Strong winds develop today could gust as high as 45MPH then calmer Wednesday, before more chances at Tstorms Thursday.

Regional weather view.

Very Strong winds will develop behind a strengthen area of low pressure this afternoon winds and could gust as high as 50MPH in South Dakota, North Dakota, Western Iowa and Western Minnesota, and as high as 45MPH over Eastern Minnesota Western Wisconsin and Eastern Iowa. Temperatures will be cool off to about average for this time of year. Wednesday is looking much calmer and nicer with dry sunny skies. Thunderstorms will come back into the pictures come Thursday due to a warm front lifting back north.

Local View

Very strong winds will develop across our area on Tuesday afternoon from a strengthen low pressure system behind a cool front, Temperatures behind will cool off to about average for this time of year and it will be much less humid then Monday was. Skies will start off Cloudy Tuesday but then clear off in the afternoon. Wednesday will be nice and less windy, but there will still be strong breezes. skies will be bright and sunny through the day. Thursday will start off sunny with fair temps, then clouds and thunderstorm chances will increase as a warm front begins to approach the area, Some of these storms could be strong on Thursday afternoon and night.

Strong wind potential

The strongest winds for Tuesday will develop behind a cold front around 12PM as skies clear. Sustained winds gusts this afternoon could be as high as 25MPH with gust around 45MPH possible. Winds this strong can take down weakened trees and limbs and can blow around yard furniture and garbage cans easily. People in the area should prepare by bringing in garbage cans and should watch for fallen trees on roadways this afternoon.

Tuesday, Very Windy Cloudy skies early with clearing skies in the afternoon. Winds around 35MPH, with gusts as high as 45MPH Highs in the mid 70s. Tuesday Night, windy, winds gusting to 30MPH, Clear skies with lows in the low 50s.

Wednesday, Breezy, Sunny skies highs in the low 70s. Wednesday Night, Clear skies with increasing clouds late lows in the low 50s

Thursday, Partly Cloudy early then increasing clouds. Chances of thunderstorms in the afternoon, some could be strong. Highs in the mid 70s Thursday Night, Thunderstorms, some could be strong, lows in the low 60s.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead to Friday and Saturday looks very warm with an approaching a warm front highs could possibly be warmer then they were on Monday, before a cool front passes and cools things down for Sunday, the cool front its self looks to come through dry, but there could be showers on Sunday. Monday & Tuesday June 6-7th looks sunny with fair temps, then increasing temperatures. Wednesday the 8th looks very warm and Stormy. It remains warm with multiple chances and thunderstorms through Saturday June 11th, before it cools off slightly and we get a short break the 12th. Then as we approach the 15th of June it looks increasingly cooler and drier, but not cold.

Severe storms hit Memorial Day & Warm tempeture report many places near 90 for 1st time this season.

Storm that produced quarter sized hail near Turtle Lake & Cumberland. Picture taken in Turtle Lake,WI


Multiple waves of Severe thunderstorms broke out across the local area on Memorial day, some that will leave residents cleaning up. A warm front was sitting directly over the area in the morning hours, and that was the only trigger needed to cause thunderstorms to form and become severe. The first storms developed in Burnett county where it dropped hail nearly the size of golf balls at Siren, then the moved east, northeast and caused damaging winds near Shell Lake. The second storm formed in St Croix county and moved more northeasterly, this storm dropped hail the size of quarters near Range and Cumberland.


The 3rd group of main storms that formed effected my location by this time they were becoming more elevated, but based by radar it was showing large hail potential and because of this the NWS put my location, and places north to Cumberland along the county line under a severe thunderstorm warning for a time, but nothing severe happened at my location, and there was no severe reports. This was the same for a storm that was warned in southeastern Barron county.

Storm Reports

Siren 1.50" inch hail

Clam Lake 1.50" hail

3 miles SE Shell Lake Trees down

4 miles W Turtle Lake 1.00 inch hail

5 miles NW Cumberland 1.00" inch hail

Oppressively humid conditions May 30th 2011

When Some woke up on Monday morning they were probably wondering if it was even going to get warm because it was in the 60s with clouds and gusty Northeast winds. Even as 3pm approached we were still held under thick cloud cover, but around 5pm the skies cleared as the warm front lifted north and hot oppressively humid air was blown in on strong south winds temperatures rose into the middle upper 80s across the central and southern part of the area, this was with dewpoints in the low 70s made it feel more like 90.F! My location managed to make 84.F in the last 4 hours of sunlight in the day, my highest heat index was 89.F

