Hot and Humid weekend with Storms most days but especially Saturday, when some could be strong to severe.

Regional Weather View.

What seems to be never ending heat and humidity continue to be the main story across parts of the Upper Midwest, especially Iowa which will again have a heat wave for the weekend into next week. Mid 90 degree highs will be possible there most days. Further north will not be much cooler or less humid, upper 80s to 90s are possible even in Southern Minnesota and most of Wisconsin. A cold front providing relief from the warm humid conditions could spark strong to severe storms across Central Minnesota into Western Wisconsin.

Local View.

Locally Hot and Humid conditions will be part of the main story once again in what is becoming a very hot July. With sunny skies during the next 3 days, we will have hot humid days and warm humid nights, Highs will be in the upper 80s Saturday, Sunday and Monday, a few places could top 90.F briefly as well. Once again with dew points in the upper 60s to 70 Heat index values will rise to the mid to upper 90s, so once again people will have to deal with heat and humidity.

Strong to severe storm potential.

There will be a chance for strong to severe storms across parts of the area on Saturday Night. Storms will develop in Minnesota along a cold front, It is likely most of the severe weather will occur in Minnesota near the front, but if some of this holds together it cold still be strong possibly low end severe by the time it reaches our area. Hail and high winds would be the highest threats with these system, although heavy rain could be possibility as well. This best chances of these storms will be a night around evening or after dark on Saturday. Sunday and Monday the cold front will lift back north as a stationary front in which more storms could develop on, which is why there will be a chance of rain Sunday, and a better chance again on Monday. This wont be a wash out type of rain, Some people may stay dry, and others could be very wet. People spending the weekend out should be aware that the chance is there for severe weather.

Saturday, Sunny Hot and Humid, highs in the upper 80s. Heat index 90-95.F Saturday Night, A chance Thunderstorms, some could be strong to possibly severe. Lows in the low 70s.

Sunday, Mostly Sunny, Hot and Humid with a chance of a isolated storm, highs in the mid to upper 80s. Heat Index around 90.F Sunday Night Partly Cloudy, lows in the low 70s.

Monday, Partly Cloudy, Hot and Humid with a chance of a isolated storm late, highs in the upper 80s Heat Index 90-95.F Monday Night, a chance of thunderstorms, some could be strong. Lows in the upper 60s.

Looking Ahead

Tuesday into the up coming week as we enter August looks stormy, then it dries out and becoming cooler then currently for Wednesday through Saturday August 6, each day will becoming increasingly warmer towards Saturday the 6th. Then more stormy continues move in from the West on August 8th. Then seems to be off and on stoniness as after this date through the 14th. It also looks to cool off nicely for around the 14th as well.

One more warmer and more humid sunny day, then Thunderstorms moving in tomorrow night, some strong. Heavy rain possible. then better for Thurs.

Regional Weather View.

Focus in the Upper Midwest turns to a potent warm front which will be the focus for strong to severe storms across Northern Iowa, Southern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Heavy rainfall will also be possible especially in Minnesota. Along with the storms, hotter and more humid weather makes a come back region wide. It calms down storms wise on Thursday, but remains warm.

Local View.

Locally we will get one more sunny day, but it will be warmer and more humid then our Monday was. Highs will make mid, to possibly upper 80s with more humid conditions as well.

Strong/Severe storm potential and Heavy Rain

The best chances of Thunderstorms will be during the night time hours Tuesday night into Wednesday. This wave of storms could push through which could wake many up as it pushes through during the morning hours. Some of these storms could be strong, maybe low severe and Heavy rainfall is a possibility. Highest severe weather threat appears to be wind. Because of the high amounts of rain over the past few days, flooding is also a possibility.

Wednesday could have some morning storms, then skies will slow to clear, but once they do it will be warm and humid. Highs will make mid 80s, and lows in the low 70s. Thursday will be better, but it will be quite hot and humid as well. We have a small chance at thunderstorms during the afternoon, but there will be a fair amount of sunshine with highs in the upper 80s and lows in the mid 60s.

