Wisconsin Weather Update

Wisconsin Weather Update for April 29, 2009.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 12:00 PM GMT on April 29, 2009 +0
Good Wednesday morning!

Weather Synopsis
Yesterday really felt like a pleasant early-Spring day with sunshine, birds chirping, and cool but comfortable temperatures. Unfortunately, what we all want is late-Spring and Summer temperatures, not early-Spring, but we'll get that chance soon enough. As for today, look for one more day of dry weather as high pressure now off to our northeast provides Wisconsin with one more day of near-normal weather. A new frontal boundary approaching from the west means more showers and isolated thunderstorms begin tonight and continue through tomorrow.
http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/sfc/ussatsfc.gif


Today’s Forecast Grade: B

Wisconsin Forecast:
Today: Some sunshine this morning but becoming mostly cloudy shortly. High of 58 central, lower 60s south.

Raw Model Data: (combined numerical output range from three different NOAA weather models)
Appleton: Highs 55-59.
Madison: Highs 57-62.
Waukesha: Highs 54-58.

Tonight: Cloudy with showers and isolated thunderstorms developing. Temps not dropping much overnight with lows near 50. Chance of rain 70%.

Tomorrow: Showers with isolated thunderstorms in the morning. Showers become more scattered tomorrow afternoon. Warmer with highs upper 60s central, near 70 south. Chance of rain 60%.

Friday: Mostly cloudy and cooler with isolated showers possible. Highs upper 50s to near 60. Chance of rain 30%.

This Weekend:
Saturday: Partly sunny, highs 57-62.
Sunday: Partly sunny, highs 58-63.
Next Week’s Outlook: Maybe some thundershowers Tuesday night into Wednesday with another round of thundershowers possible on Thursday. High temperatures look seasonable to start the week, in the 60-65 degree range, with a warmup to 70 possible late in the week.


Other City Forecasts:

Today and Tomorrow in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota: Showers and storms today and tonight, isolated showers tomorrow, breezy, highs 60-65.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/MN/Minneapolis.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USMN0503

Today and Tomorrow in Anna, Illinois: Showers and isolated thunderstorms, breezy tomorrow, highs low to mid- 70s.
Scattered light showers or sprinkles will persist as we approach sunrise. The best chance of measurable rainfall through 9 am will be along the west Kentucky parkway. Less than a quarter inch of rainfall is anticipated with any showers.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IL/Anna.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USIL0033

Today and Tomorrow in League City and Pearland, Texas: Isolated thundershowers, highs lower 80s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USTX1029

Today and Tomorrow in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Patchy morning fog, then partly cloudy. Breezy at times, highs upper 70s.
Patchy ground fog will continue to develop across much of southeast South Carolina and southeast Georgia early this morning. The fog could become locally dense at times...particularly near marshes...ditches...rivers and other low lying areas. Visibilities could drop as low as 1/4 mile in these areas. Motorists are urged to slow down and use low beam headlights whenever fog is encountered. The fog will quickly burn off after sunrise.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USSC0155

Today and Tomorrow in Las Vegas, Nevada: Sunshine, highs lower 80s today and upper 80s tomorrow.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USNV0040

Today and Tomorrow in Davenport, Florida: Partly cloudy, a little breezy, highs upper 80s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/FL/Davenport.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USFL0104


Weather in the News:

(Source: National Weather Service)
... This is air quality awareness week...
This week Marks the beginning of the ozone season for many areas in
the United States.

Today we highlight the health impacts of poor air quality. You are
exposed to airborne contamination every time you breathe polluted
air. But when you exercise... work in the yard... or do other
strenuous activities that make you breathe harder and faster... you
inhale even more polluted air into your lungs. Exposure to high
levels of ozone and particle pollution is linked with a number of
significant health problems. Children... people with lung disease...
older adults and people with heart disease tend to be more
vulnerable.

When pollution reaches high enough levels... the air can be unhealthy
for everyone... especially if you are active outdoors. You can help
protect yourself simply by changing the time or intensity of your
activities. Use the air quality index and daily air quality
forecasts to help you determine when you need to make changes. The
aqi is a color coded scale that tells you who needs to take steps to
reduce exposure to ozone or particle pollution. Local air quality
forecasts are available at www.Airnow.Gov. Thats www.Airnow.Gov.

Use air quality forecast guidance at www.Weather.Gov/aq to find map
projections of when and where the air you breathe is expected to
have high amounts of pollutants. Once again... for air quality
forecast guidance go to www.Weather.Gov/aq. Tomorrow we will learn
about tools to help you get air quality information.

For more information on air quality awareness week... visit US on the
world wide web at www.Airquality.NOAA.Gov.

Thats www.Airquality.NOAA.Gov.
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Wisconsin Weather Update for April 27, 2009.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 11:54 AM GMT on April 27, 2009 +0
Good Monday morning!

Weather Synopsis
What a lousy weather weekend! Cloudy, breezy and cooler weather greeted us along with several inches of rain, and we even had our first Tornado Watch of the year across southern Wisconsin yesterday evening. We have one more day of clouds and scattered showers before things dry off for a couple of days. We should be warmer today compared to yesterday as we're briefly under a warm front which moved through overnight. However, behind the trailing cold front that will be moving through Wisconsin today, look for temperatures to dive back into the 50s for a couple days after a brief return to the 60s today. Expect more wet weather to arrive for the latter half of the work week and cloudy, cool weather for next weekend.
http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/sfc/ussatsfc.gif


Today’s Forecast Grade: C

Wisconsin Forecast:
Today: Mostly cloudy and breezy. Scattered showers moving through later this morning, then a chance at more thundershowers developing this afternoon. High of 63 central, mid- 60s south. Chance of rain 40%.