Warm temperature report

The highest temperature was in River Falls with a toasty high of 88.F with the coolest number being a sticky 78.F from Spooner

Slight risk severe storms Today

Image from SPC

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma has issued a Slight Risk for Severe Thunderstorms across the southern half of the Upper Midwest. This includes the entire 6 county area. Thunderstorms are expected to develop in Minnesota and southern Wisconsin along a warm front and move north late this afternoon into tonight. The main threat will be larger hail and very heavy rainfall. People should be aware that there is a chance of severe storms today, especially this afternoon into tonight.

Memorial Day Lilacs! Information on them- including differece between double and single blooming varietys.

Lilac blooms May 26th from a bush that was significantly reduced in size in 2010


The lilacs are in bloom this week, and they could not have been more perfect on their timing! They came into full bloom right on the memorial holiday weekend, which is perfect because normally they end up blooming just before the Holiday weekend. Lilacs are known for their blooms around Memorial Day!

Lilac blooms May 26th 2011

This year I'd like to provide answer to a few of the most commonly asked questions. to get lilacs like in the pictures above.

Lilacs are one of the most beloved and the most commonly planted bushes in Western Wisconsin. In May they can be seen blooming beautify along the countryside, in farm yards as well as in our community's and cities. They come in many colors and are one of the most fragrant flowers in the Upper Midwest and the smell is unforgettable to many. Some of the most common questions are light requirements. Lilacs need at least some good afternoon sunshine to provide the best and full blooms. Although I've seen lilacs blooming well on north sides of treelines and in a fair amount of shade if lilacs are surrounding completely by shade, blooms will not be as abundant.

My gardens White blooming double lilacs May 28th 2011

Another commonly asked question is trimming and pruning. Lilacs bloom on old wood and develop buds for the next springs bloom right after the current years bloom, meaning that if you just were to cut your entire bush back to the ground you would not seen flowers next Spring. It's best to take the 3 year prune out approach when pruning lilacs taking out a few of the oldest branches each year which I found great success on. It's also a good idea not to let lilacs sucker much around the base because they can become quite large and wide if allowed. The lilac at the top of the post used to be so large you could not see into the lawn behind from that area easily probably 20 feet wide.

Close-up Common old fashioned lilac-Single blooming variety.

One last piece information I wanted to share what exactly the difference in between double and single blooming lilacs. From afar, you can really see no difference, but if you get close up you can see a clear difference! The little flowers in the clusters of the single blooming variety have four petals

My great grandmas double-blooming white Lilac which inherited.

The double blooming variety has multiple little petals in each flower cluster, giving them a more ruffled appearance.

Dark purple double lilac

The multiple petals can really be seen in this dark colored lilac. Not only do they look different, but each variety and color of lilac does have it's own unique scent, My favorite and the kinda I find most powerful are the old fashioned single blooming variety, I believe nothing can beat old fashioned when it comes to Lilacs!

"Small" Risk severe storms today

Image from SPC

The SPC has issued a "Small" Risk of severe weather for this afternoon. It includes the entire local area. This risk would mean that a few storms this afternoon may could severe. Low end severe Large hail, strong wind gusts and brief tornado's are the main threats for this afternoon. Because it is memorial day weekend keep an eye to the sky and have a weather radio at hand.

Memorial Forecast- Strong to severe storms possid tonight and Monday. Turning hot, humind and breezy Monday afternoon. near 90.F some places UpdatedX1

Regional Weather view.

A warmer and stormier summer-like pattern has shifted north and will bring parts of the Upper Midwest hot and humid conditions Monday with chances of thunderstorms. Temperatures as warm as the mid 90s are possible in southern Iowa, Further north mid 80s is possible as far north as Central Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Severe storms will be possible with the warm front on Sunday evening-overnight across Minnesota and Wisconsin, before a more Severe storm outbreak is possible on Monday especially in North and South Dakota, as well as Western Minnesota and Northwest Iowa on Monday.

Local view.

Have a safe and Happy Memorial Day!

