Slight Risk Tuesday

Image from SPC

The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk of severe thunderstorms for the Upper Midwest, including all of the local 6 county area. Thunderstorms will develop in 2 waves Tuesday, one moving through in the early morning hours Tuesday, the other moving through Tuesday Afternoon after 1PM both waves will have the chance to bring severe weather, but the best chance of severe storms will come in the afternoon. The main threats will be large hail, and damaging winds, a tornado threat is also there. People in the area should be aware there is a risk of Severe Weather Tuesday.

Rain/Severe Weather Chances increasing Tuesday, then Sun, then more rain chances and cooler Thursday.

Regional View





It is starting to get more active across the Upper Midwest this week, with a sharp cold front separating a hot and humid air mass with a cooler air mass to the west. Storms that form along this front may become severe in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. Wednesday things dry out and become cooler, then a cool and cloudy weather system appears to move in for Thursday being clouds and much cooler conditions.

Local View

Locally, we can expect a warm and humid day Tuesday, it will be partly cloudy at first with shower and thunderstorm chances to increasing for Tuesday afternoon, which is actually welcomed now after a very dry week. At this time it looks like some storms may become severe in the afternoon, high winds and hail appear to be the main threats at this time, heavy rain may also be a potential problem as a cold front moves slowly east.

Wednesday things clear out behind the front, it will be much less humid and not nearly as warm, we will also have breeze west winds, with mid 70s for highs, upper 50s for highs.

Thursday, a the northern edge of a fairly small system looks to bring a chance of showers with some thunderstorms, it appears like it will be quite cloudy with highs on the cool side in the lower 70s and lows in the upper 50s

Tuesday, Warm & Humid, Partly Cloudy, then Thunderstorms developing. Some could be severe, and have heavy rainfall. Highs in the mid 80s, Tuesday Night, A chance of thunderstorms early, then turning partly cloudy, lows in the low 60s

Wednesday, Cooler, sunny, less humid, highs in the mid 70s. Wednesday Night, clear, lows in the upper 50s

Thursday, Cool, a chance of showers and thunderstorms, otherwise mostly cloudy with highs in the low 70s. Thursday Night, A chance of showers, lows in the mid 50s.

Looking Ahead

Friday it appears like the start of another dry streak as things clear out with a high pressure system moving in, the dry streak looks to last into Monday, temperatures during this time look fair in the 70s. Monday the 6th the models show a warmer air mass moving in, with rain chances by Wednesday, and again on Thursday, heavy rain appears possible especially on Thurs the 9th, afterwards the models show a short dry streak before another system brings a 3rd chance at heavy rains Sept the 12th temperatures during this time look warm t fair. After this system the models are hinting at quite a cool air mass around the 14th, although things will change before this date, Frost and Freeze conditions appear possible at this time. More on this later.

Bayfield Peninsula Pictures, Awesome Sunset!

Little Sand Bay shoreline.

The Drive There, It was very pretty and neat to watch the contrast, We took 63 to Highway 2, it went from the broad leafed Forests where I live, to jack pine as we reached Hayward, and they it went to lowland swamps near Mason,WI before changing to uplands SW of Ashland,WI we then too Highway 13, The landscape on the peninsula was highland prairies and thick forest in the middle of the peninsula, then ranging from cliffs and outcroppings to sandy beaches on the shorelines, There were thick forests just beyond the sand of the shore. There was a lot of Spruce and Cedars and Balsam Firs, Red Maple was also common, I even got the chance to see Hemlock Trees, Which I never seen before! on Sunday we got a chance to go from one side of the peninsula to the other when we took County Road C from Cornucopia to Washburn.


Soft Maple

While I was up there, I seen some of the Red Maples are already beginning to turn along parts of the Shore with shades of Reds this one above had some bright red!


Shoreline Trees with lake

The weather was perfect sky wise! There was not a cloud to be seen, and waves were perfect sized and not too big. It did end out being Hotter then I expected. With a very gusty offshore breeze, it was quite hot, even right along the shore. There wasn't much of a temperature contrast between the shore and inland on Saturday, but on Sunday afternoon when my family and I were walking along Myers Beach on the West side of the peninsula, there was a gust of wind that blew right off the lake, and the temperature really dropped fast if felt great, and It was really interesting! I measured a 86.F Temperature at our campsite which is just inland, and 78.F in the shade right next to the shoreline, But the cool breeze didn't last long before the winds blew off shore again. The water was extremely cold when first got in, but once you warmed up it felt great with the hot temps. The lowest temperature I measured at our campsite was 66.F
Me sitting on a sand dune


There were some really interesting sand dunes along the shore, they looked like hard rocks, but really it was just soft sand that was drawn form waves when the water was higher!