Raw Model Data: (combined numerical output range from three different NOAA weather models)
Appleton: Highs 61-64. Chance of precip 22-62%.
Madison: Highs 63-64. Chance of precip 25-58%.
Waukesha: Highs 66-68. Chance of precip 37-67%.

Tonight: Maybe an evening thundershower south, otherwise decreasing clouds overnight. Lows near 40. Chance of rain 20% central, 40% south.

Tomorrow: Mostly sunny, highs mid- 50s central, upper 50s south.

Extended:
Wednesday: Increasing clouds with a chance of showers late. Highs 54-59. Chance of rain Wednesday night 30%.
Thursday: Cloudy and breezy with showers and isolated thunderstorms likely. Highs 60-65. Chance of rain 70%.
Friday: Cloudy and windy with more showers likely. Could even see some flurries north Friday night. Highs 56-61. Chance of precip 80%.

This Weekend:
Saturday: Mostly cloudy and cool, highs 52-59.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy, still cool, isolated showers possible, highs 53-60. Chance of rain 25%.


Other City Forecasts:

Today and Tomorrow in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota: Partly cloudy, highs lower 50s today, near 60 tomorrow.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/MN/Minneapolis.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USMN0503

Today and Tomorrow in Anna, Illinois: Breezy with showers and thunderstorms moving in. Highs upper 70s today, lower 70s tomorrow.
Lake Wind Advisory in effect from 9 am this morning to 5 PM CDT this afternoon...
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IL/Anna.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USIL0033

Today and Tomorrow in League City and Pearland, Texas: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, breezy, highs lower 80s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USTX1029

Today and Tomorrow in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Sunshine, highs upper 70s to lower 80s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USSC0155

Today and Tomorrow in Las Vegas, Nevada: Sunshine, breezy, highs lower 80s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USNV0040

Today and Tomorrow in Davenport, Florida: Partly cloudy and breezy, highs mid- to upper 80s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/FL/Davenport.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USFL0104


Weather in the News:

One more day of rain before it gets nice
Enough already. Another day of rain is expected to cover southern Wisconsin on Monday, but the showers and possible thunderstorms aren't expected to produce the heavy downpours that soaked the area all weekend.
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/448730

(Source: National Weather Service)
... Record daily maximum rainfall set at Milwaukee WI...
a record rainfall of 1.62 inches was set at Milwaukee WI yesterday.
This breaks the old record of 0.86 set in 1886.

...Record daily rainfall set at Madison WI...
A record daily rainfall of 1.94 inches was set at Truax field in
Madison WI for April 25 2009. This breaks the old record of 1.78
inches set in 2008.

...Tornado and severe weather awareness week is April 20-24...
...Today's topic is...part 4...tornado statistics...
---------------------------------------------------------------------

In 2008...Wisconsin had 38 documented tornadoes. These tornadoes
did not result in any fatalities...but did result in 20 directly-
related injuries.

There have been 1394 documented tornadoes in Wisconsin since
1844...causing 510 directly-related deaths and at least 3021
directly-related injuries. Data prior to 1950 is incomplete because
in many cases...only large tornadoes were reported and many rural
tornadoes went undetected.

The following are Wisconsin tornado occurrences by month...

1844- j f M a M j j a S o N d total
2008......3 0 18 98 223 412 294 181 124 29 6 6 1394
in 2008...2 0 0 2 3 22 9 0 1 1 0 0 38

30 year normal /1971-2000/ ...21 tornadoes per year in Wisconsin.

The year of 2005 had the greatest state total with 62 tornadoes.
Other yearly Wisconsin totals include...

1980...43 1981...21 1982...16 1983...31 1984...34
1985...16 1986...14 1987...16 1988...35 1989...17
1990...09 1991...10 1992...26 1993...37 1994...35
1995...07 1996...21 1997...14 1998...11 1999...11
2000...18 2001...12 2002...26 2003...14 2004...36
2005...62 2006...13 2007...18 2008...38

------------------------------------------------------------------
the following are statistics for the average tornado in Wisconsin
from 1950 through January 2008...

Duration....9.8 minutes
length......5.5 miles
Max width...121 yards
intenisty...1.1 on the ef-scale

The following are statistics for the average tornado in Wisconsin
from 1982 through January 2008...

Duration...7.1 minutes
length.....3.7 miles
width......118 yards
----------------------------------------------------------------

...Wisconsin's worst tornado...
New Richmond /St. Croix County/ tornado on June 12 1899...
killing 117...injuring 125...and destroying over 300 buildings.

...Other costly Wisconsin tornadoes include...
Oakfield /Fond Du Lac County/ tornado on July 18 1996...injuring
only 12 with damage pegged at 40.4 million dollars /1996
dollars/. It became a F5 tornado east of Oakfield.

Barneveld/Iowa County/ tornado on June 8 1984...killed 9 and
injuring 200 with with damaged pegged at 40 million dollars
/1984 dollars/. This was an F5 tornado.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

...Number of thunderstorm days in Wisconsin...
on average...the number of days per year with thunderstorms ranges
from around 30 along the Lake Michigan shoreline to around 40 over
the southwest third of the state.

...Number of tornado days in Wisconsin...
in the tornado department...southwestern Wisconsin near the
Mississippi River averages about 1 day per year with a tornado. This
average decreases down to 0.7 days per year for the Madison area...
0.6 tornado days per year for Milwaukee area...0.4 days per year
for the Green Bay area...and 0.2 tornado days per year for northern
Wisconsin.

...Number of warnings per year in Wisconsin...
National Weather Service offices that service Wisconsin issue...on
average...only 1 to 2 tornado warnings and 5 to 10 severe
thunderstorm warnings per County per year for the southern counties.
The averages are less for northern Wisconsin counties.