Tuesday, Warm and Humid, Sunny skies with increasing clouds. Highs in the mid 80s. Tuesday Night, Thunderstorms developing, some of the storms could be strong to severe and produce heavy rainfall. Lows in the low 70s

Wednesday, A chance of storms in the morning, otherwise warm and humid, partly sunny with highs in the mid 80s. Wednesday Night, Clearing skies, lows in the low 70s.

Thursday, Very Warm and Humid, with a small chance of a thunderstorm, otherwise partly cloudy with highs in the upper 80s. Thursday Night, Partly cloudy lows in the mid 60s.

Looking Ahead.

Looking Ahead too our weekend appears to bring us a good chance at sunshine most days. Friday will be cooler then Thursday and Sunny, but then in turns very warm for Saturday and Sunday both. August 1-2nd looks fair with pop up storms hear and then. Then Tuesday August 3rd looks hot and humid with a cold front bringing strong storms for the 4th. Looks cooler and drier for the 5th before it gets warmer and more storm with off and on chances and dry days as well as storms for the 6th through the 10th of August.

Hot and Humid Saturday with storms developing. Some could be severe and have heavy rain, then cooling off and becoming nice Sun/Mon.

Regional Weather View.

A frontal system will spread hot and humid weather that has been continuing in Iowa back north into Minnesota and Wisconsin on Saturday. Mid 90s degree highs are possible as far north as southern Minnesota. Along with the heat, a more significant treat for a severe storms and heavy rainfall. The highest threat for storms will be in Minnesota and Western & Central Wisconsin.

Local View.

Locally Saturday will be the day that people will want to keep a watch out for severe weather. First we will have to deal with heat and humidity again, depending on activity to our west, Skies will be partly sunny in the morning then becoming mostly sunny and highs will likely rise to the low 90s especially south. Some northerly locations may not get out of the 80s, Dewpoints will be highs as well and that could make for some 100+ degree heat index again.

Severe Weather Threat & Heat Rainfall Potential

There will be a heightened risk for severe storms tomorrow, especially if sunny skies comes to be true after the morning storms that could push through. If morning clouds and clear out Storms could develop along a stationary front that will be draped across the area, The best chance for storms will be in the afternoon and evening. The storms seem to have a heightened risk for wind in our area, and will also be capable of producing heavy rainfall well over an inch, and with all the rain the area as gotten last week it could cause flooding issues. People will want to keep an eye to the sky tomorrow, especially in the evening.

Sunday/Monday

A sharp cool front pushes though giving us much more pleasant conditions for these days, it will be much less humid as well. A high pressure system will give us sunshine with highs in the upper 70s to 80 and lows in the upper 50s to 60. People putting off lawn mowing because of heat will have the chance to get out there.

Saturday, Partly Sunny then clearing. Hot and humid with highs in the low 90s, heat index's over 100 in some areas. Thunderstorms developing in the evening, some could be severe and produce heavy rainfall. Saturday Night, Thunderstorms, some could be severe and produce heavy rain, otherwise cloudy with highs in the mid 60s.

Sunday, Sunny and breezy, highs in the upper 70s to low 80s. Sunday Night, Clear skies, lows in the upper 50s to low 60s.

Monday, Sunny and pleasant, highs in the low 80s. Monday Night, clear lows in the low 60s.

Looking Ahead

The models are pretty stretchy right now with storms and off and on warmth, but they show the week ahead from the 27th through the July 30s looks increasingly hot, humid and on and off chances for thunderstorms towards the middle of the week, then more pleasant and dry towards the end of the week and the end of July. The start of August looks to be on the warm side, but not hot along with on and off chances for storminess, with the models showing a cold front and more organized storm system for the 8th of August which could bring weather issues by that time.

Something new thats yellow besides the sun in the skies of Clayton-Water tower done being repainted!

Clayton Water tower repainted Picture taken July 22nd 2011

This post was made to cover what made big news this week throughout town! The Clayton water tower which towers high above our town was repainted this week. The tower used to be a light blue color with darker blue lettering which is the way it looked the entire time I was growing up. It has been repainted very bright yellow/gold with the words "Clayton Bears" in purple lettering to represent Clayton School colors!

