Fall Color Report # 4 Peak Color being reported from the North!

Fall Color Report number 4

Trees are really turning fast across the area. Northern areas are already at Peak Color, with Minong, Grantsburg, Frederic and Spooner reporting peak color. High color is bring reported in Rice Lake and Birchwood. here trees are bursting with color with all tree types showing color. the farther south you go the less color is seen, Clayton-My area is reporting Moderate Color with Menomonie and Hudson reporting low color. Now is definitely the time to view the beautiful fall color in the Northern areas, and Thursday will have perfect weather for viewing with sunshine and fair temperatures.

Yellow Sugar Maple in a wood setting near my house.

I am officially reporting Moderate Color 48% now trees are turning very fast this year, Early changing trees like Ash and Sugar Maple are at or past peak, The Ash in my backyard has dropped most of it's leaves with out having the brilliant yellow it used to turn, which is odd because we've haven't had frosts. the ash in my front yard is yellow, and is loosing leaves. Red Maple trees are becoming very colorful, the one in my yard is starting to turn into full color, and now Oaks are starting to quickly show signs of color. The ones in my yard are starting to turn Orange and red. Looking out on the landscape spotty color can easily be seen, We will likely continue to progress quickly to near Peak Color in the next 4-5 days.

Nice looking Tuesday, slight chance light rain Wed, then clearing again Thursday.

Regional View.

For once a quiet weather pattern setting up for the Upper Midwest Tuesday, it will be dry. Wednesday a weak cool front will produce a quick chance of light showers in MN and WI, before things dry back our for Thursday.

Regional Weather View.

We got a nice Tuesday coming up, with Partly Cloudy skies and warm temperatures in the 60s, lows in the 40s, Wednesday a weak front will bring us a chance of a quick shower, this rain will not be heavy, it would just be a quick shot at a shower then it's done. Temperatures will be mild on Wednesday nearing 70.F under partly cloudy skies and lows in the mid 40s. Things will clear out behind the front and become clear again setting us up for a beautiful Thursday, with highs a bit cooler back into the 60s for highs Lows will be in the 40s all areas.

Fall Colors will be nearing Peak Color in northern areas, and with beautiful weather forecasted Tuesday and Thursday, this would be a good time to plan fall color trips to these areas! Daily forecast below.

Tuesday, Partly Cloudy Skies, Nice with highs in the mid 60s. Tuesday Night, Partly Cloudy, lows in the low 40s

Wednesday, Partly Cloudy. A chance of a quick afternoon shower. Highs near 70. Wednesday Night, Clearing, lows in the mid 40s

Thursday, Cooler, Sunny Skies, highs in the low 60s. Thursday Night, Partly Cloudy lows in the low 40, Upper 30s possible North.

Looking Ahead

I am following what appears to be a much cooler and dry weekend ahead for us, We appear to have several days with chances at frost including Friday Saturday and Sunday, A hard frost looks possible for the all areas, including the southern area, lows as cold as the low 30s in the south are possible. It looks to be dry and sunny the entire weekend. Monday looks warmer and dry, with a dry period lasting well into the next week, Which is great news for area farmers looking to harvest. Friday October 8th looks cool, then warmer the 9th. Sunday October 8th, the models show a quick shot a moisture with a strong cold front followed by much colder air. Highs in the 30s and snow in Northern Minnesota are not out of the question with this one! more on this later.

Frost Report September 26th. All areas experinced frost, First frost for southern areas & Fall color picture!

Frost picture from Dallas,WI September 26th

A very chilly morning was experienced today, as all locations fell into the 30s and at least some type of frost was reported at all locations. Northern areas had a hard killing frost where lows fell in the upper 20s. Southern areas had a hard frost, some more sheltered locations had a more light frost. I spent the weekend in Dallas, a small community in Southeast Barron County, There they got a hard frost, yards were white and cars were completely frosted over. Most tender plants that were not covered were killed. A thermometer I stuck out had a low of 27.F, which might be a the low side, although Dallas is in a low spot in a river valley, so that may very well be correct.

Back in my yard, My station reported a low of 35.F, which was one of the warmer spots in the area. There was a light frost in the yard limits, but the fields were white. Garden plants were not harmed, including tender tropical dig-up bulbs I left uncovered. The growing season continues at my location, and across many locations in the south. Locations in Burnett and Washburn counties has ended there growing season.


The coldest temperature was a very chilly 27.F in Minong, The warmest location was Hudson, My Station-Clayton and Balsam Lake, all of which reported a low of 35.F



Sugar Maple, and Red Maple in Turtle Lake,WI

Fall Colors are really started to become very nice across my area this weekend, Sugar Maples are very beautiful with colors of oranges and reds, there nearing peak color, and with the weather looking nice for the entire week, it looks like there will be plenty time to enjoy them! My fall color report can be found down a few posts from this one.

Weekend Forecast Updated. Frost and Freeze likely tonight!

Regional Weather View.