...Number of watches per year in Wisconsin...
the National Weather Service in Wisconsin issues on average about
29 severe thunderstorm watches per year that cover at least some part
of Wisconsin. The number for tornado watches in Wisconsin is about
11 per year.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

The U.S. National averages for the period 1982-2008...
...1120 tornadoes per year
.....59 deaths per year
.....21 killer tornadoes per year

Year-by-year breakdown for U.S. For 1982-2008 follows...

year tornadoes deaths killer tornadoes
-------------------------------------------------------------------
1982 1047 64 31
1983 812 34 26
1984 907 122 33
1985 684 94 20
1986 713 15 11
1987 656 59 14
1988 698 32 19
1989 856 50 13
1990 1133 53 17
1991 1127 39 15
1992 1297 39 16
1993 1173 33 16
1994 1085 68 23
1995 1234 29 14
1996 1173 25 13
1997 1148 67 22
1998 1417 130 33
1999 1300 95 29
2000 1071 40 14
2001 1216 40 23
2002 941 55 28
2003 1376 54 23
2004 1819 36 20
2005 1264 38 13
2006 1103 67 25
2007 1098 81 26
2008 1691 126 37

/total of 1819 in 2004 is an all-time yearly record/

For more information about tornadoes...please refer to:

Http://spc.NOAA.Gov/faq/tornado/pagelist.Htm /all lower case/

For additional severe weather information...up to date forecasts...
and any watches/warnings/advisories please visit:

Http://www.Weather.Gov/Milwaukee /all lower case/
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Wisconsin Weather Update for April 24, 2009.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 11:59 AM GMT on April 24, 2009 +0
Good Friday morning!

Weather Synopsis
This is going to be one of those weather updates where I should focus exclusively on today's weather and just skip entirely the weekend and next week's forecast. Because really, it probably won't get any better than this for a while. A strong surge of warm air from the south combined with a nice ridge in the upper-air jet stream means temperatures are going to not only make it into the 60s and 70s, but could approach 80-degrees by later this afternoon! Don't put away your spring jackets just yet though, as a cold front moves through tonight and tomorrow, giving us a wet weekend and dropping temperatures back into the 50s for most of this weekend and next week. But don't get bummed, with May almost here there will be plenty more of these before it starts snowing again. Unless ... :)
http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/sfc/ussatsfc.gif


NowCast: (Source: National Weather Service)
Southern Wisconsin:
A line of scattered showers and thunderstorms will push into portions of south central Wisconsin between 5 am CDT and 6 am CDT. These showers and thunderstorms will affect the area from Reedsburg to Dodgeville...Spring Green and Darlington from 530 am CDT through 630 am CDT. Brief moderate rainfall of one quarter inch is possible with these showers. The showers will likely weaken as they progress eastward...however scattered showers will affect the area from Westfield to Portage to possibly Madison and New Glarus between 630 am CDT and 730 am CDT. Also...patchy fog is likely from Darlington eastward to Janesville...Elkhorn...Kenosha and Racine early this morning. Visibilities in the fog will be mostly 1 to 3 miles...however localized dense fog is possible for an hour or two in these areas.
http://www.wunderground.com/DisplayDisc.asp?DiscussionCode=MKX


Today’s Forecast Grade: A

Wisconsin Forecast:
Today: A few scattered clouds with maybe an isolated shower this morning. Otherwise partly cloudy, windy and unseasonably warm. High temperatures around 77 central, just above 80 south. Chance of rain this morning just 20%. Enjoy!

Raw Model Data: (combined numerical output range from three different NOAA weather models)
Appleton: Highs 75-79.
Madison: Highs 78-83.
Waukesha: Highs 80-81.

**Read on at your own risk**

Tonight: Mostly cloudy and breezy with scattered showers and thunderstorms. Lows lower 50s central, mid- 50s south. Chance of rain 60%.

This Weekend:
Saturday: Cloudy, breezy and cooler with showers and isolated thunderstorms likely. Temperatures not moving much during the day as colder air gradually moves in from the northwest. Highs only in the mid- to upper 50s central, mid- 60s south. Chance of rain 90%.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy and windy with more showers and isolated thunderstorms. Highs upper 50s central, lower 60s south. Chance of rain 70%.

Next Week:
Monday: Mostly cloudy and breezy with yet another round of scattered showers and thunderstorms. Clearing sky late, though. Highs 61-66. Chance of rain 60%.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny and cooler, highs 55-60.
Wednesday: Partly cloudy, highs 58-62.


Other City Forecasts:

This Weekend in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota: Showers and thunderstorms developing later today with more rain showers continuing through most of the weekend. Highs lower 70s today, then only 50-55 this weekend.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/MN/Minneapolis.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USMN0503

This Weekend in Anna, Illinois: Mostly sunny and warm, a few more clouds on Sunday, highs low to mid- 80s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IL/Anna.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USIL0033

This Weekend in League City and Pearland, Texas: Partly cloudy and breezy, highs mid- to upper 70s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USTX1029

This Weekend in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Sunshine, highs upper 70s to lower 80s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USSC0155

This Weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada: Partly sunny, isolated storms tonight and tomorrow, mostly sunny on Sunday. Highs mid- 80s today, cooling to the lower 70s tomorrow, then upper 70s on Sunday.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USNV0040

This Weekend in Davenport, Florida: Partly cloudy, highs upper 80s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/FL/Davenport.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USFL0104


Weather in the News:

Atlanta airport reopens after lightning strike
* Lightning strikes a control tower at Hartsfield airport as people evacuated
* Power outage follows lightning after severe storms roll through Atlanta area
* Outage affects runway lights; arriving planes diverted or told to circle
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/04/23/ga.airport.storms/index.html#cnnSTCText

(Source: National Weather Service)

... Unseasonably warm today...
Unseasonably warm temperatures are expected today ahead
of a cold front that will move into northern Wisconsin later
this afternoon. Based on the current forecast... many locations
will approach their record high temperature for the date.

