very small risk of Severe Storms this afternoon, This generally means Strong storms are possible and some of these storms may briefly be severe. The highest risks for today would be deadly lightning, very heavy rain, along with the chance for very gusty winds and small hail. People out this afternoon should pay attention to the weather just in case storms move towards their location.

Showery and Cool condtions continue, Then finally warming up and clearing out Wednesday!

Regional View.





A cool showery low pressure system will bring scattered showers across most of the Upper Midwest for Monday and Tuesday, Temperatures will be chilly region wide, then Wednesday, a warmer, drier air mass will finally bring some sunnier weather and much warmer conditions.

Local View.

Locally were going to have to continue to deal with cool showery gray weather like we've been dealing with the past few days, light Showers with maybe a Thunderstorm are possible both Monday and Tuesday, Temperatures will be chilly for this time of year, Some models suggest upper 60s, but because the trend the past couple days have been low to mid 60s, I'm going to go with mid 60s Monday, and Upper 60s Tuesday for temperatures. Then Wednesday is should finally clear out over Western Wisconsin, This will bring in some Much warmer weather, and temperatures will rise back into the upper 70s, which is normal for this time of year. Daily Forecast Below.

Monday, Chilly, A chance of Showers possible a Thunderstorm, otherwise Cloudy with highs in the mid 60s. Monday Night, A chance of a shower, otherwise Cloudy with highs in the low 50s.

Tuesday, Chilly, chances of a shower or Thunderstorm, otherwise Mostly Cloudy, highs in the upper 60s. Tuesday Night, Mostly Cloudy, Lows in the low 50s.

Wednesday, Much Warmer! Cloudy at first, but then skies should clear and become partly cloudy, highs in the upper 70s. Wednesday Night, Partly Cloudy, lows in the upper 50s.

Looking ahead.

Thursday shows some Warm temperatures are possible the first part of the day before a cold front push through with the slight chance of showers or storms, This would being in dry weather for the weekend of Clayton Cheese Days, with seasonable temperatures. then by Monday the models show the weather becoming active again with a chance of Tstorms, then Dry Weather Tuesday and Wednesday, Then the models have been hinting at a warm air mass coming in for the middle of this month for quite some time, well currently it shows a warm front passing through Thursday the 24th, with the chance of thunderstorms, this could bring some Very warm temperatures for the weekend of the 26th/27th, Especially on Sunday the 27th more on this later.

Thunderstorms likely this weekend, with Heavy Rain, up to 2" Possible, Some storms could be strong- Updated

Regional Weather View.

An Active Wet Weekend ahead, Thunderstorms are likely across the Upper Midwest, with Severe Thunderstorms possible in parts of Southern Minnesota, Southwest Wisconsin and Iowa, Heavy Rain is likely farther to the North of this area, as a stationary front meanders across parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin, some places could get up to 3" of rainfall, Sunday looks much drier, and nicer for the area.

Local View

I am issuing a forecast early because I will be enjoying myself tubing down the Namekagon river tomorrow afternoon, which is up in the Hayward/Trego area, and I may not have enough time to issue a forecast, which comes at an important time because of the heavy rain potential, I may updated this forecast before Friday.

Heavy Rain Threat

It now appears the heaviest rain of the weekend is passed us. Saturday we will only deal with the chance of a few lingering showers or thunderstorms, it will not nearly be as heavy as Friday mornings rain. Temperatures may end out being a bit cooler then I first thought due to the cloud cover, which has limited high temperatures today, Sunday, I still believe there is a small chance of a shower left over, but not likely, weather should prove to be somewhat brighter and much warmer, with partly sunny to partly cloudy skeis, and highs making it to the middle 70s.

Severe Weather Threat.

The severe weather threat has ended, and Severe Thunderstorms are not expected Saturday.

Friday, Thunderstorms, Heavy rain possible early, then Cloudy with storms redeveloping late. Some storms could be strong. turning humid, Highs in the mid 70s. Friday Night, a Chance of Thunderstorms, some could bring heavy rain, lows near 50.

Saturday, A chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, otherwise cloudy, highs in the low 70s, Saturday night, Cloudy, lows near 60.F

Sunday, A chance of a shower or thunderstorm early, otherwise cloudy, some clearing skies possible late. Highs in the mid 70s, Sunday Night, Partly Cloudy, lows near 60.

Looking Ahead

I'm getting ready for quite a difficult week of forecast, as a very active pattern continues, Models already picking up on another chance of rainfall for Monday and Tuesday, but with the jet stream so close and as active as it is, it will be hard to pin point exactly what days will be rainy, but right now we got that chance of showers and thunderstorms Monday and Tuesday, temps will be a bit cool but not bad, then towards midweek and the weekend, things start to heat up temp wise, highs will be closer to Normals for this time of year in the upper 70s to low 80s, Models are also picking up on some rainfall potential Thursday and Friday just in time for Clayton Cheese Days, but these chances look light, The models do pick up on what could be more heavier rainfall Saturday the 19, Temperatures continue to look mild, Sunday June 20th the models are picking up on intense rainfall, but I believe the forecast model is over doing it, but still the chance is there, So it might end up being another wet weekend for Clayton Cheese Days. The models then show things really heating up for the middle of the month, with continued shower and thunderstorm chances.

