Opressive Heat Likely Friday upper 90s possible with heat index's in the 100s, "cooling" down to mid 80s with a. Chance Tstorms for the 4th

Regional Weather View.

Extreme Heat and humidity is likely across the entire Upper Midwest on Friday on the north edge of a huge and very warm high pressure system.temperatures 95.F to 100 degrees is likely across much of Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota, with the exception of near the great lakes. Isolated severe storms may fire up along the cold front that will slowly cool things down slightly for Saturday, but it will still be warm. For the 4th of July, Sun, with isolated thunderstorms are possible especially across Minnesota and Wisconsin, temperatures will continue to be warm.

Local Area View.

Note: This forecast replaces the previous forecast for Friday. This forecast may also need to be updated due to the important hoiliday weekend ahead.

Dangerous Heat Expected/Severe Weather Pot

Locally we can expect very hot and oppressively humid conditions continuing into Friday. We can expect hot hazy sunshine with highs in the mid 90s, A few locations may manage Upper 90 degree highs. Dewpoints at this same time will be in the low to mid 70s, which would put heat index values between 100 and 110.F This type of heat can be considered dangerous if not taken seriously. Drink plenty of water and limit actives outdoors during the hottest part of the day. There is also a chance of severe weather along the cool front which will pass through Friday evening. If storms do develop they may quickly become severe, but because of very warm temps, and a strong cap it is likely that we will remain dry.

4th of July Weekend

Saturday sunny, and it will be cooler and much less humid behind the front, but there will still be a touch of heat in the air. Highs will be in the mid 80s, and lows in the mid 60s. Sunday dry also, it will be partly cloudy with highs in the mid 80s. Independence Day will be partly cloudy and warm highs in the mid to upper 80s, there will be a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, but it will not be a wash out day. It should clear out and become dry just in time for Fireworks on Monday Evening lows will be in the mid 60s.

Friday, Very Hot and Humid! Sunny Skies with highs in the mid to upper 90s Heat Index Values as high as 100 to 110.F A small chance of evening thunderstorms, some could be severe. Friday Night, A chance of thunderstorms, otherwise partly cloudy and cooler with lows in the low 60s.

Saturday, Cooler but Warm, Partly Cloudy clearing to Sunny Skies. Highs in the mid 80s. Saturday Night, Partly Cloudy, lows in the low 60s.

Sunday, Partly Cloudy. Highs in the low 80s. Sunday Night, partly cloudy, lows in the low 60s.

4TH Of July Very Warm. Partly Cloudy, to partly sunny a chance of a afternoon shower or light thunderstorm. Highs in the mid to upper 80s. Monday Night, Partly Cloudy, lows in the mid 60s.
There will be no looking ahead forecast at this time.

Trip to Rochester,MN

I am heading to Rochester,MN in southeastern Minnesota later this Tuesday morning for student placement testing at RCTC Rochester to prep for August. As mentioned in past posts, I will be moved to Rochester late this summer. I will be down there for 3 days this trip to begin getting the feel of my aunts house and gardens where I will be staying, and to start getting used to the area. I will be back on Thursday with pictures! There will be no blog updates for the 3 days that I'm gone. My forecast for the next 4 days can be found below.

Dry streach ahead, with eventual brief heat wave turning things hot and humid for the end of the week. Some places may appoach mid 90s.

Regional Weather View.

Summer is taking a comeback to the Upper Midwest. Although things will start of fairly mind for temperatures. It will warm up and quickly turn hot across the region by Thursday, when temps as high as 100.F are possible in Iowa, with mid 90s possible as far north as much of southern Minnesota & Western Wisconsin. These hot temperatures will come with very little to no precipitation.

Local Weather View.

Note: I will be going to Rochester,MN for a visit for the next 3 days for collage preparation tests. I've included a 4 day forecast to cover my the area while I'm gone.

The big story over the next few upcoming days will be the increasing temperatures with a warm front which will eventually boost temps to warm, then hot levels by Wednesday and Thursday. Farmers and locals will be pleased to hear that this front will come through mainly dry, and it has a good chance of being dry the next 4 days in a row. It will start of mild and sunny on Tuesday with highs in the upper 70s lows in the mid 50s, but it will quickly turn very warm on Wednesday, then very hot by Thursday. Wednesdays highs, under sunny skies will be in the lower to mid 80s, with lows in the mid 60s Humidity will be increasing by Wednesday as well. Thursday will be the hottest day and by this time humid air will be entrenched over the area. Highs, with sunny skies continuing will likely surge to the 90s, with the possibility of a few middle 90 degree temperatures. Lows on Thursday night will be very mild in the mid 70s. Friday will be partly cloudy to skies will filtered sunshine, highs hot and coming conditions will continue for Friday with upper 80 to low 90s degree highs likely. There is only a very slim chance for thunderstorms, and I believe that most areas will not even see rain. The severe weather chance is very small, but with heat and humidity that's coming like it cannot be ruled out.