Here is a list of record high temperatures for many locations
across north central and northeast Wisconsin.

April 24
location record high year(s)
--------------------------------------------------------------
Antigo 84 1990
Appleton 86 1994
Green Bay 86 1990
Manitowoc 82 1994

Marshfield 84 1915
Merrill 85 1915
Oshkosh 86 1915... 19990
Rhinelander 85 1915

Stevens Point 88 1915
Sturgeon Bay 78 1925... 1994
Wausau 84 1990
Wisconsin Rapids 86 1939


...Tornado and severe weather awareness week is April 20-24...
...Today's topic is...part 3...tornado basics...
-----------------------------------------------------------------

...Tornadoes in general...
tornadoes are one of the most powerful and violent storms that
nature can produce. They come in all shapes and sizes and can occur
in every state in the country...on any day of the year...and at any
hour of the day. However...one thing that all tornadoes have in
common is that they can be a direct threat to your safety.

...Definition of a tornado...
a tornado by definition is a violently rotating column of air /wind/
that extends from the base of a cumulonimbus cloud down to the
ground. One can not see a column of air and wind that is rotating
on a vertical axis between the cloud base and the ground unless
there is a visible condensation funnel inside the invisible
tornado...or one sees rotating dirt/debris effects at the ground-
level with cloud base rotation overhead.

There have been many documented cases in which a tornado was damaging
structures and vegetation /violently rotating dirt and debris
effects at ground level/...but there was very little or no visible
condensation funnel. Most people refer to the condensation funnel
as a funnel cloud. Since you can have a tornado with little or no
visible condensation funnel...the condensation funnel is not the
tornado. Now you have to ask the question...what comes first...the
tornado or the condensation funnel...sort of like the Chicken and
egg question.

For many years it was assumed that tornadoes grew downwards from the
base of a cumulonimbus cloud to the ground because the condensation
funnel visibly grew downwards. Consequently...this gave people the
false perception that tornadoes touched down. It is true that the
condensation funnel does grow downwards...but a nearly invisible
tornado can develop between the cloud-base and ground prior to the
development of a condensation funnel. In most cases...eventually a
condensation funnel does develop from the cloud base down to the
ground...but this may happen after a tornado has already resulted in
damage.

...Wisconsin tornado statistics...
in Wisconsin the peak tornado season is may through August. Tornadoes
can occur at any time of the day.

...the peak hours of occurrence in Wisconsin are between
2 PM and 10 PM.

...the peak hour for tornado initiation in Wisconsin is
between 6 and 7 PM.

...on average...Wisconsin sees 21 tornadoes a year...based on
the period of 1971-2000.

...on average...Wisconsin has an average of 1 fatality each year
due to tornado-related injuries.

...for the period of 1982-2008...the average Wisconsin tornado
lasted about 7.1 minutes...had a path length of about 3.7
miles...had a path width of about 118 yards...and had an
average Enhanced-Fujita-scale strength of 0.7 /almost F1/.

...Tornado safety tips...
the National Weather Service recommends taking shelter in a permanent
structure/S interior hallway...bathroom...or closet on the lowest
floor. Put as many walls between you and the outside of the
building.

...if available...a basement is the best choice to take cover.
Auditoriums...or other structures with large unsupported
roofs...or areas with windows should be avoided. In last
minute situations a desk may used for cover.

...the southwest corner of the basement is not necessarily the
safest place...because large objects such as cars and trucks
can be deposited into basements. You need something sturdy
overhead...such as an I-beam. Another option in the basement
is to get underneath a heavy desk or table...or The
Staircase.

...if you are caught outside in the open during a tornado...lie
flat and cover your head. If you can...wrap a covering
around exposed portions of your body.

...any debris driven by tornado-strength winds has the potential
to cause serious injury. Damage assessments have discovered
amazing events such as Straw being thrown through a car door.
Debris also tends to collect in ditches and ravines which can
flood due to rain...so be wary of ditches and ravines.

...never drive directly toward or into the vicinity of a
tornado. Any tornado can change direction or speed and put
you directly in its path. Drive at right angles from the
tornado/S path or get out of your vehicle and seek shelter
immediately.

...Highway over-passes are not the safest outdoor place to
be. People have been killed while hiding underneath an
over-pass as a tornado moved overhead. The winds blow
stronger under the over-pass and there can be a lot flying
debris in the air that can injure or kill. Instead...seek
a sturdy shelter or lie flat on the ground and cover your
head with your arms.

...Mobile homes...
if you live in a Mobile home...you should be especially cautious
during times of possible severe weather. Most Mobile homes are not
safe in severe weather...especially tornadoes.

...the size and construction of Mobile homes makes them
particularly vulnerable to overturning in high winds. Some
protection may be provided against damage by securing them
with cables anchored in Concrete footings.

...you should be aware that when high winds or tornadic activity
are imminent...Mobile homes should be evacuated. The National
Weather Service advises that in these conditions you should
move immediately to a sturdy...permanent structure.

...if no sturdy shelter is available...lie flat on the ground
and cover your head. Act quickly...the majority of tornado-
related deaths occur in Mobile homes. Preparing ahead of
time could save your life.

...Standard homes...
in the home...your best choice for safety is an interior room with
no windows on the lower level of your home...preferably a basement.
If possible get under a sturdy table or work bench.

...if a cellar is not available...take cover in an interior
closet...hallway or bathroom on the lowest level of the
house.