A Very chilly high pressure system will bring the likelyhood of Frost in Wisconsin and Minnesota, Wall to Wall Sunshine is expected for Monday and it will be warmer.

Local View

Note: Forecast has been redone for Sunday due to the likelyhood of a Frost and Freezing Temeptures.

A Chilly high pressure system will settels it's self behind that storm system that brought us all the rain Thursday, This will bring much cooler weather with highs in the 60s. partly sunny skies should give way to clear skies by evening, this will result in dropping tempertures. By Sunday Morning places in the north may end up having a hard killing frost and freeze, Lows in the low 30s is possible, I would not be surprised to see upper 20s from Places like Minong. In the rest of the area, Frost appears likely with lows in the low to mid 30s. This will would be the first frost of the season for southern areas, Cover plants or bring them indoors tonight.

Frost advisories and Freeze warnigns are already in place for Burnett and Washburn counties. It it likely a frost advisory will be in place for Polk,Barron, St Croix and Dunn counties later this afternoon.

The rest of Sunday and Monday will bring warmer tempetures and sunshine with highs in the low to mid 60s. Burnette and Washburn counties may get hit again with frost Sunday night.

Sunday, Widespread Frost likely in the morning, espessally north. Lows in the low to mid 30s. Sunny Skies, Highs in the low 60s Sunday Night, Clear Skies, lows in the upper 30s to low 40s. Mid 30s possible North where frost is possible.

Monday, Frost possible in the morning North. Sunny skies and warmer highs in the mid 60s. Monday Night Partly Cloudy lows in the mid 40s.

Looking Ahead

We finally have a couple of Nice dry days in our future it appears, which for the first time I've ever even thought of mentioning is actually needed. Monday through Friday of next week all could dry, which would dry things out nicely. temperatures look fair during this entire time, looking not to cold, or to warm. Beyond this point The models show things look quiet with fair temperatures as we go through the first couple of weeks into October, At this time it shows we could be frost free the entire looking ahead forecast!

Fall Color Report # 3- Moderate color now showing in areas.

Fall Color Report # 3

Fall Color is starting to explode quickly across the area with the cool and cloudy weather we've been having, but it has become especially colorful across the North, where Moderate color is being reported from several locations including Grantsburg, Luck and Minong. Low color is now bring reported in Rice Lake Spooner and Menomone, with Little color still showing up in Birchwood and Hudson, Areas where there are lots of earlier changing trees like Maple and Ash will have lots of color, but areas where there are more late turning trees will still be mainly green. Leaf-Seekers will want to get up to the Northern areas soon, they will be peaking in the next week or 2. Southern locations will likely peak with in the next 2-3 weeks. Sunday will be the next nice day for leaf viewing.

Nice Yellow Ash in my front yard. This tree is nearly at it's highest color.

I am officially reporting Low Color 30% Early trees have high color, Ash are peaking and Sugar Maples are getting very colorful, and now Red Maples are starting to turn. 3 trees in my yard are showing color including this ash in my front yard in the picture above. the Second large ash in my back yard has started turning golden yellow, and a young Red Maple I just planted this past spring is starting to turn a beautiful red-blaze color. The oaks in my yard are still very green. Looking out on the landscape I can still see lots of color, but spots of nice color are showing up, We will likely be going into the Moderate color category very soon.

Strong system brought very heavy rain totals and caused minor flooding in parts of the area.

Heavy rain September 23rd


A complex and strong weather system impacted the area late this week, bring very heavy widespread rainfall totals to the area. This type of system is more common for June then it is September! The first band of rain first developed in Southern Minnesota and impacted Southern parts of the area, then on Thursday the band moved North and effected the rest of the area. Radar estimates shows all locations picked up at least 1 inch of rain. Some places had significant rainfall, with reports as high as 4 inches! There was a strong warm front associated with this system bring a very sharp temperature contrast to the area. Burnett and Washburn counties had a chilly rainy fall-like rainfall event with highs in the upper 50s to low 60s. While Polk,Barron, St Croix and Dunn counties had a mild day with highs in the low 70s


Standing water at the bottom of our driveway.


Some minor flooding was reported with this system, and the NWS says the area got near record breaking rainfall, this type of September rain has not been seen in many years. Thankfully the rain came at a long enough duration that major flooding did not occur, Mainly field and yard flooding was observed, such as low spots having standing water in yards. Agriculture fields are quite flooded ans saturated as well, causing significant problems for farmers wanting to get out in the fields.