Short lived Heat Wave Ahead.

We've got a short lived heat wave approaching for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. It will be becoming very warm by Wednesday, then very hot by Thursday, which will continue into Friday. Highs, especially on Thursday and Friday will be at least in the upper 80s to 90, with temperatures on our hottest day Thursday having the chance to reach the middle 90s Some computer models even showed chances of reaching upper 90 degree heat, which I believe is a possibility, only if we having lowering afternoon dewpoints and fully sunny skies most of the day. Lows on Thursday Night will not proved relief from the heat because it will only fall to the mid 70s. This conditions combined with muggy dewpoints will mean that heat indices will be in the mid to upper 90s during the day, and in the or near the 80s at night. People in the area should prepare for a brief heat wave. We have not had many days like this so far this summer. Relief will come on Friday Night, with a weak cool front.

Tuesday, Sunny & Mild, light winds. Highs in the upper 70s. Tuesday Night, Clear Skies, light winds lows in the mid 50s.

Wednesday, Very Warm & Sunny, increasing humidity. highs in the lower to mid 80s. Wednesday Night, Humid, lows in the mid 60s

Thursday, Very Hot and Humid! Sunny skies and windy, winds could gust as high as 35MPH. Highs in the low to mid 90s, Heat index values in the upper 90s. Thursday Night, Very Warm, Partly cloudy with lows in the mid 70s.

Friday, Hot and Humid! Filtered Sunshine and windy, winds could gust as high as 30MPH. Highs in the low 90s. Friday Night. Cooler and less humid, Partly Cloudy, lows in the mid 60s.

Looking Ahead

Early July 4th Outlook!

The 4th of July Weekend is looking nice! It has a good chance of being dry Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Highs will be warm in the low to mid 80s. For the day of July 4th. it is looking very warm to hot and humid. Highs as warm as the upper 80s will be possible. So expect a very warm to hot Independence day weekend.

Looking further ahead it looks like increasing chances for Wednesday July 6th through the 7th, temps start out warm, then cool off briefly. Then models trend at a potentially long lived heat wave moving in for Mid July, with off and on chanced for storms. More on this later.

Much warmer and more sunny condtions moving in. Setting up to be a fairly nice weekend!

Regional Weather View.

A dry pattern is for once setting up across the Upper Midwest for the next few days which will feature much warmer sunny conditions for the entire area. There will not be much for precip happening, accept a chance of thunderstorms returning on Saturday to parts of Iowa, and Sunday to other parts of the region.

Local View.

Locally we can expect much nicer weather ahead for the next few days, which will be good for people who really need to mow lawn. Most people will most certainly notice the sun shining on Friday, and as a result, we will have much warmer conditions as well. Highs will reach the upper 70s for highs, and mid 50s for lows. Saturday also looks nice, It will dry with partly cloudy skies, winds will be light, and temperatures will reach the low 80s and lows near 60.F. Sunday will probably be the cloudiest day of them all and the day with the best chance for rain, it will be partly cloudy to partly sunny, but even with the cloud cover it will easily reach the mid 70s for highs. Lows will remain in the mid 60s. There will be an increasing chance for Thunderstorms as the evening approaches from a warm front that will be moving into the area. I think the storms will wait until nightfall.

Friday, Nice! Much warmer. Sunny skies with highs in the upper 70s. Friday Night, Clear Skies, lows in the mid 50s

Saturday, Partly Cloudy light winds, highs in the upper 70s to low 80s. Saturday Night, Partly Cloudy, lows in the upper 50s

Sunday, Partly Cloudy to Partly Sunny, highs in the mid to upper 70s. Sunday Night, A chance of thunderstorms, lows in the mid 60s.

Looking Ahead

Monday looks like the chance for thunderstorms will continue as the leading edge of a much warmer and more humid airmass overtakes the area, some of these could become severe. The 28th through the 30th of the month is the start of a dry and warm period and, before a warm front passes by around the 1st of July and spreads at first thunderstorms, then much hotter conditions for as we head into July. The models have been consistent at a possibly long lasting heat wave lasting through the 4th of July,But this could change. The weather for the weekend after the 4th of July looks like increasing storms and very warm and humid.

June 20th Lake Superior Pictures & Lake Superior Seasonal Difference.

Lake Superior June 20th 2011

I had the opportunity to go on a day trip to Lake Superior on Monday with Dirk M. and took it without question because I wanted to get some good lake views in the Summer, or at least what I thought would be Summer! I went there expecting that long sleeves and pants would be enough. Even after Dirk ensured me to bring a coat for extra warmth, I ensured him what I was wearing would keep me warm enough, but I found out I was way off!