...some people survive a tornado in an empty bathtub with a
mattress over their head for protection. Contrary to popular
myths...do not open doors or windows before taking cover. It
wastes precious time that you need to head for safety.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

For additional severe weather information...up to date forecasts...
and any watches/warnings/advisories please visit:

Http://www.Crh.NOAA.Gov/mkx /all lower case/

For information about tornadoes...please refer to:

Http://spc.NOAA.Gov/faq/tornado/pagelist.Htm /all lower case/
Updated: 12:00 PM GMT on April 24, 2009   Permalink | A A A
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Wisconsin Weather Update for April 22, 2009.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 12:04 PM GMT on April 22, 2009 +0
Good Wednesday morning!

Weather Synopsis
The snow showers we received over the last two days didn't really add up to much other than a brief thin layer of snow on grassy areas, but up north in Rhinelander they received over 10" of snow! But you know what they say ... if you don't like the current spring weather, just wait a day or two and it will be totally different. After this brief return to Winter, we're going to jump right back to Spring again with warm southerly winds, sunshine, and highs 10-15 degrees warmer than the previous day right through the rest of the work week. This means that highs on Friday won't just make it to 70, but might even get close to that remarkable summer-like 80-degree mark! After what we went through Monday and Tuesday, I think we deserve it. :) I also think really soon we're going to have to mow our lawns for the first time this year!
http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/sfc/ussatsfc.gif


Today’s Forecast Grade: B

Wisconsin Forecast:
Today: A few morning clouds, otherwise mostly sunny and warmer. High of 55 central, upper 50s south. And if you think that's good...

Raw Model Data: (combined numerical output range from three different NOAA weather models)
Appleton: Highs 53-55.
Madison: Highs 58-59.
Waukesha: Highs 53-58.

Tonight: Becoming mostly cloudy, lows mid- to upper 30s.

Tomorrow: Partly sunny, windy and warmer. Maybe an isolated shower. Highs lower 60s central, mid- to upper 60s south and west. Chance of rain 30%.

Friday: Partly cloudy, windy and very mild. Highs mid- 70s central, upper 70s south. Wouldn't be surprised if a few spots even hit 80 on Friday!

This Weekend:
Saturday: Mostly cloudy and breezy with scattered showers and thunderstorms (better chance of rain the further north and west you live). Highs 69-74. Chance of rain generally 40%.
Sunday: Cloudy, breezy and cooler with showers and thunderstorms likely. Highs 59-64. Chance of rain 70%.
Next Week’s Outlook: More showers and isolated thunderstorms are possible early in the week, then drying out for the latter half. Temperatures look to gradually fluctuate back down to normal or a little below normal, in the 50s for most of the week but maybe upper 40s late in the week as cold air from Canada slowly resurges back south.


Other City Forecasts:

Today and Tomorrow in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota: Partly cloudy, breezy and warmer, highs near 60 today and near 80 tomorrow. That's no typo!
http://www.wunderground.com/US/MN/Minneapolis.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USMN0503

Today and Tomorrow in Anna, Illinois: Sunshine today, isolated storms tomorrow, breezy highs low to mid- 70s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IL/Anna.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USIL0033

Today and Tomorrow in League City and Pearland, Texas: Mostly sunny and breezy, highs near or just above 80.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USTX1029

Today and Tomorrow in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Sunshine today, a few clouds tomorrow, highs mid- to upper 70s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USSC0155

Today and Tomorrow in Las Vegas, Nevada: Sunshine and hot, highs low to mid- 90s. But with dew points only in the mid- teens, it's a really dry heat. Refreshingly breezy tomorrow, too.
Record to near record high temperatures today...
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USNV0040

Today and Tomorrow in Davenport, Florida: Mostly sunny, highs mid- to upper 80s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/FL/Davenport.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USFL0104


Weather in the News:

Mayor says Fargo faces 'uncharted territory' with flooding
* NEW: Red River crest is now forecast at 43 feet
* NEW: "We are where we want to be with the dikes," deputy mayor says
* Water from Missouri River receding in Bismarck, North Dakota
* iReporter says volunteer response has been "unbelievable"
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/weather/03/26/floods.north.dakota/index.html#cnnSTCText

Rainy Weather Forecasts Misunderstood by Many
To bring an umbrella or not to bring an umbrella? That's the perennial question on those days where the chance of rain is less than 100 percent. But only half the population understands what a precipitation forecast means well enough to make a fully informed answer, a new study finds.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20090420/sc_livescience/rainyweatherforecastsmisunderstoodbyman y

(Source: National Weather Service)
...Green Bay moves into third place for snowfall...
With 0.4 tenths of an inch of snowfall in the last 12 hours...Green Bay
has moved into third place all time for seasonal snowfall. Here is a
list of the top 10 snowiest Winters in Green Bay.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
Rank snow(in) season

1. 147.7 1887/88
2. 103.6 1889/90
3. 87.7 2008/09
4. 87.4 2007/08
5. 82.7 1886/87
6. 80.1 1922/23
7. 77.5 1995/96
8. 77.0 1888/89 1996/97
9. 72.2 1893/94
10 71.6 1978/79


... On this date in 1980...
Unseasonably warm temperatures were reported across north central
and northeast Wisconsin. Many locations set record high temperatures
for the date. Many sites also set the record high temperature for
the month of April.

The record heat did not last long as light snow was reported
across northeast Wisconsin on the 23rd. After being in the
upper 80s to lower 90s the day before... Green Bay reported 0.6
inches of snow and Appleton reported 1.5 inches of snow.

Here are some high temperatures across the region on April 22... 1980.
The list below indicates the record high temperature set on this date.
The ** denotes locations that set their all time record high temperature
for the month of April. This was also the date the earliest 90 degree
temperatures were reached across north central and northeast Wisconsin.

The warmest temperature in the state of Wisconsin was 97 degrees at
Lone Rock.