Washburn,WI

The Communities there were quite nice, ever town had a Marina one of the largest communities we passed though was Washburn.

Ashland,WI


This is a picture of Ashland from a distance. We stopped at the Northern Great Lakes Visiting Center on Highway 2, and they had very good information about old former forests types, animals in the area, and local history. They also had an obviation tower where you can see Lake Superior, and just over the treeline Ashland can be seen, as in the picture above. I end my post with a beautiful photo of the sunset in Little Sand Bay, It was an awesome sunset, The island in the picture is Sand Island!

Continued nice weather but Turning Warm & Camping on the Bayfield Peninsula this weekend!

Regional Weather view. With location I'm camping at circled in Pink.

Camping up North:

I will be heading up North to the Bayfield Peninsula this for a camping trip. ( location in pink above) My family and I were lucky enough to get a campground that is right next to Lake Superior near the very northerly tip of the peninsula! This will be an exciting trip for me because I've never seen the Southern shore of Lake Superior. We will drive north on Highway 63, We will pass through Cumberland, Spooner, in the local area, then Hayward, Ashland, Washburn and Bayfield, Which is supposed to be a very beautiful drive! The weather forecast looks great for our trip, with Sunshine and low 80s for highs with mid 60s for lows. while my house will be Warm and Sticky in the mid 80s! I will post lots of pictures and info about my trip when I get home on Sunday but I will also be posting live from Twitter! ( right side pannel )

Weather:

The Upper Midwest will be experience a very quiet weather pattern for the rest of the week. A strong and large area of high pressure will ensure plenty of Sunshine everyday, and warming high temperatures each day.

Local Weather

Note: because of my camping trip I've included a forecast for Sunday.

Locally we will enjoy Sunshine for the next 4 days, each day will become slowly warmer with more humidity adding each day. It will start off cool Thursday, but slowly but surely it will become Warm by Saturday. Humidity will not be oppressive, but there will be some in the air. Mid to Upper 70s for highs Thursday. then Mid 80s for highs Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Lows will be in the mid 50s Thurs, then to mid to upper 60s. Fri, Sat/Sun.

Thursday, Sunny, Mild with highs in the mid 70s. Thursday Night, Clear Skies lows in the low 50s

Friday, Sunny, Mild, Highs in the low to mid 80s. Friday Night, Clear Skies, lows in the low 60s

Saturday/Sunday, Sunny Skies, turning Warm with increasing humidity. Highs in the mid 80s, Lows in the mid to upper 60s

Looking Ahead

Our dry streak will actually continue into Monday of next week, but by then it will be warm with humid conditions. Tuesday also looks Warm and humid with a chance of rain but much better chance for storms will come on Wednesday Sept 1st with a sharp cold front. Friday and Saturday Sept 3/4th is looking Much cooler to even quite chilly, There is a chance that that air mass may bring chances at frost in the northerly locations, but things could change. Then the models show a warmer air mass moving in by the 6th with on and off chances of rain from the 6th through the 9th. Temperatures look to hold steady in the mild range. more on this later.

One more Hot Day ahead, then Much Cooler and Windy condtions Tuesday and Wednesday.

Regional Weather View.

The Weather Pattern is beginning to settle down some as we head into the end of August, One more hot day for the Upper Midwest, before a strong cold front sweeps through and brings a chance at storms. behind this front, cooler, much drier conditions.

Local View

Locally, We will have one more Hot day with a shot at low 90s for highs, Possibly the last of the season? Dew points will be near 70.F making heat index's in the middle 90s. Late Monday into the early morning hours Tuesday, a strong sharp cold front will sweep through bringing a chance at a few storms, At this time severe weather is not expected, it appears a quick moving band of storms will move through. Behind this front much cooler and windy conditions Tuesday and Wednesday, Highs both days will be in the 70s, with lows in the 50s!

Monday, Hot, Humid Sunny with highs near 90.F Monday Night, A chance at showers or thunderstorms, then Turing windy, lows in the low 60s.

Tuesday, Much Cooler and Windy. Sunny with highs in the mid 70s, some wind gusts could be as high as 30MPH Tuesday Night, Breezy, Clear Skies, lows in the low 50s.

Wednesday, Breezy, Sunny with highs in the mid 70s Wednesday Night, Cool, Clear Skies with lows in the low 50s. Upper 40s possible north.

Looking Ahead.