Lake Superior Fogbank

The drive approaching Lake Superior was fine and in the 70s, but as we approached the lake, literally with in 5 miles we ran into a fogbank, with drastically lowering temperatures. When we got out to the lake shore, I quickly found out I was not going to stay warm enough, Luckily Dirk did have an extra jacket to wear. The weather on the point was very cool, to almost cold, with strong east winds right off the lake, There was a fog bank when we first arrived, but it actually lifted off and moved south of us down the shoreline not long after, then the sun came out an warmed to a very chilly high of 52.F

Young ash leaves June 20th 2011

What I really noticed that amazed me as a gardener, is how the lake really influenced with the growing season in there area. Winds most of the spring have been predominately off the lake, and because of that it has been cool, and with the cool temps, the growing season has really been slowed. People around our area may easily take our on and off 1-2 cool days of highs in the 60s with pride when they learn that Duluth/Superior has had more 40s and 50s for highs then 60s, and they have only had a couple of says so far in the 70s, but nothing higher then that!Lilacs in Superior,WI June 20th

I also noticed that plants and trees that have long been done blooming around my area, had just reached full bloom in Superior, and trees are still in the process of getting there full sized leaves, it honestly really looked more like Mid Spring then Summer!

Close up of a white lilac on Wisconsin Point.

I especially noticed the seasonal difference between my area and Superior in Lilacs that were blooming around the lake, Residents in Superior are enjoying lilacs, while in my yard more then 100 miles south, Lilacs have bloomed and finished 4 weeks ago! I even saw Tulips still in bloom in some of the gardens around the city, It was truly an exciting experience to smell Lilacs in Mid June, mostly I have never seen Lilacs blooming at such a late date in June!

My yard June 22 2011

To show the huge variation in the growing season between me and Superior, I took this picture, which shows Lilacs that have long faded along the bottom of the photo, with our fully leafed out ash tree in the backyard behind the house. I would say that Superior is easily 4 weeks behind our growing season compared to ours, a sign that areas around the lake really do have there own weather!

Strong storms this morning-Very dangerous lightning, heavy downpours and power outages. Sigificant lightning damage seen near my location.

Lightning seen as the thunderstorms were exiting my area during the early morning hours of June 21st

Strong-non severe thunderstorms pushed through the area around 5AM this morning along a large line that moved northeast and extended across most of Eastern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. These brought heavy rain, gusty winds, and lightning that was quite intense. Power outages were reported that were likely caused from lightning strikes shut down power across 3 different parts, possibly even one large area. Some were without power for as long as 4 hours, One significant power outage effected Northern Clayton, and areas East of Clayton in Barron County near Reeve. A friend also reported that he was without power in the Rice Lake area. The power did go out completely for a short time at my location, but it was only a second before it turned back on.

Tree with significant lightning damage at my aunts house 1 mile south of Clayton

My uncle called me this morning to tell me that a tree only feet from two houses on their farm, and only a mile from my house was struck by lightning around 5:30 in the morning. I drove over right away and found major bark damage missing from all of the east side of the tree most of the way up the tree, one large section of bark see above was peeled off and was still partially attached to the tree.

A Chuck of wood sticking in the ground.

This piece of wood blew out and stuck into the ground from the force of the lightning, These was one of many pieces of bark that were flown across the yard, some pieces as far as 20 feet! Both my aunt and uncle were home during the time of the strike and the said they both hear a tremendous bang after a flash of lightning so bright it was blinding. My uncle said the power flickered out at their house immediately after the lightning hit, I was glad to hear, No one was hurt. After these photos were taken, My aunt and I removed as much of the bark as possible that was not attached to the tree to hopefully help in a healing process.

Windy conditions behind storms June 21st 2011

The other story with these storms were the heavy rainfall and gusty winds behind the storms. Winds really picked up behind the storms and lasted for quite awhile behind them, I had gusts of 36MPH on my gauge. There was a couple small branches down in the yard, bit there small enough to mow over. Rain with this line rain quickly accumulated to around an inch across many areas, and to 0.88" at my location on top of over an inch of rain from last week, The fields are very saturated, and have water standing in them. We could actually use a nice dry, sunny period now.

Slight Risk severe storms today.

Image from SPC

The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms across all of the southern half of the Upper Midwest, which includes the entire 6 county area.

Although there is abundant clouds, I agree with the SPC area of concern. Thunderstorms will likely develop this afternoon along a warm front that is draped across the area, and with the unstable and moist airmass, a few storms could become severe. I feel that Strong to low end severe storms are more likely, especially we we break into more sunshine. Large hail, strong winds and torrential downpours are likely if storms develop. People in the area should just be aware that storms, possible severe will be around today.

The Flowers of Summer Peony/Rose pictures.

Summer flowers in bloom June 19th 2011

Spring blooms have long faded away into the flowers of summer this week as highs have been in the 70s and 80s most days. This is just in time for the 1st day of Summer which is tomorrow! Peonies, Chives and Roses are all in bloom and are especially beautiful with the abundance of rain we've had. The grass has also been growing fast, I've also mowed lawn at least 6 or 7 times now!