High
location temperature (f)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Shawano 93 **
Clintonville 92 **
New London 92 **
Waupaca 92 **
Marshfield 91 **
Oshkosh 91 **
Suring 91 **
Wisconsin Rapids 91 **
Laona 91 **
Manitowoc 91 **
Oconto 90 **
Appleton 89 **
Chilton 89 **
Green Bay 89 **
Rhinelander 89
Marinette 88
Wausau 88
Antigo 87

Note: ** denotes all time record high temperature for the month
of April.


...Severe weather season starting out later than usual in northeast Wisconsin...
This week is severe weather awareness week in Wisconsin. Usually by
this time of the year...northeast Wisconsin has experienced at least one
severe weather event: a thunderstorm with either large hail 1 inch in
diameter or larger...damaging thunderstorm winds...or a tornado.

As of April 20...no severe weather events have been recorded this year
in the northeast part of the state. In 15 years of storm data...this is
the fifth slowest start to the severe weather season. The latest into
the Spring that severe weather first occurred was may 16 1995.

The average date of northeast Wisconsin's first severe weather report of
the Spring is April 14. Large hail is the most common early Spring
severe weather type.


...Tornado and severe weather awareness week is April 20-24...
...Today's topic is...part 2...most common tornado myths...
-----------------------------------------------------------------

There are many myths circulating amongst society about tornadoes...
which in many cases are false and could be life-threatening if
followed closely. Several of these myths are listed below along with
the reasons of why they are false.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

...When traveling by car...seek shelter under an overpass as a
tornado approaches...

seeking shelter under an overpass is more dangerous than
standing in an open field while a tornado is approaching. When a
tornado passes over an overpass...winds are funneled under the
bridge thereby increasing the velocity. The same phenomena can be
experienced by standing between two buildings on a windy day.

The best place to seek shelter while traveling is in a sturdy
building. If no building is available...lie flat on the ground and
cover your head. Tornadoes do not follow terrain features exactly
...So chances are if the tornado comes directly toward your
location...it will pass right over you. Be wary however...debris
tends to collect in lows spots such as culverts and ditches...and
flash flooding may be possible as well.
----------------------------------------------------------------

...Tornadoes never strike the same location twice...

the civil town of Cordell Kansas had a tornado hit on may 20th
three years in a row /1916...1917...1918/. In Guy Arkansas...three
tornadoes hit the same church on the same day.
----------------------------------------------------------------

...Big cities and their tall buildings are protected from
tornadoes...

big cities and their immediate surrounding areas are not
protected from tornadoes. In fact...many cities across the United
States have been hit directly within recent times such as Miami...
Oklahoma City...Houston...Fort Worth...and Nashville. Even Salt Lake
City has been directly hit. Utah only experiences a few tornadoes per
year...but they can strike anywhere.

Since big cities cover a relatively small geographical area...
the chances of a tornado striking that particular area are relatively
small...but not impossible. The myth that tall buildings protect
cities from tornadoes is false since tornadic thunderstorms are
typically 8 to 12 miles in height. A tall building of 500 to 1000
feet in height can not possibly deflect or destroy a tornado.
----------------------------------------------------------------

...Large lakes protect nearby areas from tornadoes...

while cold water and the cool air on top of a Large Lake such
as Lake Michigan can provide for a locally stable environment at
times...chances are a thunderstorm producing a tornado moving toward
a Cold Lake has a large driving force that can easily overcome the
dampening effects of refrigerated air over a Large Lake.

In addition...typical lake breezes found along the Lake Michigan
shore are often shallow and only affect a small portion of the lower
atmosphere. Warm and unstable air above this marine layer/lake breeze
could very well sustain a thunderstorm/S strength. For example... on
March 8 2000...Milwaukee County experienced its earliest tornado on
record at a time when Lake Michigan is climatologically coldest.
------------------------------------------------------------------

...Mountains...ridges...river valleys...and large lakes inhibit
tornado development and/or split storms...

tornadoes are possible in every corner of the United States...
including mountains...ridges...and river valleys. While conditions
aren/T optimal for tornado development on top of mountains or
directly over Lake Michigan...tornadoes have been documented to
visit mountains at the 10 to 14 thousand foot level in the Sierra
Nevada mountains and in Yellowstone National Park. Strong tornadoes
have also been known to cross the Mississippi River and other large
rivers or large lakes.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

...Seeking shelter in the southwest corner of your house will
protect you from being hit by debris...

this myth was devised solely by the misconception that all
tornadoes propagate in a northeast direction. Therefore as the
tornado hits your house...all the debris will be brought with it to
the northeast and away from you. Since tornadoes can move from any
direction...this myth is obviously false.

Debris such as pickup trucks and cars can also be shoved into the
basement by a tornado. Obviously one can be crushed by a vehicle
that is deposited into a basement. One should position themselves
under the I-beam...a heavy work bench...or under The Steps to
increase their chances of survival.

During a Tornado Warning...people will want to seek shelter in an
interior room on the lowest level of the building...away from
windows...and under a steady piece of furniture or staircase.
----------------------------------------------------------------

...To minimize damage to your house...open all the windows prior to
a tornado striking it to equalize the pressure inside and prevent
it from exploding...

while tornadoes do have incredible pressure changes associated
within them...if a tornado strikes your house directly...the winds
and flying debris alone will damage it severely anyway. All homes
have the ability to equalize their pressure inside...since no house
is 100 percent air-tight.

