Thunderstorms- some severe cause damage in parts of Fillmore and Winona counties. Benefical non severe storms everywhere else.

Lightning over the skies of Rochester,Minnesota Friday Sept 2nd

Thunderstorms developed and raced across the entire area early this morning, embedded in this was a line of severe storms that produced alot of wind damage first along and near the Iowa border in Mower County, then it spread and extended northeast across much of Fillmore and Southeastern Winona counties. The complex started in parts of Northwest Iowa, and weakened and pulsed back up multiple times before reaching Southeastern Minnesota. It entered the local area first at Mower county and produced penny sized hail at Lyle, then moved Northeast and caused tree damage with reported wind gusts 50 to 60MPH in Spring Valley, near Harmony and Winona before it exited the area into Western Wisconsin which it continued to produce damage. These storms had a lot of moisture to work with becuase temperatures were in the upper 70s with mid 70 degree dew points at that time.

The rest of the area did see thunderstorms this morning but the came as non severe and provided somewhat beneficial rains. Here in Rochester we got lots of lightning and some heavy downpours with a bit of a westerly breeze. My gauge here in West Downtown had 0.27" as of 11AM on Friday, which was the highest rainfall I've measured in the last 3 since I moved here. This should really help things green back up in drought stressed areas.

Damage Reports

Lyle, Penny sized hail

Spring Valley, Large branches down in city and a tree down over county road 1

4 miles Northwest Mable, Several branches down and lawn furniture blown around.

4 miles SW Winona measured 60MPH wind gust.

Thursday Hot Temp report- Temps as warm as the upper 90s reported.

Hot Sultry conditions-looking North at Highway 52 into Northwest Rochester

Today may be September 1st, but it didn't feel like it! A extremely hot muggy airmass pushed into Southeastern Minnesota boasting temperatures 20 degrees above normal then for what is expected this time of year. The warm air built in from the west behind a strong warm front that passed through on Wednesday. Behind the front was nothing but sunny hot humid air, with wall to wall sunshine through out the day. Under these condtions temperatures rose to the middle to even upper 90s in some cases, which was their hottest levels since July. This with dewpoints well into the 70s caused Heat Index Values today to be between 95 and 103.F degrees in all areas.

Highest temperates reported.

The highest temperature area wide came from Austin which recorded a high of 97.F. The coolest stations were Dodge Center and the Rochester Airport, both which landed at 88.F. Interestingly enough there was a 7 degree temperature difference between my location and the airport. The cause of this is likely because the airport is located 7 miles outside the city limits and is known for being a cool spot. One can tell where the thermometers on the left side of the list are located because the warmer the reading, the more into the city the station is. The Warmest Temperature for Rochester area came from West Downtown with a high of 95.F and the coolest reading was from Stewartville which is only 2 miles from the Rochester Airport, which came in with a reading of 90.F

This hot weather will quickly be swept out by a cold front late tonight possibly bringing a wave of storms. We can expect significantly cooler conditions tomorrow with highs in the mid 70s, and especially Sunday, when highs may struggle to reach 70.F and lows may dip into the upper 40s.

Warming up tomorrow then short lived very hot weather Thursday-Mid 90s likely with 100.F heat indexs, then cooler with storm chances Friday.

Regional weather view.

The main weather story in the Upper Midwest will be a late, short lived, but very strong hot airmass which will start to push into region, Friday. Very hot conditions will arrive in full swing on Thursday, when mid 90 to 100.F temperatures are possible over much of Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, South Dakota, Southern Minnesota and parts of Southwest Wisconsin. This air mass will not last long as a cold front will already be starting to push in Friday which will bring with it a chance of storms.

Local View.

Locally one of the main stories will also be the short lived heat that's coming, Wednesday we will

begin to feel the start of the heat and humidity, sunnier skies will allow temperatures to rise into the low to mid 80s with lows in the upper 60s, under partly cloudy to partly sunny skies. It should be dry on Wednesday.

Thursdays Heat Potential

Thursday the entire local area should be south of the warm front and we will be put into the full brunt of the very hot and humid airmass. Skies should stay sunny most or all of the day and with strong southerly breezes gusting to 30MPH most of the area has the chance for Mid 90 degree temps, with heat index values approaching or topping 100.F. Once highs are reached it will be slow to cool down, lows will remain in the upper 70s, making for heat index values staying around 85-90 much of the evening. Because of the shortness of this heat it will not be as much of a problem, but still residents should take it easy on Thursday. Late Thursday relief already comes, a cold front will approach bringing the chance for showers and thunderstorms, some of which these could be strong.

Rochester Metro View.

I am expecting the same in all of the timing of all the events for the Rochester Area, accept highs Wednesday will be in the mid 80s, with lows in the low 70s. For Thursdays extreme heat I would not be surprised if low end upper 90.F temps were reached in Rochester closer to Downtown away from the airport. This would put heat index values around 100.F. Lows Thursday night also have to potential to be near 80.F much of the night, allowing for that high heat index value to stay up longer then that of areas away from the city. It will also be windy on Thursday with gusts gusting 20 to 30MPH. Friday for Rochester will still be on the warmer side, with chances for thunderstorms, These storms chances are not a guarantee, but if they do develop some could be strong. Highs will be in the low 80s with lows in the low 60s.