Sunday during the daylight hours should be mainly dry, besides a shot of an isolated shower here or there. Highs will warm to the mid 70s, Thunderstorms will develop Sunday evening and overnight with a warm front that is moving north. Some of these could be strong to severe and produce heavy rain. lows will only fall to the mid 50s. Monday will be breezy, hot and humid. There will be a small chance of thunderstorms in the morning, then a better chance in the evening, and some of those could also be strong to severe. It will feel very hot and humid to us South winds will be breezy through the day as highs heat up to their warmest levels of the season so far at most locations mid 80 degree temperatures are likely, with southern and western areas having a shot and the upper 80s, maybe even 90.F

Sunday, A chance of showers in the morning then Partly sunny skies. Highs in the mid 70s. Sunday night, Developing thunderstorms in the evening. Some could be strong to severe and produce heavy rainfall, Lows in the mid 50s

Memorial Day, Hot and Humid and breezy, A chance of early morning thunderstorms then clearing skies, then evening thunderstorms move in from MN, Some could be strong possibly severe. highs in the mid to upper 80s. Monday Night, Mild a chance of thunderstorms early otherwise cloudy. Lows in the mid 60s

Looking Ahead

After the long weekend It cools off slightly and and becomes dry for a couple days possible lasting all of next week. Then heat and humidity starts to increase again by Thursday June 1st. We could have a long stretch of days with highs in the 80s with multiple chances at our 1st 90 degree temps, before a storm system deliverers us a chance of thunderstorms on Sunday June 5th. They will have to be watched for severe potential. It remains hot and humid through 6th and 7th. Then a cool front cools things down slightly, before it becomes hot and humid with increasing chances a thunderstorms June 10th. Then a cold front cools things down for Sunday June 12th.

Calm Spring weather next 3 days, turning cool on Thursday with frost & freeze possible North. Updated x1

Regional weather view.

Thursday region wide, Frost is possible, along with a hard freeze in Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Local View

Thursday it becomes sunny once again, but does cool off with a cold front from the north. Highs will cool into the low to mid 60s. This cooler and drier airmass will lead to frost and freeze
chances. The highest area of likely hood to see a freeze will be Minong, Spooner and Stone lake. Here temperatures may fall into the upper 20s. Further south, widespread frost is possible with lows in the low 30s for the rest of Burnett and Washburn counties, as well as northern Polk and Barron counties. South of there I feel at this time that the central and southern areas will only see patchy frost if any. Lows should remain in the mid to upper 30s here.

Update Freeze Information

With temperatures in the upper 20s shade trees, perennials and shrubs like hosta, peony and lilac, especially near the ground may be temporarily damaged if uncovered because most of these plants have lost their leaf protective sap. Tender flowering annuals and vegetables will not survive these conditions and should be covered.

Frost information

With temperatures in the low 30s Shade trees and shrubs should not be damaged by these conditions. But some perennials such has hosta may be damaged temporarily. Tender annuals and vegetables should be brought indoors or covered. They are significantly damaged by these conditions.

For temperatures in the mid to upper 30s, patchy frost is possible. Trees shrubs and perennials are not damaged by these conditions. And annuals and vegetables that are not in under tree cover or under eves of houses may have slight damage from these conditions, but normally they recover.

Thursday, Sunny skies, lighter winds. Highs in the mid 60s. Tuesday Night, cold, Frost and Freeze possible north, with patch frost south,. lows in the low to mid 30s south, upper 20s to low 30s north.

Looking Ahead & Early Western Wisconsin Memorial Day Forecast.

Memorial Day Weekend is next weekend and is one of Western Wisconsin's largest travel days. Because of this I will try to issued a early detailed forecast for the upcoming weekend, but things could change, this is only meant to give an idea on the upcoming weekend. Please come back on Friday to view my official weekend forecast.

The weekend ahead will start off dry with fair temperatures, before a warm front pushed through on Sunday the 29th. These storms may have to be watched for severe potential. It turns sunnier and with very warm and humid conditions a chance of Thunderstorms develop on Memorial Day.

Detailed Weekend Forecast.

Friday May 27th. Partly Cloudy, Mild temperatures

Saturday May 28th, A chance of early morning light showers, then partly cloudy. Fair temperatures.

Sunday May 29th. A chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms some could be strong. Fair temperatures

Monday May 30th, Warm & Humid, a sunny early with increasing showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Some could be strong.

After Monday it drys out and stays fairly mild. The models have been trending on a potential short lived heat wave, bringing heat and humidity as well as storm chances from the 2nd of June through the 5th. The first 90 degree temperatures of the season look quite possible. Thunderstorms develop on Monday June 6th in front of a cold front, bringing pleasantly cooler air which lasts through the 8th of June before more heat starts building out west.