Old Fashioned Peony June 19th 2011

The Peony above is not in a garden that was redone earlier this Spring. It is a section of a plant that was originally in our front yard, and they have been in our front yard blooming for over 20s years reliably, providing beautiful pink and maroon flowers year after year.

Peonies any known for the very large and very fragrant flowers that typically come into bloom around the 1st day of summer in our area. They are one of the most fragrant flowers of Summer. It's always a good idea to put peonies in a nice out of the way space in the garden, where they can sit for years because they do not like to be moved, they can even stop flowering for a year or two after they've been moved, but I've seen peonies bloom the same year moved as well, if they are moved in early Spring. I've found it beneficial to rake off old foliage in Spring, and to give them one feeding as the leaves comes in.



Roses June 19th 2011

The old fashioned Roses, that have been in our yard probably the same amount of years are also in bloom this week and smell great! These are the easiest roses to care for, literally plant and go type of plants. Although they need a once and awhile hard early Spring pruning to keep them blooming beautiful. In years I've done a hard pruning, they blooming the same summer.



Here is a plant I have not featured on my blog before. It is a perennial geranium that blooms a nice blue color, that is almost lightning blue, they bloom at the same time as peonies. I've had this for a couple years now and it's come back great both times. These can do well in part shade or sun, but they seem to prefer a shadier garden.

Wet pattern continues. Heavy rainfall possible Monday Night and Tuesday, giving way to cool and wet for Wednesday.

Regional View.


A potential weather system will remain nearly stationary over the the region and causing a wide range of issues from flooding, to severe weather. Severe weather will first occur in Iowa and Southern Minnesota on Monday, then lift north and east into Eastern Minnesota & Wisconsin for Tuesday. Torrential rain is very possible North of the warm front in Minnesota and Wisconsin, which may cause flooding issues. Temperatures will start of warm even into the 90s in Iowa, before cooling down significantly on Wednesday, when cool showers are likely across the region.

Local View.

Locally we can expect a cooler and more cloudy Monday. It should start off dry, with increasing chances of showers and thunderstorms,. with strong thunderstorms especially late in the evening on Monday. Temperatures will be in the low 70s on Monday and lows in the low 60s, There will be a humid feel to the air. Tuesday there will be still that chance of strong storms during the early morning hours. Torrential downpours are possible from these as well. They if clearing takes place in the afternoon, a second round of strong, to possibly even severe storms could develop along a front, with more heavy rain potential, Highs will be in the mid 70s on Tuesday, and lows in the low 60s. Wednesday is looking downright ugly for weather, It will be cool and and rainy on the backside of the system. Highs will struggle to reach the low 60s, and lows in the low 50s.

Severe Weather & Very Heavy Rain potential.

There does appear to be a threat of severe weather in the next 3 days. One time appears to be Monday Night into Early Tuesday, when a wave of left over storms from southern Minnesota could produce some strong storms and heavy rain. The best chance of severe looks to be Tuesday, possibly in the afternoon if things clear out. The main story with the storms in our area will likely be heavy rainfall which is now what our area does not need. Most places have saturated ground as it is from past rain, and new rainfall amounts in the next 3 days could easily top one inch possible more in heavy storms. This could easily cause flooding concerns, Stay tuned to the NWS for warnings and statements in case the flooding should turn severe.

Monday, Cloudy, A chance of showers in the afternoon, then increasing chances for thunderstorms in the evening,Highs in the low 70s. Monday Night, Thunderstorms, some could be strong and produce heavy rain. Lows in the lower 60s

Tuesday, Showers and thunderstorms early, then partial clearing with more thunderstorms developing in the afternoon. Some could be strong to severe and produce heavy rain. Highs in the mid 70s. Tuesday Night, A chance of showers. Lows in the low 60s

Wednesday, Cool, Cloudy, light rain and drizzle through out the day. Highs in the low 60s. Wednesday Night, A chance of a shower, lows in the low 50s.

Looking Ahead

We unfortunately have to go through some cool weather to get to our next taste of summer, it will continue to be cool for Thursday, with our next dry day chances coming just in time for next weekend, which looks brighter and warmer. Then Monday the 29th, it looks warmer with increasing shower chances. The warmer trend continues into July 1st, which looks to turn very warm and stormy around July 2nd, The warmth and storminess continue right in time for July 4th, but things will change.

Cheese Days Forecast- Warmer and Periods of Thunderstorms through the weekend, some could be strong.

Regional weather view.

A stormier pattern will be moving into the Upper Midwest for the weekend, there will be chances of thunderstorms daily region wide, with a chance of severe weather in Iowa and southern Minnesota/Wisconsin on Friday and Saturday, It will also be warmer and more humid for the entire region.