Wednesday, Warm, Partly Cloudy to Partly Sunny, highs in the low to mid 80s. Wednesday Night, Partly Cloudy, lows in the upper 60s to low 70s.

Thursday, Very Hot and Humid! Mostly Sunny with highs in the mid 90s-upper 90s possible Rochester Metro, heat index values near or over 100.F. Windy with winds gusting 20 to 30MPH Thursday Night, Very Warm, partly cloudy early with lows in the mid to upper 70s. Heat index values remaining above 85.F for much of the night, then Chance of storms late.

Friday, Cooler, breezy, A chance of thunderstorms early, some could be strong, otherwise partly cloudy. Highs in the low to mid 80s. Friday Night, Clearing skies lows in the low 60s.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead to the weekend Saturday looks fairly nice, then Sunday may bring a good chance of showers and thunderstorms for the local area, some could be heavy. Monday will be downright chilly compared to what we've had for weather, it will also be breezy with a chance of showers. Tuesday it dries out and it remains cooler, but with lots of sunshine, this weather last through the 8th of Sept. then September 9th a dry cool front pushes through bringing frost chances to far Northern Minnesota and Northeast Wis. Sunday Sept 11th looks showery and cool, then towards the end of the run it warms up and becomes more stormy. Stay tuned as this is the time of year models become more changeable.

Looking fairly nice end of weekend and start of next week with a chance of rain Tuesday.

Regional Weather View.

Dry pleasant weather will continue for the Upper Midwest Sunday, before a system will bring a small chance for scattered thunderstorms spotty throughout the region Monday, but especially Tuesday. Temperatures will be seasonal.

Local weather view.

Locally we can expect another dry day Sunday, it will feature partly cloudy skies with highs in the upper 70s. and lows in the upper 50s, Monday will also be partly cloudy with highs in the upper 70s and lows in the low 60s, there is a very slim chance of a shower, mostly North, but this chance is very low. Tuesday with an approaching front, there will be a slightly better chance for a rain shower or thunderstorm , but the rain will likely be on lighter side and not an all day event, in fact not all areas may receive rain. Clouds will thicken throughout Tuesday, and it will be partly sunny with highs in the mid 70s.

Metro View

For the Rochester Metro, we can expect the same as above, accept highs may manage a 80.F degree temp on Sunday with lows in the low 60s. Monday again, there is a slight chance for rain but it is very slim and would be light, highs Monday for Rochester will be in the upper 70s, with lows in the low 60s, Tuesdays there is a better chance for rain, but nothing residents should get excited over at this point, it also appears like it will be light. Highs Tuesday will be in the upper 70s with lows in the upper 60s for the metro.

Sunday, Partly Cloudy, highs in the upper 70s to 80, Sunday Night, Partly Cloudy, lows in the upper 50s to low 60s.

Monday, Partly Cloudy, with a slim chance of a light shower, otherwise highs in the upper 70s to 80. Monday Night, Partly Cloudy, lows in the low to mid 60s.

Tuesday, Partly Sunny, with a chance for a shower or thunderstorm. Highs in the mid to upper 70s. Tuesday Night, a lingering shower or storm, otherwise cloudy with lows in the mid to upper 60s.

Looking Ahead

Wednesday may offer us another day with a chance of receiving some much needed rain. Then Thursday the area is thrown into a hot humid airmass. Areas look sure to hit 90.F with hot and humid conditions likely, These conditions look to last most of Friday as well before a cold front moves in late in the overnight hours. Thunderstorms, some strong could develop. Saturday and Sunday the 3rd and 4th look dry and much cooler. Then a prolonged period of dry and seasonable conditions last well into Mid September, this does not seem like a likely scenario for this model so I'm sure some precip chances will have to be added. One thing seems for sure, right now the model shows Southeastern Minnesota will remain frost free at least through the 18th, but things could change.

Downtown Skyline & full front yard view photos.

Downtown Rochester August 23rd 2011

I went out walking and exploring around the city, and finally found a descent areas to get pictures of Downtown Rochester. It was a 20 minute walk to Downtown, as it is only 1 mile from where I'm staying for college. This photo was taken in a city park called Mayo Park. Mayo Clinic can be seen behind the two brown colored buildings in the photo, and the tall high rise to the right is the tallest building in Rochester at 29 stories tall. Even though I've captured most of the buildings, I am still not able to find a spot where all of the buildings show in good detail.

Full front yard view August 25th 2011

I posted one picture in the past of the front yard, but I wanted to put one up of the entire front yard. The front yard is a typical suburban front yard in size, the grass is very dull colored from a resent very dry spell. It is mostly a shaded yard from a mature Green Ash tree located to the left, which reminds me of my ash trees at my home in Wisconsin, it is also shaded large silver maple located just to the right (south) of this picture in the neighbors yard.