May 22nd storm report-Severe storms, including a confirmed tornado near Mikana cause damage in parts of the area Sunday.

Tornado damage just northwest of Mikana May 23rd

I'd like to first start off by thanking Dirk Miller for invited me to come along with him to survey the damage in Northeastern Barron County.

Multiple waves of Thunderstorms swept across the local area on Sunday, bringing heavy rain and strong winds, some of them ended up causing damage, with one spawning a tornado in Northeastern Barron county. The most severe storms developed along a stationary front in the afternoon, as skies cleared off slightly and the temp rose. Storms first moved into St Croix and Dunn Counties from Pierce County, where hail as large as nearly 2 inches fell just outside of the Dunn County line, There is reason to believe hail to the size of quarters may have fell near community of Weston just southwest of Menomonie Although it was not reported. The most damage was seen from a complex of storms that dropped a tornado that moved through Barron County near Mikana and Brill. This area Dirk and I surveyed. We saw lots of trees down, as well as structural, and roof damage. One resident did allow us to go inside of her home where I witnessed the most unusual damage I've ever seen. There was glass sticking in a bedroom wall, and a certain which got sucked up into a crack that was made when winds pushed the wall out slightly. The best thing I heard is no one was hurt in this area. The NWS did determine that it was an EF1 tornado


One of 5 storms that hit my location May 22nd

At my location I certainly received my share of thunderstorms on Sunday. It started off with a strong storm that woke me up when it rolled through in the morning hours around 4AM the brought very heavy rain and frequent lightning, along with breezy conditions. The highest wind gust was 27MPH on my station, there was no damage in my yard. This storm was just one of 5 thunderstorms roll through during the course of the day from the early morning hours to evening hours, after each storm went through the skies cleared off every time, and it got warm and humid in a hurry. Rainfall totals in my yard from the entire weekend were 0.92"

Storm Reports

2 miles NW Mikana, Confirmed EF1 Tornado- multiple homes damaged with lots of trees down between Mikana and Brill.

Sundays severe weather risk.

Image from SPC

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman,Oklahoma has updated the severe weather risk and has issued a Moderate Risk! of severe thunderstorms for the Upper Midwest, including a small part of the southeast part of the local 6 county area. Slight Risk Covers everywhere else North and West of Dunn county. After morning showers and thunderstorms, if enough clearing takes place, strong to severe thunderstorms could form along a front Sunday afternoon. The southern and eastern part of the local area seems to have the highest likelyhood of seeing severe weather at this time. Heavy rain, Large hail and strong winds will be the highest threat, but as with all storms, an isolated tornado can never be ruled out completely.

People should just be awware that there could be severe weather around tomorrow afternoon, after morning showers and storms.

Staying mild but turning stormy Saturday with heavy rain possible. Scattard showers or storms Sun/Mon

Regional Weather View.

A storm system will bring a chance of widespread scattered thunderstorms for most of the Upper Midwest Saturday, with temperatures staying mild. It will be warm in the south with a chance of Severe Storms in southeastern Iowa, Southern Wisconsin, and Illinois. Sunday and Monday there will be a chance of scattered showers or storms behind the low across the entire region.

Local View

Locally we will be dealing with a wet Saturday for sure and the rainiest of the next 3. There will be bouts of widespread showers and thunderstorms through the day, with maybe a cloudy break in between them. Some of the storms could bring heavy downpours, especially in the evening and overnight hours. Sunday will bring a bit more sun, warmer temps, with a chance of rain from widely scattered thunderstorms through the entire day. Some of these storms could become strong if we get enough sunshine, but severe weather should not happen. Monday will bring cooler and more cloudy conditions, with a chance of a shower. It should be more wet then dry on Monday.

Saturday, Stormy, Widespread showers and thunderstorms possible through out the day. Heavy rain possible. Highs in the mid 60s Saturday night. Showers and thunderstorms, some could bring heavy rainfall, lows in the mid 50s

Sunday, Partly sunny with a chance of a shower of thunderstorms. Some could be strong, highs in the low to mid 70s. Sunday Night, Chance of a shower lows in the low 50s.

Monday, Cooler, A chance of a shower, otherwise cloudy, with highs in the low to mid 60s. Monday Night, Cloudy, lows in the mid 40s.


Short range forecast coming out tonight.