Local Weather View.

Locally for Cheese Days Weekend, we can expect that Friday will be our driest daylight hours day. It should be dry and pleasantly warm for the garage sales, with a bit of humidity in the air. However, there will be an increasing chances of Thunderstorm activity as we approach the evening and overnight hours, It could be loud as some of these storms could be strong, and produce some heavy rain. Temps will be in the upper 70s to low 80s lows in the 60s, and we can expect sunny skies. Saturday will have a chance of morning thunderstorms, which may cause issues for the Parade, then partly cloudy skies in the afternoon, with a continuing chance at a passing thunderstorm, even with the partly cloudy skies. Highs in the mid 70s and lows in the 60s. Sunday for the Demo Derby will have a chance of morning thunderstorms once again, before rain chances slow down for the afternoon. It should be dry for the demolition derby, but there could be some more rain chances in the evening, with highs in the upper 70s, and lows Sunday night in the low 60s.

Strong storm potential

I am warning for strong storm potential mainly because of the eventful weekend ahead there is a chance of strong storms with heavy rain, Severe weather is not forecasted, but If conditions change and severe weather ends up threatening I will post information on it along with a SPC outlook post, otherwise for now I will say it's always a good idea to keep an eye to the sky this time of year.

Friday, Sunny, Highs in the low 80s, increase afternoon clouds. Friday Night, Thunderstorms, some could be strong and bring heavy rainfall. Lows in the low 60s

Saturday, A chance of morning thunderstorms, then partly cloudy skies with a chance of a passing thunderstorm. Highs in the mid 70s. Saturday Night, Partly Cloudy a chance of showers, lows in the low 60s

Sunday, A chance of thundershowers in the morning, the partly cloudy with highs in the upper 70s, a chance of storms again the evening. Sunday Night, a chance of thunderstorms. lows in the low 60s.

Looking Ahead forecast will be issued later in the weekend.

Clayton Cheese Days 2011 scheduled event information

Clayton Cheese Days sign along Highway 63 June 17th 2011

Clayton Cheese Days is this weekend June 17th, 18th and 19th, and the past week the town has been busy mowing lawns and "beautifying" the community for another great celebration this year! This is a post letting people know about some events that are scheduled, but not all are listed, There is no online flyer that I could find this year so I found this information on flyer's they were given out around town.

Friday June 17th

The Community wide garage sales will be on Friday 9:00AM to 4:00PM, there are various garage scheduled in town including the new downtown business Grandmas Attick which will be having an outdoor sale. There is also several garage sales scheduled outside of town as well, especially around Lake Magnor.

Saturday June 18th

The parade is normally at 10:00AM on Saturday, I suspect that this is when this will be this year as well.

Then there will be a tractor pull near the firehall in downtown Clayton started at 12pm

Sunday June 19th

The Demolition Derby will held at 2:00PM in the industrial lots near Bergman's Greenhouse, on the right side of Highway 63 as your driving towards Lake Magnor from Clayton.

Have a great Cheese Days Weekend, and don't forget to stop by the Lions Club food stand near the fire hall on Saturday during the tractor pull, they always have the best curds and burgers, including the Clayton famous blue cheese burger! My forecast will be our covering this special weekend tonight!

Beneficial rains fall across the region 1+ ammounts in some areas

Peony flower covered in fresh rain June 15th 2011

The area received some soaking beneficial rains today, as the northern edge of a low pressure system spread a widespread swath of rain across Minnesota and Wisconsin. The rain started overnight the 14th, and really became steady in the morning of the 15th. The rain and drizzle lasted most of the day today, which made for a chilly day with highs in the upper 50s to low 60s. Upper 60s were observed where the sun broke out in the far western part of the area. The cooler temperatures were taken easily today as many agreed a nice soaking rain was needed to aid in the recent dry spell we've been under. Total rainfall amounts were widespread at least half inch across the entire area accept in Northeastern Washburn county, where drier air was focus during the start of the system there around a quarter inch or less fell. across the rest of the area is where the widespread heavier amounts were seen. Over 1 inch of rain reported from Menomonie and areas in Northern Dunn county. The rainfall amount at my location was 1.03" which I found out to my surprise is the highest 24 hour rainfall total for I've received since the rain season began.

Rainfall totals

Menomonie 1.17"

Clayton-(My Yard) 1.03"

Amery 1.00"

Spooner 0.70"

Siren 0.73"

One more dry day before widespread rain becomes likely on Wednesday, lasting into Thursday.

Regional Weather View.

It will be turning wet for the Upper Midwest this week. There will be one more dry day across most of the Upper Midwest Thursday before a low pressure and frontal system will spread widespread rains across the entire region for Wednesday and Thursday especially. Temperatures will be slightly cool as a result of the rain.
Local View.