Tower in the repainting process-picture taken from my rooftop.

It was very interesting to watch the tower be repainted, One thing many residents noticed was how fast the job got done, it was so fast some people did not even notice the work being done! The First day, a latter was installed to the top of the tower which is what is seen in the picture above. The second day the old blue lettering that said "Clayton Bears" was removed, and finally in the last couple days the tower was painted yellow then the words re added in new color.

New Clayton skyline July 22nd.

After the job was done, many were wowed be the new color and while at the bank I saw many people stopping and getting out of the cars just to get a closer look. A good ending sentence to this post is the new colors certainly made a permanent change the the skies of Clayton, and many like to new colors as it is much more interesting and stands out very well, This will be especially true in Winter!

July 17th-20th Significant heat wave report. many mid 90 degree highs with record setting humidity. Worst heat wave in 20 years.

U.S Heat index readings on July 19th 2011 Image from Weather.com

A significant heat wave impacted not just the local area, but the entire country with sweltering heat and humidity. Heat warnings or advisories were issued for the entire Upper Midwest in advance of the heat wave, and covered much of the Central U.S at least 10 states were put under some type of warning for heat from Oklahoma north to the Canadian border.

A outdoor prickly pear cactus which appropriately bloomed during the hot weather.

More locally this was the worst heat wave in 20 years. Most days during the start of this week had highs in the mid 90s, causing many issues for everyone. Most people were effected not only by the storms this system produced, but the heat made most people put off outdoor actives. I stopped mowing lawn just staying indoors with the certains shut to keep out the sun and the air on to keep cool. It really wasn't the heat with this heat wave, it was much more the oppressive humidity that we were locked under for days. Record setting dewpoints that read as high as 82.F put heat index values well over 100.F each day, some days heat index values were as high as 113 to 117 degrees. The setting of the sun did not provide any relief either. Once the temp rose into the mid 70s on Sunday Night, it did not cool off below there until the end wave ended. Night time lows were way up in the mid to upper 70s, with extremely humid conditions, this made heat index never fall out of the 80s at many locations. Then when the next morning arrived it quickly hot too hot to be outside by 10am most mornings my temp was already in the mid 80s!

Very Humid evening July 17th 2011

As stated above recording setting dewpoints were reached here in Western Wisconsin. The highest area dewpoint I saw from our area was 82.F from Osceola, Which is more typical of tropical jungles then it is Wisconsin, It is safe to say that dewpoints that high are certainly unheard of in our region. The picture above was taken during one of the humid evenings when the dewpoints were in the 80s, the air which was hazy from humidity it could be mistaken for fog! I also had to continually wipe off the camera lens when I took this picture because it kept fogging up, the camera coming from our cool house outside caused instant fog on the lens!

Numbers at my station

My station did break some 3 year records. Monday night the 18th, I has the warmest low temperature I've ever recorded. The low was 79.F. I also had the highest heat index value, which was 117.F. This was also a the first time I recorded 90s in a 4 day stretch. Making this year the most with mid 95 degrees highs I've ever record for one year. The highs and lows were as follows from the 17th through the 20th. 17th, 95/73. 18th, 96/79. 19th, 92/73. 20th, 95.F/73. Besides in my 3 year records I asked locals around the area how long it's been that hot, and most said it's been a very long time. My dad who even said it has never been that hot since he moved to Wisconsin more then 20 years ago. He actually found it to be ridiculously humid since he move here from Alabama to escape hot and humid conditions! Many people, as well as me were glad when a cold front that went through on Friday finally brought much needed relief from the area.

High temperatures reported on the 20th of July

Above is the are the highest temperatures that were reported when our heat wave peaked on Wednesday July 20th Dew points were in the low 80s during this day, so while temperatures were in the mid 90s, heat index values were well above 100.F. The highest station in the area was Knapp and Glenwood City at 97.F and the coolest was Cumberland at 90.F Stations with a * sign are official NWS sites.

July 19th storm report. Severe storms hit much of the area again - Major damage in Northeast Polk County-my area impacted by severe outflow.