Fairly unusual field flooding Sept 23rd

This system at my location started as moderate rain late Wednesday then there was a lull. Thursday was the wettest day with steady moderate rain much of the afternoon with very heavy bursts. My yard experienced minor flooding even though water generally flows easily away from our hill, water still puddled in our yard, and the ground is so saturated and water logged, it is hard to talk on without sinking in a puddle of water, I don't remember the ground this saturated before. Fields in my area have flooding, with large standing water puddles in them, making for significant impacts on local farmers. In the picture above water rushed across two fields near my house, I've never seen this much water here in the summer/fall, only after a spring thaw with lots of winter snow there will be water here. This system was very mild and tropical like at my location with the temperature and dew point in the 70s, even with steady rain, the warm front lifted to just North of me in the afternoon, and it was noted by warmer temperatures and very gusty winds for a short time gusting to 30MPH. It was interesting that the warm front bring my mild air stalled just about over highway 48 and at the same time the temperature was 70 at my location it was 57.F in Siren about an hours drive north! The storm total was 2.50" in my yard, Which goes down in my record books as the highest rainfall amount I've recorded for a storm system, but it does not break the highest daily rainfall.

Storm total rainfall reports. More will be added as they come in

Hammond Heavy Rain 2.83"

Clayton-my sta. Heavy Rain 2.50"

Haugen Heavy Rain 3.10"

Trade Lake Heavy Rain 2.40"

Siren Heavy Rain 2.51"

4 miles N Grantsburg Heavy Rain 4.10"

Danbury Heavy Rain 3.10"

Sarona Heavy Rain 2.51"

Menomonie Heavy Rain 3.50"

Image from SPC

The SPC has issued a Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms in parts of the Upper Midwest Thursday afternoon, including parts of the local area. A strong warm front/cold front system will pass through Minnesota early, and move east into Wisconsin, storms that get going Thursday afternoon could become severe. The main threats will be hail, high winds, and very heavy rainfall, with an inhanced threat for tornados. The best chance of encoutering severe weather will be in Southern parts of the area. People should be aware of the potienal severe weather tomorrow.

Sept 21st Severe Storms hit with high winds and hail.

GRL3 Radar Image

Late season Severe Storms hit the area very late last night, with highs winds, heavy rain and hail, taking down trees across a widespread area in St Croix, Polk and Barron counties. The storms first formed in Southern Minnesota, and quickly raced north at 55MPH, They hit St Paul,MN with ping pong ball sized hail and high winds, shortly after they raced through St Croix and Polk, and Barron Counties producing high winds and small hail. Trees were reported down in Hudson and Turtle Lake, as well as in my area, and sign damage was reported in Centuria.

Healthy Tree down along 70th AVE near Clayton



The day was already an interesting weather day in the area, as we experience rising temperatures at night, as A very strong warm front moved north! It started out 58.F with drizzle at 5PM at my location, then by 2AM under clear skies, the temperature rose to 70.F with a heat index 77.F! It was a very weired experience, something I hadn't seen before. The air actually smelled different as the leftover hot air from Southern Minnesota pushed over, where highs were in the 90s earlier. Some places like Hudson actually went all the way to 77.F after starting out in the low 50s during the daylight! The warm front hovered over the area through evening, as a triple point moved closer. Around midnight this area became the focus for severe storms.


I first saw storms developing in Southern Minnesota south of the cities last night before I went to bed, Shortly after, I was awaken around 1:30 by loud thunder in the distance. I went up to check the radar and it wasn't long after this the NWS issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for my area for my area due to developing storms South of St Croix County that producing wind damage and were looking impressive. These storms were flying Northeast very quickly. They reached my area shortly after 2AM. I was sitting next to the computer when just ahead the storm the winds howled as a powerful southwest wind gust blew through, My wind gauge reported a quick 36MPH gust, right as the heavy rainfall started to hit. The lighting in these storms was very vivid and frequent, with a couple close bolts. The winds were strong enough to caused tree damage through-out my area. I seen multiple trees down dead, and healthy ones along the side of the roads. My Co-Worker said she nearly ran into one blocking the road earlier the next morning on Barbo Lake Rd.



Dead tree fallen onto part of Highway P

Although the strongest wind gusts were short lived, Trees littered the roads around Clayton. In my yard the damage was minimal, and included a 3 inch diameter dead branch, and near 1 inch diameter live branch down from a lilac bush.

I took this video still of web lighting as the storm moved away from me showing now vivid the lightning was.

Damage Reports

Hudson, Trees down

New Richmond 36MPH wind gust.

Amery 41MPH wind gust.

Clayton, Multiple trees down, including dead, and healthy ones. Some were blocking roads.

Clayton 36MPH wind gust.

Turtle Lake, Trees Down.

Centuria, Stop sign blown down.

Cumberland 36MPH wind gust.

Severe Weather Threat Tonight. Updated

Image from SPC

The SPC has continues a Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms for late this evening into tonight, for most of the Upper Midwest. A strong warm front is moving north, and has reached Central Minnesota, this is surging warm air north, later, the cold front and low pressure center will sweep across Central Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. With this set up, showers will form in Minnesota, Some storms could become strong to severe near the triple point as they move into Western Wisconsin. The main threats will be large hail and strong winds, and now including an enhanced 5% risk for tornado's.

Severe Storms possible this afternoon/tonight. Looking better for Wednesday.

Regional View.