A much needed quiet weather pattern is settling in for the week. including Tues and Wednes. We will have a 5 day dry steak with sunshine and pleasant temperatures in the 70s, lows in the 50s. By the time we approach Friday of next weekend. we will be warming things back up. Then it appears as we head into September the 2nd thing will become more active again, we well as remaining mild. I see 2 shots at heavy rain one Sept 2nd and the other Sept 6th. more on this later.

Heavy Rain possible tonight into Friday, followed by a dry, but Hot weekend.

Fridays Regional Weather view.





Yet another system will bring heavy rain and severe weather potential to the Upper Midwest this week. Stationary front will slowly lift north over the next day, this will bring severe weather chances to Iowa, Minnesota and Western Wisconsin early Friday. Heavy rain is possible in Minnesota and Wisconsin as well. Behind this system, a small piece of hot air mass makes it way in and brings Hot, dry weather for the weekend.

Local Weather View.

Locally we got some severe weather potential along with heavy rainfall chances for Friday. A stationary front will life north tonight, and eventually be placed right overhead. Thunderstorms will develop along this front, and because of the humid air mass in place. Heavy rain will be possible. There will also be a risk that some storms could be severe. Right now it appears that Friday Morning, then again Friday Evening has the best potential for this.

Saturday and Sunday, the front will lift north, and will become sunny and Dry for the main part of the weekend, but it will be Hot and Humid, with highs in the mid 80s Saturday, and highs approaching 90 on Sunday. Heat Index's both days could approach the upper 90s.

Friday, A chance of Thunderstorms, in the morning, then again in the afternoon. Otherwise Mostly Cloudy. Some storms could be severe, and bring heavy rainfall. Highs in the Upper 70s. Friday Night, A chance of Showers and Thunderstorms, then clearing Lows in the mid 60s

Saturday, Partly Cloudy, Warm with Humid conditions. Highs in the Mid 80s. Heat Index's in the middle to upper 90s Saturday Night, Partly Cloudy, lows in the mid 60s

Sunday, Partly Cloudy and Hot, Highs in the upper 80s to lower 90s, Heat Index's in the Middle to Upper 90s

Looking Ahead

Monday of next week will continue to a Hot one. Highs could again hit 90.F, with Dry conditions. Tuesday a Cold Front looks to bring cooler conditions, but along with this front, Thunderstorms look like a good possibility. with potentially heavy rain. Severe Weather may also be a possibility. Following this front, Things looks cooler and dry for Wednesday and Thursday, before warm air beings to surge north once again by Saturday. Sunday the 28th- through Wednesday Sept 1 the the models are picking up on what could be a pretty active week, showing on and off rain and storm potential. Then as we head more into Sept, they show Warm, Mild conditions at then end of the run.

SPC

The SPC has issued a Slight Risk for Most of the Upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota and a part of Western Wisconsin, including the 6 county area. Storms are expected to develop in Southern Minnesota today, but as a stationary front turns into a Warm Front and moves North, Thunderstorms could develop and become Severe, the best times for this will be tonight after 7PM The main threats are strong winds and very heavy rainfall. Tornado's also poses a risk with this front.

Image from SPC

The SPC has issued a Slight Risk for Severe Thunderstorms over Northern into Western Wisconsin, Southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa, Including the entire local area. There is also an enhanced risk of hail and wind with this system over Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. A stationary/cold front will sag south right over the area by the even hours. Storms will form along this front, and if we can get into enough sunshine. some storms could become severe with very large hail, and Strong damaging winds. People should remember that we do have a risk of severe weather today.

Nice weather to continue for a least another day! Then storm chances increasing by Thurs.

Regional View.





Most of the Upper Midwest will enjoy one more day of sunshine and low humidity, before heat, humidity, and storm chances increase by Wednesday in parts of Iowa and Thursday in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Local View.

Hopefully people in enjoy tomorrow because it will be quite pleasant, and dry, with very low humidity levels. I Wednesday during the day wil also be dry with a bit warmer conditions. but Wednesday Night into Thursday, shower an thunderstorm chances will increase as a warm front approaches, These would not be all day or all night rains, just chances at a shower or storm. heat humidity will be creeping back up with this front. There is some outside chances of Severe Weather late Wednesday which may require me to update this forecast. But as of now I don't see anything severe happening.

Tuesday, Pleasant! Sunshine with highs in the upper 70s. Tuesday Night, Partly Cloudy, lows in the upper 50s.

Wednesday, Warmer, Partly Cloudy, highs in the low 80s. Wednesday Night, A chances of showers and thunderstorms. otherwise mostly cloudy with lows in the low 60s.