So our very active patttern looks to continue.

Image from SPC

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman,OK has issued a slight risk of Severe Weather across southern Minnesota, Western, Central and Southern Wisconsin, Some storms today may become severe, The main threats will be damaging winds, but storms may also have large hail, and the small risk of isolated tornado's, the best chance of severe weather appears to be in southern and Central parts of the area, south of a line from Spooner to Grantsburg. People should stay tuned to weather forecasts throughout the day.

Beneficial Widespread rain Tuesday, Reported rainfall totals.

Photo of Rain June 8th.

We received some very beneficial rain across the entire area today, as a slow moving low pressure system and front which moved from West to East brought Widespread Steady, light to moderate rain fell nearly all day Tuesday, and when it was raining, it was drizzling heavily. This system brought the highest widespread daily rainfall totals the area has seen so far this season, in including at my station, with all reporting stations reporting over half an inch, some places even topping 1 inch. Here in my yard, I picked up a total of 0.89" Which is very beneficial, and drought easing, as of June 1st most of the area was under Moderate to Severe drought conditions, so this rain proved to be very helpful.

Rainfall Totals

Amery 1.14"

Menomonie 0.99"

Balsam Lake 0.97"

Siren 0.94"

Clayton-(My Station) 0.89"

Rice Lake Airport 0.86"

Spooner 0.86"

New Richmond 0.77"

Osceola 0.74"

Woodville 0.74"

Strong Thunderstorms hit parts of St Croix County on Sunday, Hail reports from Hammond area.

Distance storm clouds of storms west of Amery June 7th

A couple Strong Thunderstorms hit the area Sunday afternoon, leading to heavy rain, and even some hail. A low pressure system and instability combine with the heat of the day lead to some pop up showers and Thunderstorms Sunday afternoon, some became strong.

One storm in St Croix County was especially strong, This Storms first popped in Minnesota, Storm movement was Southeast, The storm hit Northwest St Croix County, it passed New Richmond, with heavy downpours, before the storm really started to get strong just to the SE of New Richmond. the radar was showing some pretty impressive returns as the storm rolled into Hammond, Baldwin and Woodville areas, A friend of mind who is a storm chaser that was chasing this storm said the storm turned out to be much more interesting then he thought, he saw Dime sized hail, and even some lowering clouds near Baldwin. This storm also produced a report of Penny sized hail in Hammond, Although not severe, This is pretty sizable hail, The storm continued to be strong even has it moved across Southwest Dunn County, The Weston, Eau Galle area may of also had hail from this storm.

Other stronger storms hit the Western Polk County area, a picture of the distance clouds can be seen above, This storm was not as strong, but some pea size hail may have fallen in the St Croix Falls area. Here in Clayton, we had no storms, We only ended up with a few sprinkles, however, we did have good rain Saturday Night, when a heavy thunderstorm pushed over, I picked up 0.50" though the day Saturday. So parts of the area has there first weather threat of the season, Reminding many people we are in the Severe Weather season.


My forecast guess for tomorrow and beyond below!

After a breif break Monday, a Wet Tuesday expected, then clearing again Wednesday.

Regional View.

Well after Blogger has been out for quite a large part of Sunday Night, and even into Monday afternoon, It has been resolved and now I can post an updated forecast.

A wet Tuesday expected for all of the Upper Midwest, from Iowa north to the Canadian border, as a system passes through, Widespread rains area expected, especially in Southern Minnesota, Western Wisconsin and Northern Iowa. at the same time, there is a treat for some Severe Thunderstorms in Southern Iowa, and Western Illinois. Wednesday things should clear out for all areas expect for some places in Upper Michigan.





Local View.



Locally, I am expecting a Wet Tuesday, hopefully you got your lawn Mowed Monday because Tuesday will likely be too wet. Widespread rains appear likely for our local area, I cant rule out an isolated thunderstorms with this. Temperatures on Tuesday will be chilled from clouds and rain, highs will only make the mid 60s. Wednesday things clear out and should be become partly cloudy, It will be much warmer Wednesday with highs in the low 70s. Thursday, I will take a chance and say that it will also be dry, even though some models say otherwise, I believe it will be partly cloudy and highs in the low 70s. daily forecast below.



Tuesday, Chilly, A good chance of Rain showers, isolated Thunderstorms possible ,highs in the mid 60s. Tuesday Night, a chance of rain early, then rain ending, then cloudy lows in the low 50s.



Wednesday, possibly cloudy to start out the day, then clearing, partly cloudy with highs in the lower to middle 70s. Wednesday Night, Partly Cloudy, lows in the mid 50s.



Thursday, Partly Cloudy, possibility increasing clouds late, Highs in the low 70s. Tuesday Night, Increasing Clouds, Lows in the upper 50s.


Looking Ahead.