A strong warm front/cold system will move across the Upper Midwest, separating a cool air mass from a hot one, This will bring heat and humidity to Iowa, where highs will be in the 90, and a chilly air mass to Northern Wis/Minnesota, where highs will be in the 50s. there threat for severe storms in Minnesota and Wisconsin Monday Night. Tuesday the cold front will pass through, bringing a chance of rain early. Wednesday looks pleasant and drier, but cooler.



Local View.


Note I and making a forecast for today late because of the severe weather potential in the local area this evening.

Locally, A Strong warm front will approach the area by this evening, This will be the separating line from relatively warmer temperatures from cold temperatures. The front will likely surpass some of the area, and looks likely that parts of the Southern area could hit 70.F with some sun possible. While the North could remain under clouds the upper 50s. Drizzle will also be common north of the front.

This evenings severe weather threat.


This system looks complex but strong. There may be enough ingredients that some of the showers that form near the triple point could get strong and become severe. The triple point will pass close to the local area, and it's possible severe storms could happen despite of not seeing any sun. The main threats are large hail, strong winds. and the chance for tornado's. The best chance appears to be late Monday. People in the area should be aware that there is the chance for severe weather.

Tuesday looks like a chance of rain in the morning as the cold front passes through. It's possible we could have out daytime highs early, when it could be in the 70s. then the cold front passes and it will become partly cloudy and cooler. it could be breezy as well. Tuesday Night as a cooler air mass settles in, will be chilly with lows falling into the mid 40s to low 40s north.

Wednesday looks nice, but a bit chilly. It will be dry, and highs should be in the mid 60s. Wednesday Night Clouds increase ahead of our next system.

Rest of Monday, Cloudy and chilly at first then turning Partly Cloudy late. Highs in the low 70s south to upper 50s North. Showers and Thunderstorms possible late. Some storms could be severe. Monday Night, Mild with a chance of showers and Thunderstorms, some could be severe. Lows steady in the mid to upper 60s

Tuesday, A chance of showers and thunderstorms early then Partly Sunny, Highs near 70.F early then cooling off. Breezy in the afternoon. Tuesday Night, Partly Cloudy Much cooler with lows in the low to mid 40s.

Wednesday, Nice, Sunny with highs in the lower to mid 60s. Wednesday Night, Increasing Clouds lows in the low 50s.

Looking Ahead

Clouds increase Wednesday in advance of a potential strong system for Thursday which will last into Friday, Heavy rainfall is appearing likely at this time, with potential very gusty winds. The weekend looks dry with partly cloudy to partly sunny skies, with a high pressure system moving in. Monday the 17th looks Warmer, as a warm air mass from the south moved in. We may have a shot at 80.F, The warm air mass looks to continue into the midweek of that week, before cooler and rainy conditions move in by the 30th, It looks warmer and less stormy as we head into the first parts of October.

Frost Report September 19th & Fall Color Report # 2

Sunday Morning lows Sept 19th.

Sunday morning brought a very chilly morning to the area, The coldest morning since early May. Many places fell into the 30s, including a few locations in the southern area, This may have lead to some light patchy frosts in parts of Northern Polk/Barron Counties. The Northern part of the area was the hardest hit with frost, with some parts even having it's first freeze of the season. It appears like all of Burnett and Washburn counties got a freeze or at least a widespread frost, with mid 30s with even one upper 20 degree low being reported there. The coldest station, Minong had a very chilly 29.F. The far southern parts of the area mainly South of highway 8 and West of Highway 53 remained completely frost free. Thin clouds moved into this area, preventing lows from falling too far, lows here in the upper 30s to low 40s. The warmest station was Hudson not shown above. The low was 45.F there.

The low temperature at my station was 39.F, which is the first time I've hit the upper 30s this fall season. There was no frost at my location. My yard, and in the open fields beyond my yard were frost free when I checked at 6AM. This means I will continue to count the days till my first fall frost. A thin layer of clouds moved in just in time late last night, this prevented the temperature from falling too far, thus stopping frost from forming!

Fall Color Report # 2

Fall color is slowing starting to increase across the area. All locations are now reporting at least some color expect for Hudson and Menomonie in St Croix and Dunn Counties, colors will continue to increase as we go through the next couple weeks, especially with this chilly weather and longer nights.

Ash tree color in my front yard Sept 18th

At my location, I officially report Little Color 14% change Color has really started to show most in Earlier changing trees like Ash and Maples, 1 of the 2 ashes in my yard above is starting to get nice color, I've also seen some beautiful color starting to develop on a few sugar maples in Clayton. Sumac has bright red colors, as well as shrubs planted along homes like Burning Bush. Late change trees like Oak, Birch, Poplar are holding strong in their summer green color, So for not things are mostly green expect for a few spots of color. It appears like were in for a beautiful season of color this year if we hold off from getting freezing temperatures!