Thursday, Warm, More Humid, Highs in the mid 80s, A chance of Thunderstorms. Thursday Night, A chance of Thunderstorms. otherwise mostly cloudy lows in the low 60s.

Looking Ahead

The Long Range models point at some heavier chances at rainfall Friday ahead of an air mass that will throw Warm and Humid conditions right back at us. By late weekend, We will be in full force of this new warm air mass. A shot at 90s will be possible Monday the 23rd. with humid conditions once again. Tuesday the 24th shows a cold from passing with heavy rain potential Wednesday and Thursday 25th- into the 26th, things look cooler and more comfortable. then by Friday the 27th, the models show yet another warm air mass coming into place, only this one could be warmer and longer lasting then the first one in this long range forecast. The models show warm conditions with chances and 90s, and rain and storm chances every few days between the 27th of August and 1st of September. We could be looking at quite a warm and rainy rest of the month ahead, with a break in between 2 warm air masses.

Heat Wave Report. Highs as hot as 95.F this past week!

Sweltering, Sticky Conditions August 8th

We had our first Official heat wave conditions since I started my blog, as A Very hot week was experienced across Western Wisconsin this past week, The hottest in more then 3 years! A large ridge of high pressure brought a heat wave with 100 degree temperatures to much of the Western & Southern U.S. The northern edge of this heat wave impacted hour area with highs 90s for multiple days, even Mid 90 degree highs during the peak of the heat wave! Dew points during this time were well into the upper 60s to lower 70s every day to make things worse, most days had thunderstorms early, making the dew point even high, which made Heat Index Values most days near if not over 100!

Highest Temperatures experienced

The warmest temperatures across the area were mainly raging from the Upper 80s to the Mid 90s, with mid 90s across many places in the West.

In my personal experience this was the warmest temperatures I've seen in years and it was very east to become overheated even in the deepest shade. I remember when I was really young hearing of temperatures near 100. I put that aside believing it wasn't really possible for this area to get that hot, but this heat wave brought the first time I ever seen it even close to 100. I first saw the Minneapolis Station peak at 96.F August 8th, and I was shocked it has gotten that hot!

At My Station During the week from the 7th to the 14th I had four 90 degree days, and 6 days above 85.F The Highest Heat Index value on my station was 101.F on the 8th. On Monday August 9th I completely demolished my stations Record High Temperature When I maxed out a stunning 95.F, just 5 degrees shy from 100! The highest Heat Index value that day was 100.F. This past week put days at my station with at or above 90.F so far this year to 9 days , which is Significantly more then all last year when I has only 2 days at or above 90. The average number of days with 90s at my location is about 6.

Highest temps recorded in List Form.

The Hottest Temperature experienced was 95.F at my station in Clayton, but many places had middle 90 degree readings, such as River Falls, Grantsburg, and Knapp. With the highest Heat Index reading was 103.F from Hudson

Very stormy past couple of days, Severe Storms hit area once again the 12th, then torrienal rains the 13th

August 12th Storm Coverage

Severe Weather again hit part of the area the 12th, and 13th as multiple lines of storms hit. during the 12th, very strong damaging thunderstorms hit Burnett and Washburn counties. This was part of a large bowing storm complex that hit parts of Minnesota, and move Northeast. Trees and power lines were reported down in the Danbury, Grantsburg area. The southern part of this line effected Polk County, My brother was staying Centuria during this storm and mentioned the winds were very strong, so strong they blew doors open inside the house. When the storm was over he photographed two large trees that had been snapped off in Centuria. This storm also had torrential flooding rains, and did cause some flooding near Grantsburg. The southern extent of this storm hit my location and brought brief NW wind of 23MPH and moderate rain.

August 13th Storm Coverage

Backside of the final Thunderstorm August 13th.

During the 13th, the area was hit by 3 waves of rain. One came in the early morning hours, the other in the evening. These storms produced heavy rains, especially in the Polk, Barron, St Croix and Dunn Counties. The storms that hit during the evening did cause some wind damage in Western and Northern Polk County in the Dresser, Mikinley areas.

August 13th at my location.

Torrential Rains August 13th.

August 13th was very sleepless night for me as the NWS issued 2 watches and multiple warnings and flood warnings through out the night!