The Northeast Polk County Super cellular storm near Turtle Lake July 19th 2011

Note: This report is subject to change as the NWS is still conducting surveys.

Area Report

Severe Thunderstorms hit the area again this past Tuesday, causing severe to major damage across parts of the area in what is coming a very active season for Western & Northwest Wisconsin. The cell above is just one of many severe thunderstorms that formed along a warm front that cut the areas conditions in half. South of the front was sulking in record low 80 degree dewpoints with temperatures in the low 90s. North of the front had 70s with dewpoints also in the 70s. This front later became for focus for severe thunderstorms, which caused severe and even major damage in parts of our area. Some areas ended up getting hitting twice in the same 3 hour period. My report will focus on the most damaging storms. The first super cellar storm formed north of Burnett & Washburn Counties and moved across the far Northeast part of Burnett County, and the entire eastern half of Washburn county. This storm did produced damaging winds and severe hail in Minong, Trego, Stone Lake. This storm was also responsible for producing very large hail as large as golf balls in Birchwood and northwest of Stone Lake. This cell also skirting the far Northeaster corner of Barron County and caused damage.

Damage to wooded area on the SW side of Pipe Lake in Northeast Polk County.

I first off have to thank Dirk for the opportunity to help him area to survey Northeast Polk County. Another super cellular storm formed right on the warm front near Siren, quickly became severe swept in a south, southeast direction. The storm caused damage in and took power out to Frederic. There was also a localized area of major damage seen at Pipe Lake in Northeast Polk County. The damage was especially intense on the wooded side of the Southwest side of the lake. The NWS will determine what caused this damage in the days to come. As this storm swept SSE it caused sporadic tree damage from very strong winds in areas of Eastern Polk County and Western Barron county East of Clayton, as well as Turtle Lake, Barron & Almeana, southeast to Dallas & then Northern Dunn County at Sand Creek.

Eastern Polk County storm effects at Clayton & My location



Closeup of Clayton radar. July 19th 2011

The very southwest edge of Burnett & Polk County super cellular storm moved across the far eastern part of Polk County and effected my location which is on the county line. The storm looked quite impressive of radar near Mikinly NNW of my location and was showing enough that the NWS issued a Tornado Warning for all of eastern Polk County. There there were 2 reports funnel clouds in the area. One reported in Turtle Lake and the second was 4 miles south of Turtle Lake which would have put in somewhere a few blocks northeast of me, but the report said it was lifting by the time it reached this area.


Tail Edge of the Storm passing over my location July 19th 2011

This storm posed significant severe weather threat to Clayton, and at one point with the radar signatures and reports i did get a bit worried becuase I have not seen reports of funnels so close to my house, but we were very fortunate there was no tornado in our area and I did not see a funnel anywhere, and actually there was very little rain with the storm only 0.02" The damage that did occur in my area was caused by a surprisingly different effect in this storm.




Video of strong outflow winds from my Front yard.

The most severe part of the storm in my area was the very strong, evening damaging outflow winds on the tail edge. The winds blew very strong strait from the ENE, not too long after the tail edge passed. Not only was there strong winds but the wind was constant and sustained for at least 15 minutes. The highest gust on my station was 40MPH which is impressive since I mentioned in past posts that my gauge is limited somewhat from our yard tree cover.

Large 3 inch pine branch in Eastern yard.

This large pine branch snapped front our pine trees on the eastern edge of of the yard during the strong wind. It was 3.50" in diameter and quite a fair sized branch. I believe part of the reason why this fell was the over abundance of pine cones where are weighing the branches down. There was plenty of other smaller branches down from the same trees as well.

Small branches from a branch that was removed before this picture.

Other large branches were snapped off around the area as well. The focus of the damage was East of Clayton. The picture above was taking of a tree top that was in the middle of the road, but was pulled off before I took this picture leaving this debris behind. Other damage including a large section of a tree that broke away from a mature tree about 1 mile southeast of my house. on county road ^

Area Storm Reports

Washburn County Storm.

Minong Tree branches down, some landing in power lines.