Showers Friday, then Chilly Saturday, with frost potienal

Regional View





A chilly weekend is forecasted, with showers and thunderstorms along a strong cold front Friday. Saturday looks much cooler across the Upper Midwest behind this front, highs will be in the 50s, with night time temperatures possible falling to the Freeze range with temps in upper 20s to low 30s in Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota, and frost range father south in the upper 30s. Sunday looks a bit warmer with partly sunny skies, Showers may try to work their way in late in the day Sunday

Local View.

Friday will start off with Rainshowers, possibly a thunderstorm in the morning, which will form along the passing of a cold front, then in the afternoon skies will become partly sunny. Highs will warm to the low 60s, Friday night will be on the chilly side, with partly cloudy to mostly cloudy skies lows will fall to the low to mie 30s.

Frost/Freeze potential

Saturday will be chilly. Even with partly sunny to partly cloudy skies, highs will only warm to the mid to upper 50s, Skies should clear by late in the day, and this would set the stage for a very chilly night. There are a few factors, like if more clouds are around, it could remain a bit warmer and frost may now form, but right now it appears lows will fall to the mid to upper 30s with frost looking like a good possibility for the entire are expect for far southwesterly locations, this could be the first frost for Southern parts of the area. The first freeze is possible in isolated cold spots Northern Burnett/Washburn counties around Minong where lows could fall to the low 30s. People the area should bring plants in to protect them from possible frost/freezing conditions.

Sunday looks a bit warmer, with partly cloudy skies and highs rising to the low 60s. Frost will not be a possibility on Sunday Night with lows warmer in the mid 40s.

Friday, A chance of Showers and Thunderstorms in the morning, then partly sunny, to partly cloudy skies. highs in the low 60s. Friday Night, Partly to Mostly Cloudy, lows in the mid 40s

Saturday, Chilly, Partly Sunny to Partly Cloudy, Highs in the mid to upper 50s. Saturday Night, Very chilly, Frost possible Southern areas, with Freeze possible in the Northern areas, lows falling to the low 30s north and mid to upper 30s south.

Sunday, Warmer, Partly Sunny skies, highs in the low 60s. Sunday Night,Mostly Cloudy, lows in the mid 40s

Looking Ahead

The long ranges forecasts continue to be wild, now showing a warmer trend then last forecast issue. Monday a temporary warmer air mass pushes into the area ahead of a low pressure system, bringing with it a chance of showers and thunderstorms lasting into Tuesday, Wednesday looks dry with fair temps. Then Thursday and Friday a strong low pressure system develops and effects the area, Heavy rain appears possible. Saturday and Sunday the 25th/26th looks dry. Then the models show a colder airmass just barely missing the area to the east with showers on Tuesday the 28th. then Thursday the 20th, a warm airmass follows behind the cold one bringing mid temps. only for a second cold airmass to plop down into the area around Oct 1st.

Heavy September Rains Wednesday Sept 15

Heavy Rain in our yard light Wednesday Night September 15th

A strong low pressure system with a strong warm front in Southern Minnesota brought widespread high rainfall totals across the area. after bringing Severe Weather to Southern Minnesota, It transferred into a heavy rain event. The rain came in the form on Thunderstorms with vivid lightning that formed late in the day in Minnesota, and then funneled into Western Wisconsin. some of this rainfall that hit was very heavy. Some places have recorded totals near 2 inches, with some radar estimates were over 3 inches in Northwest Polk County! Thankfully there was no flooding in the area with this rain. At my location I got 1.29" which is more then what the first part entire month has brought. This system continues the abundant rainfall the area has gotten this year, and it brings the closest to average rainfall we've been in quite a few years. I've picked up 24.83" so far this year. This is the closet I've been to my yearly average rainfall of about 26 inches since I started recording. If we continue this trend, It looks likely that this year will end out with above normal rainfall totals.

Rainfall totals from around the area from highest to lowest.

Cumberland 1.73"

Menomonie 1.73"

Siren 1.59"

Spooner 1.52"

Hudson 1.40"

Clayton-My Sta. 1.29"

Rice Lake Airport 1.29"

Osceola 1.19"

New Richmond 1.13"

Woodville 1.01"

Small risk severe weather this afternoon.

Image from SPC

The SPC has issued a Slight risk for parts of Minnesota and Iowa, and a Small 5% risk for Western Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota. A fairly strong low pressure system with warm front south will ignite some storms this morning and afternoon. A small risk means there, there is a chance a few storms could be strong, to possibly on the lighter side of severe. Today's highest risks are strong winds and hail, and this risks appears to be the highest south highway 70.

Chilly next couple days. frost possible north again on Tuesday night. Widespread Wednesday. Updated X1

Regional View.

A Chilly early start to the week is Forecasted for the Northern part of the Upper Midwest, with highs in the 50s and 60s, Frost is possible in parts of Northern Wisconsin and Northern Minnesota away from Lake Superior, with Freeze condtions possible in Upper Michigan. Rain chances will spread Northeast with a front by Wednesday, Widespread heavy rainfall totals are possible in Minnesota/Wisconsin with Severe Thunderstorms possible in Iowa.