Torrential, Heavy rain hit during the the 13th. Earlier in the day around the 3AM hour I had received thunderstorms that produced a half inch of rain. so the ground was already saturated especially from last Tuesdays over an inch of rainfall. During the evening of the 13th, I was hit by two storms that brought heavy rain, both were severe warned and came one after another. The first one came with very heavy rain, breezy north winds behind the storm, and deadly lightning, I had one cloud to ground bolt that hit a mile or less away, and produced very loud piecing thunder. The second one which hit about 20 minutes after the first one brought heavy rain again, but this time gusty southwest winds. I had a reading of 23MPH on my newly raised wind gauge on the roof. by the time the day was over, I had 1.27" of rainfall, making the total for just this week at an outstanding 3.54"Which is well over half of August's normal rainfall!

Between Tuesday August 10th rain and Fridays rain, our driveway has some significant wash outs from rushing water. Some of the worst I've seen as we continue to have one of the wettest seasons we've had in a long time.

I even had standing water in the vegetable garden after the storms were over, a sign the the ground really is very saturated.

Storm Reports from August 12th

Siren, Multiple tree reported down throughout Burnett County

Danbury, Power lines down.

Minong, Trees Down in community

Centuria, two large trees down.

Storm Reports from the 13th

Hammond, Heavy Rain, Water overflowing the road

Dresser, Trees and power lines down in and around town

Mikinley, Numerous Trees Down

Slight Risk this evening

Image from SPC

The SPC has issued a Slight Risk of severe thunderstorms for parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin, including the entire 6 county area. Thunderstorms could form along a sharp cold front this afternoon and evening, and has the potential to become severe. The main threats will be large hail and strong, damaging winds. People in the area should note we again have the threat for severe weather today and this evening.

A Flood Watch! has been issued for Burnett and Washburn counties in my blog coverage area through Saturday.

Image from SPC

The Storm Preidiction Center in Norman,Oklahoma has issued a Slight Risk of Severe Thunderstorms in much of the Upper Midwest. Including the entire 6 county area. Thunderstorms are expected to fire in 2 waves. one in the early morning hours Friday, and the other in the afternoon. Both rounds may become severe, but espessially the late afternoon round. This risk includes an enhanced risk at tornados and wind. People in the area should be awware that severe weather is a possibility in the early morning hours Friday and again in the afternoon.

Severe Storms Possible tomorrow. Along with heavy rains possibly leading to more flooding.

Regional Weather View.

A large weather system cutting into rich gulf moisture could cause quite a bit of problems in the Upper Midwest Friday, Severe Storms are possible in Minnesota, Western Wisconsin and Northeast Iowa. With heavy rain possible in Western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota, behind this system, much cooler and drier air is waiting to move in and bring pleasant weather for the weekend.
Local View.

This forecast will focus on only the close term because of all the problems that could occur across the area tomorrow, Thunderstorms are expected to break out possibly producing severe weather, and very heavy rain across parts of the area. Saturday and Sunday rain chances decrease, and it will becoming much cooler, and much less humid, Highs will be in the upper 70s.

Severe Weather Potential

A Strong cold front and warm front system will be passing through tomorrow. Thunderstorms will form along this fronts bringing an enhanced risk of severe storms, including tornado's, heavy rain and damaging winds. The best chance for storms appears to be Early Friday morning. Then again Late Friday afternoon, with the late afternoon activity having the best chance of severe weather.

Flooding Potential

Heavy Rainfall is possible with any thunderstorms that move into the area Friday, and it is expected to come in 2 waves one in the morning and one in the afternoon. up to 1-2 inches of rain is possible with higher amounts and With grounds across the area already saturated from Tuesday nights rain, any additional rainfall could quickly run off and cause flooding. People in the area should stay tuned to the NWS if any flood warnings should be issued tomorrow.

Friday, Thunderstorms early in the morning, some could bring heavy rain, then clearing, Warm and Humid with Thunderstorms breaking out again in the afternoon. Some could bring severe weather and heavy rainfall. Highs in the middle to upper 80s Friday Night. Thunderstorms, some could bring heavy rain, lows in the upper 60s.

Saturday, A small chance of Thunderstorms early otherwise clearing. Cooler, less humid with highs in the low 80s. Saturday Night, Partly Cloudy lows in the low 60s

Sunday, Pleasant, Sunny, Highs in the upper 70s Sunday Night, Partly Cloudy lows in the upper 50s.

Extremely Heavy Rain Hit the area, Major Flooding in parts of St Croix and Dunn Counties. 3 year record rainfall broken at my location.