At lest 2 more nice days with increasing warmer temps, before chance of showers moves back in Thursday

Regional weather view.

Regional weather will be quiet and dry with lots of sunshine and with very uniform, but warming temperatures across the region Tuesday and Wednesday. It's not till Thursday that a chance of showers moves in. Highs will warm each day including Thursday.


Local view

Locally we will have at least 2 more nice days allowing for people to be able to finish mowing their yards or get things done outside, with the good news being that the winds will die down. Tuesday and Wednesday both will bring lots of sunshine, and warm temperatures in the upper 60s to 70 and lighter winds. Lows both nights will be on the chilly side due to dry air, lows should be in the upper 30s to low 40s. Thursday will be mostly sunny, with increasing clouds in the afternoon. There may be light shower late in the day or evening, but it should not be enough to alter outdoor plans much. Highs will be in the upper 60s Thursday, and lows in the 50s

Tuesday, Sunshine, lighter winds with highs in the upper 60s. Tuesday Night. Chilly, Clear skies with lows in the upper 30s to low 40s.

Wednesday, Nice, Sunny skies with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s. Wednesday Night, Clear skies, lows in the low 40s.

Thursday, Morning sunshine then increasing clouds. Highs in the upper 60s to low 70s. Thursday Night, Warmer, Mostly cloudy with lows in the low 50s

Looking Ahead

It dries out after Thursday but stays more cloudy and remains warmer after Thursday, with rain holding off till Saturday, And this could come in the form of a wave of thunderstorms on Saturday. It gets active after Saturday, with more chances of showers and thunderstorms each day from Sunday through Wednesday. It also warms up and becomes more humid during that time as well, potential increasing severe weather threat. Then a cold front pulls through on May 27th that clears us out and brings cooler temperatures. It remains dry with warming temperatures through the weekend of May 30th. With a chance at more showers and thunderstorms with increasingly hot temperatures as we approach June 1st.

May 16th Cool tempeture report

1st cutting of the lawn this season in front yard May 16th


A dry high pressure system allowed for a cool night Sunday night into Monday morning, a few sheltered locations that remained wind free did get frost, and some even fell well below freezing into the mid to upper 20s. My location did not end up getting a frost, There was just enough wind up on my hill through the night that it allowed for my yard to remain frost free, my low was 35.F and none of my tender blooming plants were harmed, and cetinitly not the grass, It was mowing as usual when it came to the lawn today as the high soard to 67.F at my location for a high today.

Recorded low temperatures on Monday Morning

The coldest low temperatures were in Minong which fell to a hard freeze. The low was 25.F degrees there, and the warmest low was 36.F in Chetek. Locations that held on to more of a breeze temperatures remained higher.

Some may have been wondering why Burnett and Washburn counties had no frost advisory out even though there was frost there, and temperature were below freezing. When these alerts are issued depends on what NWS's opinions of when the growing season begins the NWS in Duluth which covers those counties does not consider there forecast areas growing season has begun.

May 15th Spring Growth Update. Tulip full bloom Splendor & tree leafout!

Full bloom spring bulb garden May 15th 2011

Presenting my garden with spring bulbs in full bloom! The tulips quickly went into full bloom aside the daffodils, making for a very colorful scene from my garden. I am very pleased yet another year at how this turned out when everything comes into bloom at once. I remember when only one part of my garden had spring bulbs just 3 years ago, bu since then, every year I added more and more until it became what it is today, and with all these blooms I will be enjoying flowers for weeks! Also last time these year in 2010 I had already enjoyed tulips nearly a month earlier then this year coming into bloom in 2010 on April 22nd.


Tulips May 15th


This is a close up of my tulips, and I was happy to see that 11 out of the 12 tulips that were here last year returned to bloom this year! This clump is now 3 years old, and it continues to bloom profusely year after year since it's planting in 2009 These tulips are the "original" tulip project.


Single Yellow tulip May 15th

Some may remember me post pictures over the last 3 years of two groups of tulips the one above and then this one here. This clump started out colors of red and yellow with 5 tulips in 2009, to 4 in 2010, and this year only 1 returned, but one interesting thing to note is clump behind it has actually been increasing from 1 in 2010 to 2 this year, These started of as "one leafer" tulips that were left from a long ago planting.



Rhododendron in full bloom May 11th

Also in full bloom this week, my newly planting this spring PMJ rhododendron!