Locally we can expect one more dry afternoon before the wet weather moves in. Tuesday will be not as nice as Monday was, There will be increasing clouds and eventually and shower chances as we approach evening, but it should be dry most of the day with highs in the mid 70s. Wednesday is looking quite and cloudy wet with widespread much needed rains across the region, some heavy downpours and some thunder will be possible, with rainfall amounts up to a half inch is possible, Temperatures with the clouds and rain will be in the upper 60s. Thursday will have a chance of being somewhat wet in the morning, with increasing chances for sun in the afternoon. Highs will be in the low to mid 70s.



Tuesday, Partly sunny with increasing clouds. Dry early with shower chances increasing towards dark. Highs in the mid 70s. Tuesday night, A chance of showers, otherwise cloudy, lows in the upper 50s.



Wednesday, Showers likely with heavy downpours and thunder possible. Mostly cloudy, Highs in the upper 60s. Wednesday Night, A chance of showers, otherwise mostly cloudy lows in the upper 50s.



Thursday, A chance of light showers early, then deceasing clouds in the afternoon. Highs in the low to mid 70s. Thursday Night, Partly cloudy, lows in the low 60s.



Looking Ahead


Early release forecast for Clayton Cheese Days Weekend!

This is an early release forecast so people can try to plan for upcoming cheese days weekend. Check back through the weekend for updates, as things will be changing.

For the 1st part of cheese days weekend, Friday the 17th looks dry and rain free with warming temperatures, Both Saturday and Sunday the 18th and 19th looks humid and very warm, there may even be a shot at 90.F temperatures. Saturday has the best chance of being dry, with Sunday having a small chances at a thunderstorm. Otherwise we can expect a chance at a dry a very warm Cheese Days Weekend.

Monday and Tuesday the 20-21st continues to look dry and even hot, with increasing thunderstorm potential. Wednesday drys out an has a slight cooling trend before heat and humidity and thunderstorm chances comes right back at us by Friday the 24th. Towards the end of the model, it shows even hotter temperatures with thunderstorm chances increasing for June 29th and beyond.

Wet cloudy or Chilly most of the weekend, with Sunday looking warmer and brighter.

Regional weather view.

It will be a completely different story on the regional map from earlier in the week. It will be quite chilly across the North, with the only hint and more typical June temperatures in Iowa, where there will be more chances for thunderstorms. Minnesota and Wisconsin look chilly and wet, before it clears out and warms up in all areas on Sunday.

Local weather view.

Locally, Friday will be dull and wet, and even feeling chilly after a hot start to the week. It will be cloudy all day with a chance of off and on light showers or drizzle through out the day, highs will struggle to reach the upper 50s, but cloud reach the low 60s in a couple spots, but after the scorching 100 degree heat from earlier in the week, we could use a rainfall to green up the browning grass. Most areas should at least get some rain on Friday, some places may pick up to a quarter inch with more possible, but Most rain shouldn't be too heavy. Saturday there may be some drizzle or light rain in the morning, otherwise there will be more clouds then sun with more sun peaks in the afternoon and it will continue to be cool. Its not until late Saturday into Sunday that the weather will improve. We should get sunshine with much warmer temperatures into the mid 70s on Sunday, So that will be the best weather day of the weekend.

Friday, Chilly, Cloudy and wet. Off and on showers or drizzle, especially early. Highs in the upper 50s. Friday Night, Drizzle, otherwise cloudy with lows in the upper 40s.

Saturday, Cool, a chance of drizzle early, otherwise More clouds then sun early with more clearing late with highs in the low to mid 60s. Saturday Night, Clearing skies, lows in the upper 40s to low 50s

Sunday, Warmer, Partly cloudy and dry with highs in the mid 70s. Sunday Night, Clear skies, lows in the mid 50s

Looking Ahead

It does look to stay warm into next week with steady chances at mid 70 degree highs, but it stays on the wetter side. The models try to keep everything west of the area, but I believe there will be at least some shower or thunderstorm chances next week. Then towards the end of next weekend, Sunday June 19th, hot air moves east and last for a few days before a cold front sweeps showers and thunderstorms south through the area on Tuesday the 21st. It cools down some and drys out towards the end of the model run at June 25th.

Heat Wave Report- Record highs shattered with triple digit 100.F degree heat reported, including at my location, Highest temperatures in recent years!

Scorching heat Tuesday afternoon June 7th 2011

Record high temperatures for June 7th were shattered across the area this afternoon as highs warmed to the triple digits 100 degree readings across a widespread part of the area! The extremely hot air came in on Monday behind a warm front that brought the northern side of a very warm airmass that has covered the entire eastern half of the country.
Photo of a Wisconsin grown Prickly Pear Cactus, the only thing that could truly be happy in the 100 degree heat!