Local View

Due to a change in Wednesday forecasting model, I had to make a few chances to this forecast.

Locally, Tuesday night/Wednesday morning will start off cool. Temperatures will fall to the upper 30s in some places. Frost is still a possibility in the Northern Highlands of Washburn/Burnett Counties, People in this area should bring in plants/cover them. South of this area, clouds will move in and it will stay warm enough that frost will not form, lows in this area will be in the low to mid 40s. Wednesday may start off partly cloudy early, but things will quickly cloud over. By Wednesday afternoon, Widespread rain looks pretty likely for the entire area. Widespread rainfall up to 1" is possible. With clouds and rain, It will very chilly, wet day. Highs will likely remain in the upper 50s, It will be on the breezy side as well, with winds up to 20MPH.



Wednesday, Frost possible North early, then showers and possible Tstorms with steady rain in the afternoon. Widespread totals up to 1" possible, Highs in the upper 50s. Wednesday Night, A chance of showers and thunderstorms, lows in the upper 40s.


Looking Ahead Updated.


The Good news is the cold air mass I've been forecasting for Tuesday or Wednesday of this week is not as strong as thought with frost chances staying North, But a much cooler air mass may be moving into the area by the end of this week it now looks like Details below.

The forecast models are painting a much cooler picture then last week. The models did speed up the system that was forecast for Thursday and pushed it back into Wednesday, now it looks to be dry and cooler for Thursday. Then the models show much colder air rushing in by Friday the 17th, under a very chilly high pressure Highs could be in the low 50s. This would set up for a potential for Hard frosts or even freezes for the entire area but especially north Friday Night or Saturday night. But resent updates suggest this cold air mass may not make quite such a dive south as earlier forecasted, so things could change between now and then. Shortly after the models are picking up on increased rain chances, Tuesday the 21st the model show a low pressure weather system with heavy rain and high wind potential. Behind this the models show even colder air yet pouring in by the 24th, Things will change, but at this time, it shows the potential for Highs to be in the upper 30s! Behind this warmer air finally pushes back in by the end of the model run.

Fall Color Report Number 1

Fall Color Map

The fall foliage has begun. This is my first report of 2010. We had a Hot and wet Summer 2010, Preip was normal, to well above normal, at my locations for the months on June, July and August. and temperatures were hot, with 10 90 or higher degree days occurring over the course of the summer, which is above normal. We had a very early start to the growing season, ending up to be 3 weeks earlier them normal, This could mean were in for a bit of a earlier peak fall color season. On Average, Northerly locations in Burnett and Washburn counties Normally peak first with peak fall color occurring during the end of September. In the south in Polk, Barron, St Croix and Dunn counties, Peak color is normally on the second week of October.

At this time every reporting locations has reported Little no color, but even with these reports some color can be seen, especially in very early changing Sumac and Virgina Creeper vines, sick or distressed Sugar Maples trees may also be found starting changing color. At my location, The early changing Ash tree in my front yard yard are starting to hint and turning colors. I've also seen some other area ash trees just starting to turn. Northern Highland locations in Burnett and Washburn counties have already has a light, to even hard frost in some locations, I suspect this area will start to see color very soon!

More reports to come!

Partly Sunny Friday ahead of a system, Rain chances for Saturday, Sun back for Sunday.

Regional Weather Conditions

The Upper Midwest has been enjoying quiet conditions for the past couple days, but Rain chances will increase ahead of a weak cold front, This system will moved through fast and bring Clearing weather for Sunday.

New Local View Map showing Fridays weather conditions.

Note, I've redone the local weather view map to look somewhat more modern, and to make more room for icons, Blue dots represent communities. Cities over the population of 5,000 are in bold letter. I've also extend the map to show Northern Burnett and Washburn counties.

Locally, We can expect one more dry day before rain moved back in Late Friday. Clouds will probably be pretty much here through out the day Friday bringing Partly Sunny to Partly Cloudy conditions to a few locations. Highs will remain kinda chilly in the upper 60s. Lows in the low 50s Friday. Saturday will have a chance of scattered light showers, It will not be an all day rain, but a few widely scattered showers will be possible. Highs will be in the low to mid 60s due too the rain. Things clear Sunday with Partly Cloudy Skies and warmer temperatures in the 70s.

Friday, Partly Sunny to Partly Cloudy Skies with highs in the upper 60s. Friday Night, Showers, Lows in thel ow 50s.

Saturday, Chilly, Scattered Showers best chances early otherwise Cloudy Skies with highs in the low 60s Saturday Night, Clearing, Lows in the upper 40s

Sunday, Nice! Partly cloudy to Sunny, Warmer with highs in the low 70s Sunday Night, Partly Cloudy lows in the low 50s

Looking Ahead, After things warm up slightly Sunday, A cold front will pass through late Monday and will bring in Much cooler air, This has been showing in the models for the past few weeks. With this air mass we have the potential for lows in the 30s across the entire local area. Frost may be possible,Especially by Midweek. We will continue a quiet cool weather pattern through most of next week before things become more active again by Saturday the 18th, with rain showers ahead of a warmer air mass that will start to move in. by Tuesday the 21st we have possible thunderstorms chances, It looks Mild during this time. It continues to be mild and active though the rest of the model run which ends on the 24st of Sept. The overall pattern looks to warm things up after Midweek next week.