Furthermore...by opening windows you allow no chance of the window
shielding you from debris outside which may cause bodily harm...and
it wastes precious time you need to take cover.
----------------------------------------------------------------

...Tornadoes only occur in the late Spring and Summer across
Wisconsin...

while the optimal time for tornado development occurs during may
through August across Wisconsin...tornadoes may develop at any time
of day and on any day of the year. Since 1950...tornadoes have been
documented in the Badger state during every month of the year except
February. A tornado may yet someday occur in February in Wisconsin.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

...The shape and size of the tornado determines how strong it is...

tornadoes come in all shapes and sizes and one should not depend
on how large they are or their shape to determine strength. The only
way to determine the strength of the tornado is through damage
assessments conducted by the National Weather Service...or by taking
a direct measurement of wind.

During damage assessments...NWS employees look for clues that will
tell them how strong the winds were. The wind estimate /or
measurement/ is then related to the Enhanced-Fujita tornado scale
and a tornado intensity level will be assigned. Tornadoes are rated
on a scale from EF0 to EF5...with EF5 being the strongest.

Merely by looking at the tornado/S shape does not tell the
whole story. The visible funnel is created by cloud condensation or
dirt and debris. Conditions that create the visible funnel will
change each time a tornado develops...and therefore one can not use
this method reliably.
--------------------------------------------------------------

...Significant property or crop damage is always a result of a
tornado...

tornadoes do produce significant damage...however straight-line
down-burst winds can be just as destructive. Down-burst winds
associated with severe thunderstorms are capable of reaching wind
speeds of 100 to 150 mph...or the equivalent of an EF1 or EF2 or
EF3 tornado.

Significant damage does not always imply a tornado. Several...less
obvious...clues will tell NWS employees whether a tornado or
straight-line winds caused the damage.
---------------------------------------------------------------

...Mobile homes attract tornadoes...

nothing attracts tornadoes. Tornadoes form and travel at their
own leisure. It seems as though Mobile homes attract tornadoes
because they are more susceptible to damage. However...on a pro-
rated basis...higher numbers of fatalities and injuries occur with
Mobile-trailer homes.
---------------------------------------------------------------

...The number of tornadoes per year have been increasing due to more
favorable weather conditions...

the number of documented tornadoes in the U.S. Has increased
since the early 1900s. However...this increase is mostly likely due
to the general increase in the population...more trained storm
spotters...better radar detection technology...and better follow-up
damage surveys. Tornadoes have not become more common due to more
favorable weather conditions.
---------------------------------------------------------------

For information about tornadoes...please refer to...

Http://spc.NOAA.Gov/faq/tornado/index.Html /all lower case/

For information about Wisconsin severe weather...please refer to...

Http://www.Crh.NOAA.Gov/mkx /all lower case/
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Wisconsin Weather Update for April 20, 2009.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 12:10 PM GMT on April 20, 2009 +0
Good Monday morning!

Weather Synopsis
Today begins Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin, and what better way to begin talking about severe weather than by discussing our upcoming snow potential! It's unfortunately quite true, and seeing the word "snow" in your local weather forecast (with less than two weeks until May begins) is probably going to get people around here rather cranky. Basically what's going on is a series of cold fronts are moving through the central United States. One low pressure system has already moved across Wisconsin and is now centered in Iowa, while a second cold front and its smaller low (cutoff from the main circulation in Iowa) are centered over Minneapolis. These storm systems combined with a strong trough in the upper-air jet stream mean that the cold temperatures we saw yesterday will stick around both today and tomorrow. And this also means that the rain this system will be generating over Wisconsin today and tomorrow may turn to snow showers at times, especially the further northeast you live. I'm not expecting much for accumulating snow across east-central and southern Wisconsin, but northeastern Wisconsin will see more snow than rain from this system, and could get enough to shovel if they really wanted to do so. Luckily, temperatures warm up rapidly for the second half of the week.
http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/sfc/ussatsfc.gif


Today’s Forecast Grade: D

Wisconsin Forecast:
Today: Cloudy and breezy with rain showers likely, mixing with snow showers at times this morning east-central. FYI, it's snowing in my backyard right now. High of only 41 central, mid- 40s south. Chance of precip near 100% since it's already raining or snowing in most of east-central and southern Wisconsin.

Raw Model Data: (combined numerical output range from three different NOAA weather models)
Appleton: Highs 37-42. Chance of precip 92-100%.
Madison: Highs 47-48. Chance of precip 62-87%.
Waukesha: Highs 43-46. Chance of precip 87-97%.

Tonight: Cloudy and windy with rain and snow showers likely. Lows lower 30s. Maybe a small layer of snow on grassy areas before it melts away tomorrow morning. Chance of precip 90%.

Tomorrow: Cloudy and windy with more rain and snow showers expected in the morning. Scattered rain showers in the afternoon but gradually diminishing late. Highs lower 40s central, mid- 40s south. Again, little if any snowfall accumulation expected. Chance of precip 70%.

Extended:
Wednesday: Partly cloudy, no snow, and warmer, highs 52-57.
Thursday: Partly sunny and much warmer, highs 68-73. Maybe a passing shower Thursday night (35% chance).
Friday: Partly sunny and mild, highs 70-75.

This Weekend:
Saturday: Partly sunny with a 40% chance of rain, highs 67-74.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy and a little cooler with more scattered rain showers (40% chance). Highs 61-68.


Other City Forecasts:

Today and Tomorrow in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota: Cool with scattered rain showers today, partly cloudy and warmer tomorrow, highs upper 40s today and upper 50s tomorrow.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/MN/Minneapolis.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USMN0503

Today and Tomorrow in Anna, Illinois: Scattered storms today, partly sunny tomorrow, highs just above 60.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IL/Anna.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USIL0033

Today and Tomorrow in League City and Pearland, Texas: Sunshine, no crazy hurricane-like storms expected, highs near 80.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USTX1029

Today and Tomorrow in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Scattered showers and thunderstorms today, partly cloudy tomorrow, highs low to mid- 70s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USSC0155

Today and Tomorrow in Las Vegas, Nevada: Sunshine, highs near or just above 90.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USNV0040

Today and Tomorrow in Davenport, Florida: Scattered showers and thunderstorms today, sunshine tomorrow, highs lower 80s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/FL/Davenport.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USFL0104


Weather in the News:

(Source: National Weather Service)
...Accumulating snow expected across north central and parts of northeast Wisconsin early this week...
An area of low pressure and associated cold air aloft will move
across the Great Lakes region...bringing much needed precipitation
to the state through Tuesday. The precipitation is expected to
fall mainly as rain over much of eastern and central Wisconsin...
while much of it will fall as snow in northern Wisconsin.