GRl3 image showing where the heaviest rains fell. Large image Here

Significant heavy rains fell across Western Wisconsin late yesterday. Slow moving thunderstorms developed near a front and trained over the same areas, causing moderate to heavy rain to fall for hours. 2 to 6 inches of rain was reported with the highest report of 6.25" from Glenwood City causing Minor to Major land and river flooding in parts of the area, but especially in St Croix and Dunn Counties. Many reports of yard, field, and street flooding came in, on the more extreme side, Parts of the City of Baldwin had to be evacuated due to rising water from a stream in that area, and a Part of U.S Highway 63, a Major North to South going highway in the area was completely carved through and had to be closed just south of Baldwin, ( Circled in blue in the image above ) this was just one of the many roads that were reported washed out in St Croix and Dunn Counties.





Storm and Heavy Rain at My Location

The front of the Strong Storm that hit before it gave way to a heavy rain producing event.

Before the storms produced heavy rain it Actually was severe warned in Polk County and looked quite impressive as it rolled into my area. It seemed like it took forever to pull in because it was moving at about 25MPH, but once it rolled in, I see a fair sized storm front, then just before the heavy rain, I seen a updraft that was sucking up clouds pass just North of my house, seen in the photo above. It was one of the most interesting things I've seen. It looked as though it was rotating, but I was told Updrafts often have quick motion and even rotation, with the passing of this updraft, I had some breezy Northwest winds at 21MPH. Once the heavy rain pulled in, We had 5 and a half hours strait of heavy rain and lightning, with many close and very loud lightning strikes. The storms started at about 7:40PM and continued well into the 1AM hour, I had moderate rain, with bursts of extremely heavy rain between this time, this made for a total amount at my location at over 2 inches! 2.20" is what I recorded, Which is the highest amount of rain I've recorded in 3 years for a 24 hour day.
Standing water in fields on our land well after the heavy rains August 11th.

There was some minor flooding in my area with these rains. The rain flooded into our basement and we had up to 3 inches in standing water all over the floor. There was also field flooding and land flooding on the Western and Eastern low parts of our land the soil is completely saturated or has standing water in this area and Even well after the rains some water remained, Our driveway was also significantly carved our from water rushing down it.

The area will be spending a long time cleaning up and drying out. This year continues to bring storm after storm that many will remember for many years to come.

Flooding Reports

River Falls Street Flooding in parts of City

River Falls Heavy Rain 3.67"

Hudson Heavy Rain 2.48"

Osceola Heavy Rain 1.36"

St Croix County, Many roads reported being washed out throughout the county.

1 mile S Baldwin, Highway 63 washed out, road closed.

Baldwin, Nursing home evacuated due to rising water.

Woodville Heavy Rain 2.84"

Amery Heavy Rain 1.72"

Glenwood City Heavy Rain 6.25"

Clayton minor field and basement flooding.

Clayton Heavy Rain 2.20"

Cumberland Heavy Rain 1.72"

Dunn County, Roads reported having water on them or washed out.

Menomonie, some city streets flooded.

Menomonie Heavy Rain 6.00"

Chetek Heavy Rain 3.75"

Image from SPC

The SPC has issued a Slight Risk of Severe Weather which covers most of Minnesota, and a portion of Western Wisconsin. Storms are forming on a warm front in Minnesota in the afternoon, and moving Northeast. It is possible that some storms may hold enough strength to become severe in parts of the area. The main risks will be large hail, damaging winds and very heavy rain.

Heat Continuing, with Severe Storms again possible by late Tuesday.

Regional Weather View





The big story is Our Extend heat wave which will continue, and possible get even hotter over parts of the region. highs near 100 are possible in Iowa, and with high dew points with extreme heat will be possible across parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin the next 3 days, The other story is Severe Weather chances. A few stationary fronts will develop thunderstorms which may be severe in parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin on Tuesday.

Local View.

We got an Hot and Active couple of days ahead. Most of Tuesday should be dry, but late Tuesday Night and early Wednesday storms could develop. Thursday looks Hot and Sunny.

Extended Heat Wave Continues

Our Heat Wave will continue through the next 3 day forecast period. It will be hard to forecast exactly what the highs could get too because of shower/storm chances. But it appears likely that highs will be near 90.F the next 3 days, If Sun stays around more, Low Mid 90s may be possible Especially on Thursday when skies are expected to be sunny. Dew points will be well into the 70s most of the next 3 days as well. This would put Heat Index Values nearly or topping 100 most afternoons. Low temperatures will only fall into the low 70s, provided little relief from the heat.

Severe Thunderstorm Chances.

A stationary front will be sagging around the area for at least Tuesday and Wednesday. With this front Thunderstorms could develop, and with this tropical-like air, any thunderstorm that develops will have a chance to become severe, and produce very heavy rainfall. The best chance for severe weather at this time appears to be Tuesday night, and early Wednesday.