My stations 3 year old record high of 95.F was completely obliterated today as my station rose to a high of 100.F. The heat was very prolonged all day, Even before 10AM in the morning the temperature was already in the lower 80s and quickly reached 90 before noon, then in then afternoon it became breezy, the dewpoint began lowering, Once I saw the Osceola official station reach 100.F I knew it would not be long before mine did as well, then shorty after 4pm the temperature rose to 100.F at my location. After the high was reached, the heat held around well into the night time hours it was 85.F as even as 11:30PM approached.
Picture of an outdoor thermometer reading 100.F

I was very shocked the area managed to reach triple digit numbers, so much so that even though I had digital stations reading the highs, I had to take a picture of this easy to read thermometer to show myself it truly does happens here! As I've posted last year in July I've heard much about 100 degree heat around here when I was young, but never actually seen and experienced it and I really never thought the first time I would see a thermometer read 100.F would be at my own house!

Picture of my dog, Shadow on a very hot afternoon walk June 7th.

Now if anyone asks what 100.F degree heat feels like, I can answer it! With the humidity we had it feels extremely hot to people and animals alike. There was no relief anywhere outdoors even in deep shade it felt exhausting. Even though winds were gusting to 30MPH at times there was a very warm wind, I liked my friends expression of the wind "it was like opening an oven door" It was definitely a heat like no other.

Image from Weather.com

I did want to post one more image from weather.com of how this heat wave looked nationally. You can see how the pink colors which means 100 degree warmth, was pushed all the way from Mexico to right here in Western Wisconsin! It's also kind of interesting to note that some of the hottest temperatures on that may were actually occurring right around here at the time this image was saved.

Finally, Here are the highest temperatures reported from across our local area, rare upper 90 to 100 degree temperatures were widespread throughout the entire local area. The highest reported temperature was from River Falls with 101.F, and the lowest was 94.F from Spooner. The stations with the * symbol represent official NWS stations, and even they were topping 100.F today!

Hot and Humid weather ahead! Short lived Heat Wave ahead for Monday-Wednesday 90 degree temps likely. Tstorms around-some possibly severe. Updated X1

Regional Weather View for Monday

Summer-like weather will be in full swing this week as a short lived heat wave will be entrenched across the entire Upper Midwest. A strong warm front will move north on Monday Night and Tuesday, Which will bring a chance of severe thunderstorms across the entire region. The bigger story will be how the warm front will spread very humid and very warm to hot conditions northward. Extreme heat is possible across all of Iowa, Southern Minnesota, Far Western and Southwest Wisconsin and Western Illinois, where temperatures of 95.F is likely, with the potential to reach 100.F in the areas in the south part of the pink area above.

Local View

A short lived heat wave will bring very warm to hot conditions, as well as very muggy air to the local area as a warm front lifts north. There will be a small chance of thunderstorms, some possibly going strong to severe along this warm front as it passes Sunday night and Monday morning. With the humid air around-There will be other chances of storms as well Tuesday and Wednesday.

Hot and Humid conditions expected.

This biggest story with this system will be the extended period of hot and very muggy air it will bring to the local area. With at least some sunshine each day, It is likely that highs will at least achieve Mid 80s all of the next few days. Even these temperatures will feel hot with high muggy air that will spring dewpoints well into the 60s and 70s. It is likely at least some places in the local area will have will break 90.F with this warm spell, which looks stronger then our last one. There is a near likelyhood of widespread 90 degree temperatures especially on Tuesday and possibly Wednesday, but heat Index values will be in the mid to upper 90s regardless. There will likely be some clouds around all 3 days, but If skies are to stay full sunshine at least one those days it is possible a few locations could approach mid 90 degree highs. Low temperatures will not provide much relief from the heat and humidity, lows will remain in the upper 60s to low 70s. People in the local area should be aware that a short lived, but prolonged period of hot humid weather will be moving into the region. We have not had many days like this so far this season, and certainly none that were this long lasting. The heat and humidity will be swept out with a cold front on Wednesday.

Severe Weather Potential

There will be severe weather potential the next 3 days, but the day with the highest chances will be Monday along the warm front. There will be only small chances of severe weather Tuesday and Wednesday if storms can develop in the hot conditions. Stay tuned the next 3 days for updates on severe weather chances.

Monday, A chances of thunderstorms, some could be strong to severe, otherwise Hot & Humid highs in the upper 80s to low 90s. Monday Night, warm and very muggy. A small chance of thunderstorms, otherwise partly cloudy, lows in the mid 60s.

Tuesday, Hot and very Humid. A chance of thunderstorms otherwise mostly sunny. Highs in the low 90s mid 90s possible. Heat index values in the mid to upper 90s. Tuesday night warm and very muggy, partly cloudy, lows in the low 70s.

Wednesday, Hot and very Humid. A chance of afternoon thunderstorms, some could be severe. Otherwise partly cloudy with highs in the upper 80s. Wednesday Night, Cooler partly cloudy lows in the lower 60s.