The trees have really begun to leaf out since it hit 80.F back on Tuesday, They literally seemed to pop overnight, seeming as though they finally got the warmth they needed to start going!


Just outside of the yard May 15th 2011

Even the tree canopy in my yard has increased since my last update. The earlier trees already have all their leaves, while our large ones which are a bit later to leaf out have begun their blooming and leafing. Also the grass has really been un effected by the cool temperatures. I'll be mowing lawn this week for sure.

Hard to tell from the photo above this one, but the large trees do actually have small leaves on them, but you have to get close to see the leafing going on!

Apricot tree in full bloom May 11th

Our apricot tree quickly went from 1st open flowers, to full bloom in one day back when it warmed into the 80s, It is already on the declining stage. There are definitely more flowers on it this year, hopefully that will mean there will be more fruit!

Chilly Saturday, Warmer Sunday but frost likely Sunday Night, before better on Monday. Updated X1

Regional weather view


A cool weather pattern has set it's self over the Upper Midwest. Cool, cloudy and showery weather will be the main weather story at least the first part of the weekend. Sunday things will clear out but it will still be cool, Frost may even develop in parts of Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota. Monday is looking warmer in all areas with continued sunshine and dryness.

Local View



Note: this forecast has been updated due to the more likelyhood of frost on Sunday Night.

Locally this will not be the best weekend to do things outside, but it wont be the worst either. Sunday will be much brighter and warmer day as skies will be Sunny, as a result highs will warm into the low 60s, but with a chilly high pressure system bringing us the sunshine, it will allow for a cold overnight lows Sunday night, allowing for frost to develop across the entire area with a potential freeze or hard frost in the north. lows could fall as cold as the low 30s to upper 20s in traditional cold spots in Northern Washburn and northern Barron counties. South of highway 8, frost will still be likely, but not as hard as areas north. Low to Mid 30s will likely take place in the rest of the area. Monday, will bring sunshine and dry weather again with moderating temperatures. Highs will be in the mid 60s, with lows falling into the upper 30s to low 40s. There could be patchy frost again mainly north only.

Frost/Freeze plant information

Large/Small shade trees, shrubs and bushes. These should not be harmed by light frost conditions with temps above 32 because they have natural protection against late frosts in their new leaves. But temperatures in the upper 20s may temporarily damage new leaves.

Spring bulbs/Perennials, Most spring bulbs even while in bloom should be hardy enough to continue blooming through a more light frost lows above 32.F but a hard frost with lows in the upper 20s would likely put an end to blooms for the year, but the bulb it's self will not be harmed. Most Perennials should be hardy, and just like trees/shrubs, will only be temporarily damage at temperatures in the upper 20s.

Annuals, Non-hardy annuals such as impatiens and marigold are significantly damaged even by light frosts, but hardy annuals like Pansy's and snapdragons will not be harmed. With a hard frost with temps below 32.F most annual will either not survive, or are significantly damaged. Bring in or cover these overnight to prevent damage.

Sunday, Warmer, bright Sunshine with highs in the low 60s. Sunday Night, Cold, Clear skies frost possible especially north. Lows in the low 30s north, to mid to upper 30s south.

Monday, Sunny skies light winds, highs in the mid 60s. Monday Night Warmer, clear skies with lows in the upper 30s to low 40s.

Looking Ahead

The long range forecast finally show us a long stretch of dry and sunny weather lasting through much of the upcoming week. Farmers will be glad to hear that temperatures will also be moderating as the days go by. It appears that dry weather can at least be promised from Sunday through Thursday of next week. Saturday into Monday the 21st to 24th a small storms system may try to bring a chance of showers, Temperatures look fair. then on Tuesday a warmer and more humid airmass tries to push north. Bringing with it more rain chances. Wednesday May 25th, looks a bit cooler but still fair, and heavy rain appears to be possible, before it starts to dry out as we approach the 29th on May. After that heat starts building in the west that may push east as we head into June.

May 10th-11th Storm report very large hail reported in Washburn county & Warm temp report, some places breaking first 80.F of the season.

Image of a Tuesdays warm steamy day in May 10th 2011

Tuesday was a very warm day across Western Wisconsin, every location hit at least the 70s for highs, and some places even broke 80.F for the first time this year, There were even a far spots in the far southwest part of the area that were approaching 90.F! Also with the warm temps, dew points were sent well up into the muggy range, reaching the mid to upper 60s, It felt more like July then May, as temperatures were as much as 10 to 20 degrees above normal. The cause of the warmth was very warm air was surging well ahead of a strong warm front that made it as far north as just south of the local area. This caused a huge temp contrast of about 10 to 20 degrees as you went north through the local area as well as the Midwest.