Tuesday, Hot! and Humid Partly Cloudy to Partly Sunny, with a chance of Thunderstorms late. Highs in the upper 80s to low 90s Mid 90s possible if mostly sunny. Tuesday Night, a good chance of Thunderstorms. Some could be severe and bring heavy rainfall. Lows in the upper 60s.

Wednesday, A chance of Thunderstorms early then clearing. Hot and Humid with highs in the lower 90s, Mid 90s possible Heat Index values in the upper 90s. Wednesday Night, Warm Partly Cloudy with lows in the low 70s

Thursday, Partly Cloudy, Hot and Humid. Highs in the low 90s, mid 90s possible. Heat Index Values in the upper 90s to lower 100s. Tuesday Night, Partly Cloudy, Lows in the upper 60s.

Extended Forecast.

The Heat Wave will continue into the extended forecast for Friday, Friday also could be a stormy day, as a cold front cuts into this air mass. Heavy Rain appears possible Saturday and Sunday, things finally cool off and dry out. It looks to remain dry and more seasonable though at least the 17th the 20th through the 23rd also looks seasonable with a could chances for rain. Then the models are showing what could potentially be another warm air mass moving in by the 25th. more on this later.

area gets 2 hits, Severe Storms cause damage in Luck/Cumberland area the 8th early morning hours, then River Falls area in the evening.

Radar Image from the late night storms in the Cumberland area.


Severe Thunderstorms were again the story Yesterday. As storms formed along a stationery front in the early morning hours the 8th, then again along the same front in the evening of that same day. During Early morning hours around 12-2AM, storms formed just to the south of other storms that were ongoing in Burnett and Washburn counties, along the stationary front that was at that time draped across northern Polk and Barron Counties. These storms brought very strong winds likely up to 60MPH, this caused significant wind damage in the Luck and Cumberland areas of Polk/Barron Counties, with reports of siding ripped off, and trees down on campers. Then later the same day around 6PM, the stationery front moved south, to just about over highway 8, storms formed on the south side of the front in the Northern Twin Cities Metro of Minnesota, they moved Southeast and impacted the Hudson and River Falls area, A Funnel cloud was reported near River Falls, and wind damage was reported around Hudson.



Yesterdays High Temperatures

There was also quite a temperature contrast between the Northern area and Southern areas yesterday, as a stationery front sat pretty much right over Highway 8 North of the front, more comfortable low 80s were common, with dew points in the low 70s, South of the front, it was oppressive, Middle to Upper 80s, even lower 90s were the rule with dew points in the mid to upper 70s, Heat Index's in this area were 99, to 101.F! I actually had a chance to experience the drive under the front. As we drove from My house in Clayton, to Rice Lake, and there was actually a very noticeable difference, it was 90.F with a heat index of 101.F when we left from my location, I My family and I could feel it getting cooler as we drove farther north, by the time we reached Rice Lake, it was much cooler the temp was 82.F there, with a heat index of 86.F, which was an pretty surprising for just a 25 mile drive!


Damage Reports

Early Morning Storms

6 miles E of Luck, Siding off house, out buildings down, snow mobile trailer blown into tree.

Cumberland, Trees down in Cumberland, and across Northern Barron County

Almena, Tree Down

Rice Lake Airport 51MPH wind gust.


Late Evening Storms

6 miles W River Falls, Funnel Cloud

River Falls 18 inch diameter tree down

Slight Risk Saturday

Image from SPC

The Storm Predicting Center in Norman,Oklahoma has issued a Slight Risk for parts of the Upper Midwest including Eastern ND, Northeast SD, Central MN and Western WI, including my entire 6 county coverage area. Thunderstorms are expected to develop in the afternoon along a Strong warm front in parts of SD,ND and Western Minnesota. These storms will develop into a fast Southeast moving line of storms that will push through Minnesota and approach our local area after 4PM this afternoon it looks like. This line of storms could have an enhanced threat for severe wind gusts. This will likely make the highest threats High winds, and a chance for brief tornado's. The SPC has a 30% chance of severe wind that covers the entire local area. People across the local area should be aware we have an enhanced threat for severe weather This Evening.

Extended Heat Wave moving in for next several days. Also Severe Thunderstorm threat Saturday.

Regional View.

An extended heat wave is about to move over the Upper Midwest and bring 90+ degree weather with high dew points much of this upcoming week, especially in Iowa and Nebraska, where Heat Index's well into the 100s are possible. Severe Weather will also be possible along a strong warm front, severe weather will be possible in SD, ND, MN, and West/Northern WI. Then Thunderstorms will be possible most every afternoon with a tropical air mass that will be in place.