Looking Ahead

Thursday and Friday nearing the upcoming weekend will provide us less humid, cooler and quiet weather with a high pressure system, this is short lived because a front will move northward once a again and will bring storm chances back into the picture by next Saturday. Sunday looks warmer and stormy with the passing of the front, Making way for very warm and humid conditions by Monday June 13th. It becomes hot humid and stormy again by June 15th and the models are keeping it this way through the 19th. It looks cooler but still very warm and a bit drier as we near the 20th of June.

June 3rd warm temp report. Some spots reaching 90.F

Western part of the yard on an oppressively hot humid afternoon June 3rd

A very warm and muggy day was felt across the entire area ahead of a warm front. The skies were cloudy with spotty showers and on and off sun much of the afternoon, but around 3pm a large hole opened up in the clouds where it became clear across much of the area for about 45 minutes and that sent temps from the 70s, rising to the middle to upper 80s in a short time, Making way for a muggy very warm evening. My location has its first "very warm" day of season rising to a high of 87.F, which is the warmest reading so far this year, this with a very high dewpoing in the low to mid 70s that put the highest heat index value to 94.F on my station today. One thing many noticed about this warm up is it lasted longer then our last last week, Where as the last only seemed to last one evening. Todays heat lasted with us all day long, Even as 11pm passed the temp was still 77.F at my location with a heat index of 79.F, Today was a day that felt like mid Summer for sure!

Temperature reports.

There was one lone 90.F temperature on an NWS un official station which was in River Falls, this was the areas warmest reading. The rest of the area was in the mid to upper 80s, the Coolest readings were quite a few stations in Burnett/Washburn counties which were held under more cloud cover. Highs there were 83.F

Severe weather risk today.

Image from SPC

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman,Oklahoma has issued a Slight Risk For severe thunderstorms across parts of the Upper Midwest in Minnesota and Wisconsin. This includes the entire 6 county area. After morning showers and thunderstorms pass through skies will clear and it will become unstable as a warm front passes and stalls out over the local area. Thunderstorms could develop along this front and if they do they will likely become severe. The main threats will be tornado's, heavy rain and large hail, as well strong wind gusts. The best chances of severe storms will be around noon or after, and will be in Burnett and Washburn counties.

Hot humid and breezy Friday, Some places could reach 90.F then Nicely cooler and sunny both Sat/Sun

Regional weather view.

It will be a Hot and humid summer like day across the Upper Midwest. 90 degree temperatures will likely span across a large part of the region from all of Iowa through Western Wisconsin and southern Minnesota. There will be a chance of thunderstorms breaking out along the warm front that could become severe in Northern Wisconsin and Northeastern Minnesota. Things cool off slightly for the weekend and it becomes nice and sunny.

Local View

Locally people should get ready for our hottest day of the year so far ahead, After a chance of morning showers, Humid breezy conditions will already be in place, and as skies will become partly sunny to party cloudy, highs will rise to their warmest levels of the season so far, Likely reaching the upper 80s to low 90s across the entire area, With heat index values up to 95.F. We have not had much for hot days across the local area, especially in the north. Because it will be one of our areas 1st hot days people should be prepare to take it slow in the heat of the day tomorrow, Lows Friday night behind a cold front will cool to the low 60s. Saturday will be breezy again but not as breezy as Friday. Skies will be sunny and temperatures will be pleasantly mild in the upper 70s for highs, with lows in the mid 50s. Sunday will be the least windy of the entire weekend. We can expect sunny skies once again with highs in the mid 70s, and lows in the mid 50s. Get ready for a dry weekend for once!

Severe weather potential.

There will be a threat of possibly strong to severe storms along the warm front if thunderstorms can develop, but the chance of something developing isn't high due too a strong cap. The areas with the highest likely hood of development would be in the north. I will have an update on the severe storm chances tomorrow morning.

Friday, Breezy, Hot and Humid. A chance of thunderstorms in the morning then partly sunny to partly cloudy skies, Highs in the upper 80s to low 90s with heat index values in the low to mid 90s. Friday Night, Clear skies, lows in the low 60s.

Saturday, Pleasantly cooler, Sunny skies with breezy conditions. Highs in the upper 70s. Saturday Night, partly cloudy, lows in the upper 50s

Sunday, Sunny skies, highs in the mid to upper 70s. Sunday Night, Clear skies lows in the lower 60s.

Looking Ahead

Things heat up again for the early part of next week, Monday through Thursday of next week will have a string of 80 degree days, with a shot or 2 at 90 again, but there will be increasing chances of Thunderstorms on Wednesday, and again on Thursday and Friday with an eventual cold front. They will have to be watched for severe potential. It cools off to normal levels for the weekend of June 11th. Then we get increasingly warmer and wetter towards the 14th. Towards the end of the model on Saturday the 18th it shows continued chances a warmth and storms.