Fall Color Maps!

September has come fast, and it is time to start my Annual Fall Color Reports, I will have my first report out by this weekend!

Strong weather system, rain and strong winds across the area Tuesday.

Strong winds causing whitecaps on Lake Magnor September 8th.

A strong weather system effected the area Monday and Tuesday of this week. It started off as a weak low pressure, that strengthened and developed over South Dakota, This low pressure system had several fronts that went through causing at first showers and thunderstorms with heavy rain on Monday Night, with 0.24" at my location in a 5 minute downpour! Then strong winds with isolated showers on Tuesday as the low moved off and passed right over the Burnett County-Washburn County area. as the system moved to the Northeast Early Tuesday the cold front pass through and brought in a cold, raw day with clouds and strong winds. Highs were in the 60s! some places were didn't even make it out of the 60s!


Banana plant getting whipped by Tropical storm force winds.

This system brought with it some pretty high wind gusts, well into the 30MPH range here is a list of some wind gusts with high temps

Menomonie 62.F 37MPH

Siren 60.F 35MPH

Rice Lake 61.F 33MPH

New Richmond 61.F 32MPH

Clayton-My Station 60.F 32MPH

Osceola 63.F 32MPH

Amery 61.F 27MPH

Cumberland 60.F 28MPH


Maple Tree missing a top Sept 8th

There was some minor tree damage in the local area from the strong winds, I saw this mid sized young tree lost it's top as the strong NW winds blew off Lake Camila on the Northern side of town. In my yard there were a few small to mid size dead branches that were knocked out of our trees. sometimes it's surprising how systems like these cause so much damage from winds of just 30+MPH but when you factor in the Sustained winds, which was 20 to 25MPH at times, it becomes clear that strong low pressure systems can deliver quite a punch! this was the windiest system we've had so far this early fall season, and it has been at least a couple of months since my station recorded a 30+MPH wind gust!

Image from SPC

Note: I will not be here this afternoon between 4PM and 9PM please go to the latest watches and warnings link on the right side panel for the latest warning information, I will be providing live updated posts from my work location during this time through twitter.

The SPC has continues a Slight Risk for severe weather for parts of the Upper Midwest Monday, including the entire 6 county area, A enhances 5% risk for tornado's is included in this outlook. A strong low pressure system and front will push through during the evening hours, thunderstorms will develop along this front in Minnesota and move Northeast, the main threats will be strong damaging winds, large hail, and a threat for tornado's. The best times for severe storms appear to be between 6 and 11PM for our area. People in the area should be aware during there Holiday that there is the treat for severe storms this evening.

Severe weather potienal tomrrow, then Chilly with rain and very windy condtions again by Tuesday, Wednesday looks nice.

Regional Weather View


A very active next couple of days is ahead for the Upper Midwest after a couple of days break we had. A very strong low pressure system will develop in Minnesota Monday, this will bring a chance at severe storms in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin, behind the front, it will be very windy and chilly.



Local View


I've decided to re write Mondays weather forecast due to the upcoming severe weather potential Monday, This forecast overwrites my last forecast for Labor Day.


Mondays severe weather potential


Monday the day will start off partly cloudy it will become windy from the SE with winds gusting to 35MPH especially late. During the afternoon, a strong low pressure system will pass just to the NW of the area, this will send a front through, storms will develop in the evening hours in Minnesota and move northeast, the highest threats are very strong damaging winds, large hail and a tornado threat.


Tuesday a strong cold front will push through and it will become quite Chilly once again, it will be much like what Friday brought us. Cloudy skies with scattered showers and strong winds gusting to 30MPH up to 35MPH it could be windier in areas near showers, Highs will be in the upper 50s to low 60s lows will be in the mid 40s possibly into the upper 30s in the north.


Wednesday looks much better with much warmer temperatures and partly cloudy skies with highs near 70 lows in the upper 40st


Monday, Partly Cloudy becoming Windy, winds gusting to 35MPH at times then thunderstorms developing in the afternoon, some storms may be severe. Highs in the low 70s Monday Night Windy, Showers and Thunderstorms, some could be severe early.


Tuesday, Chilly and Windy winds gusting to 30-35MPH, Scattered showers in the afternoon, highs in the upper 50s to low 60s Tuesday Night, Chilly, clearing skies with lows in the mid 40s, upper 30s possible north.