Friday looks like the start of a very wet, very active next few days, Showers and Thunderstorms are possible Friday, and some could be heavy, It also appears like it will be much warmer, and more muggy for this weekend as well, highs may approach the middle 80s, if we get enough sun. Saturday looks stormy, rain and thunderstorms appear likely, with the storm chances lasting into Sunday and Monday, The weekend development will have to be watched for severe weather potential. Tuesday the models are having some trouble, right now it picks on some rain somewhere in the Upper Midwest, then Wednesday- through Saturday of next week we may get a break from the rain Temperatures look fair, Just in time for Clayton Cheese Days, which is June 18th through the 20ths. I looks increasingly warmer towards Sunday, which might bring more stormy weather.

A Very Active week appears to be ahead of us, with storm and rain chances almost everyday, More on this later.

Summer Blooms, Peonies, Iris, Roses.

Full Garden June 4th.

The official start to Summer is still weeks away, but the Summer flowers are in full swing this week. Peonies, Roses, and Iris are all in full bloom and quite earlier then normal as well!Normally I find Peonies blooming just in time for Clayton Cheese Days, which also is around the first day of Summer, which is the second to 3rd week in June, So flowers in my garden continue to be 2-3 weeks earlier them normal.

This peony in my garden his quite large in size this year, The largest I ever seen this plant, and it has been here for quite a long time, for at least 7 years or more, It tops well over my 36 inch snow measuring yardstick, as seen in the photo. This plant blooms reliably like this year after year, and the humming birds really like it, and it's easy to see why, the smell from these are one of a kind! My Rain gauge can be seen in the back round of the flowers. Most of the peonies in my Front yard have not started blooming yet, so I can post pictures of those one they bloom.

Water Iris June 4th

This wild Water Iris my brother pulled up from a swampy pond near in the back of our woods, it was one shoot, and barely had any roots and I left it in the bucket for a week thinking it wasn't going to survive anyway, Then I though I better get it planted, and sure enough it lived, and actually is doing really well, this year is has really grown in size, and has several blooms!


Roses May 31st.

This picture was actually taken last week when it was in peak bloom, but even now it is still blooming and smells great, These bushes came with the house, and I provide no extra care!

Active Weekend ahead, a chance of showers or thunderstorms through the entire weekend.

Regional View.

A active weekend for the Upper Midwest as a series of systems moved through one after another, This will bring rain chances to the entire Upper Midwest through the weekend. Some of this rain could be heavy in portions of Minnesota or Wisconsin with Severe Thunderstorms possible Saturday across portions of Eastern Iowa, Southern Wisconsin and Illinois.

Local View

Locally were will be having a wet, active weekend ahead. Friday will there will be a good chance of Showers and Thunderstorms, best chance of rain early Friday, some of these storms could produce some heavy downpours, and even though the best chance of Severe storms will be in Southern Wisconsin on Saturday, I am not going to rule out the chance for a strong storm even here on Friday. Saturday, I believe most of the daylight hours will be rain free, but even though it may be rain free, we will still be left with cloud cover, A chances of showers will increase again towards Evening Saturday. Sunday has a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning, then scattered showers possible through the rest of the day, Temperatures will be fair in the upper 60s to low 70s the entire weekend.

Friday, a good chance of showers and thunderstorms, especially early in the day, Some storms may produce heavy downpours. Highs in the low 70s. Friday Night, A chance of lingering showers, otherwise cloudy, lows in the upper 50.

Saturday, A small chance of showers, Otherwise cloudy skies. Highs in the upper 60s. Saturday Night, A chance of showers, otherwise cloudy, lows in the mid 50s.

Sunday, A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning, then a chance of showers. Highs in the upper 60s to low 70s. Sunday Night, Cloudy, lows in the mid 50s.

Looking Ahead.

It looks like our active weather pattern will continue through at least the early part of next week with off and on shower or storm chances from Monday through the early parts of Wednesday, late Wednesday into Thursday looks like break Temperatures for this time appear like they will be typical for this time of year in the 70s. Then things quit down rain-wise for next weekend. it also looks like things may start heating up, we may have a shot at 90.F around the June 13th time frame. Monday the 14th, the models show a cold front and system passing through This may have to be watched for severe weather potential. Things cool down after the 14th, but then the models show things heating right back up for the middle of the month. more on this later.

Although we have had warnings, we have not seen Severe Thunderstorms yet the year, area residents must not forget we are in Severe Thunderstorm Season, and June is normally the peak month for severe weather in this area.

Slight Risk of Severe Thunderstorms issued for Tuesday

Image from SPC

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman,OK has continued a slight risk of severe weather for a large portion of the Upper Midwest This afternoon and evening, the primary risk will be in western Iowa, where Large hail, Damaging winds and tornado's are possible. But areas north of this area in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin may also have severe thunderstorms, with the main threats at this time being Strong winds, hail and heavy rain. People in the area should be aware that severe storms are possible this afternoon and even across the local 6 county area, but especially Central and southern parts of my blog coverage area.