Local View.

Quite a bit to talk about tonight as we will have a pretty heat wave ahead for us for the next several days, Along with the enhanced threat for Severe Thunderstorms along the warm front. Saturday will be Very Warm with highs in the middle 80s, Thunderstorms will develop towards evening, some of which may be severe and produce heavy rainfall. Sunday and Monday will be Hot, and Humid with highs near 90 both days and lows in the lower to middle 70s. With a tropical air mass in place, we could have afternoon thunderstorms many both Sunday and Monday.

Severe Potential

Saturday A strong warm front that will be bringing our heat wave will be moving Northward front Iowa, into Minnesota and Wisconsin. Storms are expected to develop along this front in the evening and potentially develop into a long line of thunderstorms that would move east towards the local area. The best chance at this will be in the evening hours, Hail and Strong winds with a tornado threat appears possible at this time.

Heat Wave.

A high pressure system will bring Hot Temperatures across the Central and southern part of the U.S, The northern edge of this heat wave will impact the area and bring an inside chance at 90.F weather for several days in a row. To go with this dew points will be in the lower to middle 70s. This will make Heat Index values in the middle to upper 90s. Low temperatures will fall into the lower to middle 70s providing some, but not much relief. This will possibly be the longest stretch of 90.F weather we've had in years people in the area should take some actions to stay cool during this upcoming week.


Saturday, Warm, Partly Cloudy. Then Thunderstorms developing in the evening, some could be severe and have heavy rainfall. Highs in the middle 80s. Saturday Night. A chance of Thunderstorms early, some could be severe. Otherwise Partly Cloudy with lows near 70


Sunday, Very Warm to Hot, Partly Cloudy to Partly Sunny with a chance of Thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 80s heat index's in the low to mid 90s Sunday Night, Warm, Partly Cloudy, lows in the low 70s


Monday, Hot, Partly Cloudy to Partly Sunny, with Small chance of Thunderstorms in the
afternoon. Highs in the upper 80s to lower 90s. Heat Index's in the low to mid 90s. Monday Night, Chance Thunderstorms otherwise Warm Partly Cloudy with lows in the lower it mid 70s


Looking Ahead

The Heat wave which will start on Sunday will continue into much of the upcoming week. We have the chance to hit 90.F everyday until Friday. Tuesday looks stormy with a chance at heavy rainfall. Wednesday and Thursday could be out hottest days yet. Mid 90.F weather appears to be possible at this time. and a Tropical Air mass will bring the chance a rain everyday, Thursday also appears to be a day with potential storms and heavy rain. Friday things cool down and dry out. But then the forecast models says this is shorted lived, as warmth and storm chances move back in by Wednesday the 18th. with another chances at heavy rains August 21st. This looks like the start of a very active, very warm middle of August. More on this later.

Sunny skies, with some relief from heat Tuesday, Warm condtions again by Fri.

Regional Weather Conditions.



A weak Cold Front passing through the Upper Midwest will bring some relief from the heat has highs cool back into the 80s. It looks fairly dry with no rain in site for the next 3 days.



Local View.


The Cooler conditions will be felt across the area, along with slightly less humid conditions, Although dew points will still remain somewhat elevated. Wednesday will still be a Very warm day, highs will reach the middle 80s, with heat index values near 90.F Thursday will be the coolest day with sunshine and highs cooling to the upper 70s , and night lows in the upper 50s, many people will be able to open their windows once again. Friday Very warm temperatures will begin to move back into the area. Dew points will also begin to rise by this time


Wednesday, Very Warm, Partly Cloudy with highs in the Mid 80s. Wednesday Night, Cooler, Partly Cloudy with lows in the low 60s


Thursday, Nice, Sunny with highs in the upper 70s. Thursday Night, Clear Skies, lows in the
upper 50s


Friday, Warm, Sunny, highs in the lower to middle 80s. Friday Night, Clear Skies, highs in the low 60s


Looking Ahead.
Hot weather makes a comeback just in time for the weekend. Highs could approach near 90 both Sat/Sun, and even into Monday. Dew points will also be in the uncomfortable range. by Monday Shower and Storm chances will increase, with the models showing a pretty good chance at rain by this time. We could actually be dealing with a quite stormy and hot week ahead, with highs in the middle 80s with chances at 90 every few days. Another good rain chances appears to come near Friday the 13th and again by Sunday. Monday the 16th, looks like cooler less stormy conditions may roll in, more on this later.