Wednesday, Warmer and much nicer, sunny with highs near 70 Wednesday Night, Clear, lows in the upper 40s


Looking Ahead

It appears like our short break Wednesday will be short lived, as rain chances increase again by Thursday with a warm front, It also looks like this front will bring in some warmer air for the first part of next weekend. Saturday a strong cold front pushes through with storm potential, cooler air moved in behind this front, and skies clear out Sunday. Tuesday a warm front again starts to move north bringing more rain chances. then a couple days with shower chances, then Thursday Sept 16th. the models are picking up on a strong system moving through with heavy rain and wind, then a strong cold front moves through ushering in much colder air. This system may bring frost chances to the entire area around the 19th. More on this later.

Frost Report, 1st frost of the season for Northern Areas. Some places had hard frosts.

Sunday morning lows list.

Some places had their first frost of the season last night, with the most northerly station possibly getting a killing frost with low temperature below the 32 degree mark! A strong cold front went through late Thursday which brought cold winds and highs in the upper 50s to low 60s Friday. A cold Canadian high pressure settled in behind the front and brought clear skies and calm winds by the time Sunday night came around, the perfect ingredients for a cool night! many places in the North, in the Northern Highlands, had lows commonly in the 30s, this was the rule North of highway 48 in Polk/Barron counties. In the south, south of this highway, it remained frost free with lows in the low to mid 40s. It was too warm for frost even in the open fields at my location where I had a low of 43.F, Still this was the chillest night to my spot since May.

The coolest number was Minong with a very chilly low of 31.F This area likely got a hard, possibly even killing frost. It still amazes me how Minog always manages to reach such chilly numbers! Other locations in Burnett and Washburn counties had patchy frost with lows in the mid upper 30s. This is a little over a week early for frosts in this region. On average locations in the Northern Highlands of Northern Burnett and Washburn counties gets its first frost around the 13th to the 19th. In the south, south of Hwy 48, the normal first frost is around the 27 to Oct 3rd. The warmest reading of the night was 44.F which was set in Hudson along the Mississippi River.

Chilly! with scattered showers and very windy conditions Friday, turning sunny for the weekend. Frost possible northern areas Sat night.

Regional Weather Conditions.

A chilly and fall like air mass is making it's way to the Upper Midwest, and it wont come in quietly, scattered showers will be likely behind a strong area of low pressure, it will also be very wind across the area, with 50MPH or higher wind gusts possible on some of the southern shores of Lake Superior, the chilly air lasts into Saturday bringing frost chances to Northern Wisconsin and Northeast Minnesota.

Local Weather View

Note: Due to the upcoming Holiday weekend I have included Mondays forecast.

Locally, we can expect a cloudy, very chilly, and very windy Friday with scattered showers around highs will only manage to make the upper 50s! Scattered showers are likely tomorrow with mainly light rainfall accumulations. Skies will clear out Friday Night.

Fridays Gusty wind.

Winds will be very strong Friday gusting behind a strong low pressure Northwest winds will be easily 20-30MPH with gusts as high as 45MPH, especially near showers that move in. These kind of winds may knock down some weak trees.

Saturday/Sunday + Saturdays Frost Potential

Saturday skies will be clear, but even with the sunshine highs will only manage low 60s. Saturday Night will be clear and calm, with these conditions temperatures will drop like a rock, lows may cool to as low as the upper 30s in Northern sections of the area, near Minong and Hayward, this may lead to light frost. Temperatures should stay in the 40s in the south, keeping frost chances very low in this area. people in the north could benefit by covering some of the more tender plants.

Sunday will be much warmer, and any frost chances will die off quickly, highs will warm to near 70.F under sunny skies and calm winds.

Friday, Chilly! scattered rain showers. Very windy, Northwest winds gusts as high as 30 to 45MPH. Highs in the upper 50s. Friday Night, Chilly! Clearing Skies, lows in the low to mid 40s.

Saturday, Sunny Less windy, but still breezy, highs in the low to mid 60s. Saturday Night, clear skies very chilly! lows in the low 40s, upper 30s with frost possible in the northern areas

Sunday, Warmer, Sunny Skies with highs near 70.F Sunday Night, clear lows in the mid 50s

Labor Day, Sunny Skies then turning partly cloudy a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon, Highs in the mid 70s Monday Night, A chance of showers, lows in the upper 50s

Looking Ahead

Things will certainly warm up and stay warm at least for a little while. After Mondays rainfall chances, it appears like a mild and dry weather pattern will set in for Tuesday through Thursday. Friday Sept 10th, the models show a chance of some heavy rainfall with a strong system and warmer air mass. things remain active with fair temperatures through Wednesday, when a strong cold front moves though bringing dry weather out Sunday and much cooler temps, the models still show at least a small chance a frost potential temperatures around the 16th of Sept, Which is the end of the model run. Please stay tuned further forecasts.

Image from SPC

The SPC has a Small risk for severe weather for the local area Thursday, a 5% risk exits, this mean Strong storms are possible with a few isolated storms becoming severe, Best chances of storms is in the early morning hours, then again in the morning hours. biggest threats are hail and wind.