5 miles S Minong 59MPH wind gust. Trees down along highway 53

5 miles NW Stone Lake 16 inch diameter maple snapped, large oak topped and another uprooted.

5 miles NW Stone Lake 2.00" inch hail

Storm that caused Polk County damage and beyond.

Frederic 40 foot tree down. Power out across village.

4 miles SSW Mikinley- Pipe Lake, Trees down, docks destroyed and numerous buildings damaged damage also around Jonhnstown Township as well.

Turtle Lake, Funnel Cloud

Turtle Lake, Trees down.

Comstock 1..00 inch hail

4 miles S Turtle Lake, Funnel Cloud. Appears to have dissipated.

1 mile E Clayton, Large branches down. Wind lasted for 10-15 minutes.

Barron, Trees down across roads in the city.

Chetek, Tree down across road.

Dallas, Tree down across road.

2 miles SW Sand Creek, tree down across road.

Heat Wave Continuing- Heat Index values 100-115 next few days with 90-95.F temps. with Chances for thunderstorms, some strong Mon & Tues.

Regional Weather View.

Main story continues to be a Ring of Fire type heat wave caused by a hot high pressure system. Widespread Dangerously very hot, humid conditions with heat index values high then 100.F plague the entire region from north to south, east to west. High temperatures as hot as 95 to 100.F are possible in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Eastern North Dakota, Southeast South Dakota, and especially Iowa. Ongoing Thunderstorms, some strong to severe will be possible near the stationary front which will be draped across Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Local View.

Dangerous Heat Continuing


Locally we are right in the middle of a significant, long lasting heat wave in which we have not seen for years. There is no relief in sight the for at least the next 4 days. Monday will bring us a chance of morning thunderstorms. Some of which could be strong to severe and produce territorially heavy rain. Then the storms will move out and skies will clear and we will have partly sunny skies, making way for another extremely hot steamy day Tuesday will have a slight chance of storms early and late, they should not be severe. Skies will be partly cloudy in the afternoon. Heat Index Values both Monday and Tuesday will be dangerously hot in the 100 to 115.F range with actual temperatures in the low to mid 90s and lows in the mid to upper 70s. Wednesday looks to be the hottest day with full sunshine and dry conditions lasting all day long, highs will top the mid 90s and approach the upper 90s close to 100.F in spots Heat Index Values will again be dangerously high in the 110 to 115.F range. There are signs that this heat wave may last through Thursday with no relief until Friday. Heat this long lasting can be dangerous to peoples health. Besides the heat index values during the day mentioned above, there will be no relief at night as warm night time lows and high dewpoints will make nights feel as if they are hotter then 85.F even in the dead of night. Drink plenty of water and limit time outdoors.

Monday, Very Hot! and Very Humid. A chance of morning thunderstorms, some could be strong to severe then partly sunny for the afternoon. Heat Index Values 110 to 115.F in the afternoon. Highs in the low to mid 90s. Monday Night, Hot! and Very Humid, lows in the mid 70s. Heat index values not falling below 85.F at night.

Tuesday, Very Hot! and Very Humid. slight chance thunderstorms, otherwise Partly Cloudy. Heat Index Values 110 to 115.F Highs in the low to mid 90s. Tuesday night, Hot! and Very Humid, Partly cloudy with lows in the mid to upper 70s. Heat index values not falling below 85.F at night.

Wednesday, Very Hot! and Very Humid. Sunny skies, Heat Index Values 110 to 115.F with highs in the mid to upper 90s. Wednesday Night, Hot! Clear Skies with lows in the mid 70s. Heat Index Values not falling below 85.F at night.

Looking Ahead-Hot Weather Conditions

As mentioned above it looks as though ho and humid condensations will last into Thursday, before some relief comes at us on Friday with a weak cool front. The weekend ahead still looks very warm even after the front, highs could still approach 90 during the day, but it should not be as humid. There will be a chance of Thunderstorms with the passing of the cool front on Friday and Saturday. Monday through Wednesday the 25th through the 27th look to cool off to normal July values in the low 80s. It continues to be cooler and dry through the 30th of July, then a hotter and stormier pattern begins as we approach August 2nd.