Front yard garden

The landscaping, rocks edging, and some of the established plantings were already installed, then when I moved in I brought down and most of the smaller plants and shrubs seen here, I also weeded all the gardens and since my move in I have watered and maintained them. I've had to water every other day with resent dry spell. Some of the larger plantings include a service berry tree (far right) burning bush (right of the stairs ) Japanese Yew ( all the dark green bushes) hosta, which are scattered, little giant arborvitae ( little round bush) and Hydrangeas (greenish flower heads seen) I'm already planning ahead and have purchased a variety of spring bulbs including, Tulips, Daffodils and Crocus for next Spring. I will be planting in mid September!

Strong storms hit last night 50+ MPH winds reported- some areas, with good doses of rain, depending on where you were.

Radar Image of total rainfall.

Strong storms hit the area early this morning around 4:30 to 5AM, storms developed into a line that pushed across the entire area and brought heavy rain, some places got near if not over and inch of rain, while others saw barely anything. Along with the rain came some very gusty winds, these was especially true along a path that pretty much following along and south of State Road 30. The strongest storms and heaviest rain hit Austin, Stewartville to Preston areas. A wind gust of 53MPH was measured at the Rochester International airport, and the radar showed good indication that these winds may have continued through much of Fillmore and Winona counties, There was no reports of any wind damage or large hail anywhere in the area. I will mention that the wind gust that effected the airport which is 7 miles south did not reach the most of Rochester city limits, only the Southern Hills area, closest to the airport was effected by these winds. At my yard in West Downtown the wind was less then 20MPH, and only 0.13" of rain was recorded, Many would have been love to see more but we'll certainly take it!

Highest wind reports

Rochester International Airport 53MPH

Dodge Center 39MPH

Dry Monday then a better chance of rain Tuesday before turning hot and humid Wednesday- Updated X1

Regional Weather Conditions

Tuesday a warm front pushing in from the west will ignite a chance of thunderstorms across the region, but best chances will be in Minnesota and Northern Iowa and Western Wisconsin, where there is a chance for severe storms. Wednesday, southern Minnesota and Wisconsin southward will be in hot and humid, but with dry sunny conditions. Very warm temps in the mid 90s will be likely in southern Iowa, northern Missouri and much of Nebraska.


Local View

Note: This forecast had some changes. Due the increasing chances at Sun Tuesday I have warmed temperatures up and added the chance for storms, (some heavy) in the morning and again in the afternoon.

Locally we can expect another nice day area wide for Monday with lots of sunshine and dry conditions, but it will be warmer then Sunday was, highs will be in the low 80s most areas with lows in the mid 60s, humidity will be slow to rise as we go through Monday. Tuesday now looks like it will be the warmest day, it will be hot and much more humid, with partial cloudiness around, then finally the area will have a chance of thunderstorms Tuesday, it now looks like there will be two chances. One early then a second chance in the afternoon and beyond. It appears that some of these storms could becoming severe. Heavy flooding rain, very gusty winds and hail are the biggest threats. This will also be one of the better chances the area has had in awhile for rainfall, but unfortunately some of the storms could be on the heavier side. Highs Tuesday will be in the upper mid to upper 80s with a few low 90s, heat index values could be in the mid to upper 90s. Lows will be in the upper 60s. Wednesday we will also be hot and humid, but not as humid behind the front, highs will rise to the mid to upper 80s once again across the area.

Metro View

For the Rochester Metro we can expect Monday to be sunny and a bit warm with highs approaching the mid 80s in the city, with lows remaining in the upper 60s. Tuesday the best chance of rain will start in the early morning and again in the afternoon, and some could be heavy and be strong to severe. Skies will clear Tuesday afternoon and it will be hot and humid, highs will likely be 90.F or higher in the city, with heat index's in the mid to upper 90s. Tuesday lows will be in the 70s. Wednesday will be a hot and sunny one for Rochester again, highs in the city will reach the upper 80s with the potential to reach 90.F again, heat index values could rise in the to mid 90s, but humidity should slowly wane.

Forecast

Monday, Sunny skies. Highs in the low 80s to mid 80s, Monday Night, increasing humidity, partly cloudy with lows in the mid 60s to upper 60s.

Tuesday, Hot and Humid, a chance of thunderstorms in the morning then again in the afternoon, some could be strong to severe and produce heavy rain, otherwise Partly Cloudy , Highs in the mid 80s to upper 80s with low 90s, in the Rochester Metro. Heat Index Values in the mid to upper 90s. Tuesday Night, Mostly Cloudy, lows in the upper 60s to low 70s.

Wednesday, Clearing skies hot and humid. Highs in the mid to upper 80s with heat index values in the 90s. Highs upper 80s to 90.F Rochester Metro. Wednesday Night, Partly Cloudy, Cooler, Mid 60s, upper 60s Rochester Metro.

Looking Ahead

Warm conditions will continue Thursday all the way through next weekend. There will be a couple more chances at some heavy storms, one chance on Saturday the 27th and another chance with a strong cold front on Monday the 29th. for the last day of August it will be much cooler with lots of sunshine, these conditions last into the early part of September, before warmer air gets pushed into the region by Saturday Sept 3rd. There appear to be another chance of a pretty large storm system as we approaching the 4th and 5th of September, with a big cool down, Far Northern Minnesota may have frost chances.