Tempetures reported on Tuesday.

The warmest temperature was 87.F in River Falls which was closest to the warm front, the coolest reading further north was 70.F from Minong

May 10-11th Severe Weather Report

Unfortunately with the warm air and muggy conditions severe thunderstorms broke out across the local area both Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. Tuesday nightd outbreak was from a complex of thunderstorms that moved into the Burnett and Washburn counties, as well as Northwestern Polk county areas from Minnesota, This storm looked impressive for quite some near Siren, Frederic and Spooner. and the lightning seen from my area was constant and vivid. This storm first dropped small hail at Grantsburg, then produced large hail the size of quarters in Siren, and went on to produce baseball sized hail just north of Spooner. Very heavy rainfall amounts were also reported with these storms, with over an inch possibly 2 inches of rain near Webster. Wednesday more thunderstorms broke out, this time in Dunn county which became severe as well, a storm quickly blew up behind a another complex of storms moving through the Eau Claire area, this storm also dropped large hail the sized of quarters in Menomonie. Heavy rain was also noted in this storm.

May 10th severe weather reports

Siren, 1.00 "quarter" inch hail

Spooner 2.75 "Baseball" inch hail

May 11th severe weather reports

Menomonie 1.00 "quarater" inch hail

Slight risk for tonight

Image from SPC

The storm precidiciton center has issued a Slight Risk of severe thunderstorms for a large part of the Upper Midwest, and this includes all of the local area. Thunderstorms if a cap erodes during the late evening to overnight hours could quickly develope on a strong warm front over eastern Minnesota and move Northeast into the local area. The best chance of this will be around evening and overnight. The main threats with system will be large hail, very heavy rain, strong damaging wind gusts and even the chance for tornados. People in the local area should know that there is at least a chance of severe weather this evening and tonight.

Strong winds behind thunderstorms cause damage across the area.

Photo of Strong Easterly wind gusts May 9th

Many people will be cleaning up fallen trees and branches this week after a strange event occurred. Strong winds took down trees across the area some people even lost hour for nearly an hour, but it's where the winds were in the storms that made it strange. After a line of thunderstorms past through, Strong winds blowing from the east out behind a strong pressure gradient behind a weakening area of thunderstorms developed and blew hard for about an hour after storms past through, some of these wind gusts reached near 50MPH in parts of the area.

Pine Branches covering the Eastern yard May 9th 2011

The thunderstorms themselves were pretty typical, they came with heavy rain, small hail and vivid close lightning strikes at my location. There was really no wind to speak of at all until the storms got near Near the end of the rain shelf behind the strongest cells, then strong east winds developed and gusted for about an hour. There were power outages, I believe was from lightning, which took power out to downtown Clayton for an hour to many popular business in town. Damage was pretty minimal around town, There were many pine branches as seen above down in my yard, and the large one is over an inch in diameter. The strongest wind gust on my anemometer was 37MPH from the ESE.

Damage was fairly sporadic, but widespread, with the The most worst of the damage from these winds in central and eastern sections of the area.

Storm Reports

New Richmond 43MPH wind gust

Menomonie 45MPH wind gust

4 NE Menomonie, trees down

Dallas, Trees down SW of Dallas and a large tree top snapped in town.

Amery, 44MPH wind gust

Clayton, small tree branches down, power out for an hour to downtown residents.

Spooner, 40MPH wind gust

Sand Creek, 8 inch diameter tree branch down

Tainter Lake, several trees down

Rice Lake, pine tree snapped

6 NW Rice Lake 8 inch diameter tree branch snapped.

Turning Warm upcoming days with chance at 80.F! Chance of rain of Tstorms all 3 days, some could be strong Tues or Wed.

Regional weather view.

A more summer-like pattern is setting up for the upcoming week. A system and warm front will bring the area the warmest air mass so far of the season! With it thunderstorms will break out across much of MN/WI and some could be strong or severe, with the best chances of that in Minnesota. A chance of 90s as far north as Iowa and 80s as far north as southern Minnesota and Wisconsin will be seen with this airmass.

Local view.

Locally we can expect a warm and wet next 3 days ahead, But I just like the weekend it will not be all day steady rainfall events, I even believe there will be chances of a few hours of sun all 3 days So expect that people should still be able to get things done outside. Monday could start of with a few showers and rumbles of thunder in the morning, then partly sunny skies should prevail allowing temperatures to reach near 70 once again, with lows remaining very mild in the middle 50s. Temperatures and humidity will really climb and as we approach Tuesday and Wednesday, as a warm front comes quite close to our area, there is a chance some locations may top 80.F for the first time this season both days, This will come with a humid feel to the air. Most of Tuesday looks dry, but Thunderstorms could break out on Tuesday evening, with a much better chance of thunderstorms on Wednesday. Lows both nights will be in the upper 50s to even 60!

Strong, maybe severe storms possible.

The area will probably have a couple of threats of strong storms with the warm front One will come Tuesday evening and overnight hours as the warm front moves north, and the other will be on Wednesday as a another front pushed through. I will not rule out that some of these storms could be on the low end severe limits like large hail or wind chances, especially on Wednesday.

Monday, Partly sunny with a chances of showers in the morning. Highs in the upper 60s. Monday Night, A chance of showers, lows in the mid 50s.

Tuesday, Warm and Humid, Cloudy early then clearing. Highs in the upper 70s to low 80s Thunderstorms developing late in the afternoon. Tuesday night, Thunderstorms, some could be strong. Lows in the upper 50s to low 60s.

Wednesday, Warm and Humid with a good chances of afternoon thunderstorms, some could be strong, possibly severe. Highs in the upper 70s to lower 80s. Wednesday Night, Clearing, lows in the mid 40s

Looking ahead

Wednesday after the cool front moves through it does not really cool off much. There could be a chance off and on brief showers or thunderstorms on Thursday, and that could last through Saturday before it dries out Sunday and it remains dry for a few days. Temperatures here look fair through Monday the 16th of May. Tuesday 17th through Friday the 20s looks like more shower or storm chances, before hot weather moves in towards the end of the month ahead of another system on May 23rd, some of the storms with this weather system may have to be watches for severe potential, but this will be true with any storm system this time of year. Please continue to watch for future forecasts.

The beautiful days of Spring! Photos around the yard, including Main garden Daffodils in full bloom.

Main garden Daffodil blooms May 7th 2011


The past couple days have been beautiful across Western Wisconsin. There was at least some sun and highs were near 70.F both days at my location. Around town with this nice weather has become lively as Many people are going outdoors to get yard work done, or just to plain enjoy the weather! I've also already noticed that some people have begun mowing lawns.


Original 2009 Daffodil Project returning for 3rd year.


My garden has literally popped into bloom over the last two days, and it looks and smells great! I had Hyacinths return from last year and just those 4 flowers is enough that their sent can be smelled across my yard and even partly down our driveway, enough that the smell hits me in a good way when I walk up from getting the mail! The yellow daffodils above are the original 2009 daffodils project that was the first daffodils bulbs I've ever gotten to survive in my garden. They have continued to put on a beautiful show for the 3rd year in a row, and since there survival my daffodil collection has increased significantly. The only bulbs that have yet to open are my late double daffodils, and of course, The tulips.

Yellow/White daffodil returning for second year

These interesting looking white with pumpkin orange center- daffodils I purchased from Walmart last year, I was very happy to see that not only did they survived the winter, but they have increased their bloom as well, last year there were only 2 flowers in this clump.

Royle Star Magnolia bush May 7th

My Magnolia planted in October of last year is in full bloom, Everything I've heard about this small tree is true, It has very nice smelling huge white flowers, that bloom when the plant has no leaves at all, which is a very eye opening scene. I've had 3 of my family members stop and notice this tree already.

Close up Magnolia bloom


A close up look of the flowers shows how delicate they look, and the only way to describe the smell of these beautiful blooms is a non-sweet smelling perfume!







This is a look at the Western garden along my house, The barberry bushes have really went green over the past week, The dark green bush near the middle, the Boxwood bush I also planted last October survived all winter long and did not drop it's leaves.

Backyard greenery young tree in the middle is a golden curls willow, 3 year planting

Our continues to green up both the grass it's self, and the tree canopy above the willows in our backyard have really taken on a green look to them, I've noticed other trees in my yard have begun to bud as well, If the weather stays warm it wont be long!

I will post more pictures of my yard and gardens as more things come into bloom!