At this time...one to two inches are expected to fall overnight
over parts of north central Wisconsin...with another one to three
inches possible on Monday north of a line from McAllister to
Rhinelander. The snow will be wet and heavy...and given the warm
surface temperatures some of the snow will melt as it falls.

Accumulating snow is also possible over east central Wisconsin
later Monday and Tuesday as the cold air moves south.

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio and television for
later statements and forecasts on this Spring snowstorm.


...Tornado and severe weather awareness week is April 20-24...
...Today/S topic...part 1...basic watch and warning info...
------------------------------------------------------------------

...How to stay on top of the weather...
with Summer quickly approaching the Badger state...you need to be
aware of potentially hazardous weather situations quickly. An
excellent way to keep abreast of rapidly changing Summer weather
conditions is to Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio all hazards receiver
at your favorite electronics store. Make sure your weather radio has
a battery back-up in case you lose commercial power.

Besides NOAA Weather Radio as a source of weather information...
commercial TV and radio stations and cable stations broadcast
critical weather information. Of course...weather information can
be obtained from the internet.
--------------------------------------------------------------------

...The difference between a watch and a warning...
be sure that you understand the difference between a Tornado Watch
and warning. Many people confuse watches and warnings. Now is a
good time to review the difference before severe weather hits.

...Tornado Watch...the Storm Prediction Center issues a watch
to give you advance notice that the development of tornadoes
is possible in your area within the next several hours. This
gives you the time to make preliminary plans for moving to a
safe shelter quickly if a tornado develops.

...Tornado Warning...a Tornado Warning is an urgent announcement
that a tornado has been reported by a person or is imminent
due to Doppler radar information. Take swift...immediate
actions. When a warning is issued..move quickly. Seconds
save lives.

...Severe Thunderstorm Watch...the Storm Prediction Center
issues a Severe Thunderstorm Watch to give you advance
notice that the development of severe storms with powerful
and damaging downburst winds and large hail are possible in
your area within the next several hours. This gives you the
time to make preliminary plans for moving to a safe shelter
quickly if a severe thunderstorm develops.

...Severe Thunderstorm Warning...a Severe Thunderstorm Warning
is an urgent announcement that a severe storm with powerful
damaging downburst winds or large hail at least 1 inch in
diameter have been reported by a person or is imminent due
to Doppler radar information. Take swift...immediate
actions. When a warning is issued...move quickly. Seconds
save lives.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

...Which groups of people should have a safety plan...
institutions such as schools...office buildings...and factories
should have a well-rehearsed plan of action in case of hazardous
weather. This includes having a NOAA Weather Radio all hazards to
monitor the current and future weather conditions...and a person who
watches for severe storms.

In addition...organizers of outdoor events...where large numbers of
people gather...should have a plan of action.

People at home should also have a plan of action...which includes
having an emergency kit that contains water...non-perishable food
...Extra medicine and clothing...flashlights and batteries...and
extra Cash and other personal items.
-------------------------------------------------------------------..

...Words of caution...
during this time of year your safety depends on you being alert and
cautious.

...it is also a good time to make sure that you know what County
you live in. The National Weather Service issues severe
weather watches and warnings on a County basis...or on a
partial-County basis.

...if you Don/T feel safe because the sky or clouds look
threatening...then seek a safe shelter...even if a warning
hasn/T been issued by the National Weather Service.

...the National Weather Service does not issue warnings for
lightning. Lightning is a major hazard with any
thunderstorm. If you can hear thunder...you are close
enough to be struck by lightning.

For additional severe weather information and up to date forecasts
and any watches/warnings/advisories please visit our web site at...

Http://www.Weather.Gov/mkx/ /all lower case/
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Wisconsin Weather Update for April 17, 2009.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 11:52 AM GMT on April 17, 2009 +0
Good Friday morning!

Weather Synopsis
How great have the last couple days been weatherwise? We have one more day of outstanding weather to look forward to before rain and colder temperatures return to Wisconsin. A large area of high pressure, which has been giving us this great weather lately, has moved off to our east, but our sky will still be dominated by this system today. Also, warm southerly winds behind the high pressure system will kick most of our temperatures up to near 70 degrees today! The bad news comes in a form of a new area of low pressure developing off to our west. Rain will start moving in late tomorrow, continue on Sunday, and bring much cooler air behind it. Temperatures may not break out of the 40s on Sunday, but fear not as we will probably see 60s again by the middle of next week.
http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/sfc/ussatsfc.gif


Today’s Forecast Grade: A

Wisconsin Forecast:
Today: Sunny and wonderful. It's Friday. High of 69 central, just above 70 south.

Raw Model Data: (combined numerical output range from three different NOAA weather models)
Appleton: Highs 66-70.
Madison: Highs 70-72.
Waukesha: Highs 69-71.

Tonight: Partly cloudy overnight, lows lower 40s.

This Weekend:
Saturday: Becoming cloudy and breezy during the day with scattered rain showers developing late and continuing overnight. Slightly cooler highs thanks to the increased cloud cover, in the mid- 60s central and upper 60s south. Chance of rain Saturday night 60%.
Sunday: Cloudy, breezy and much colder with scattered rain showers. Highs mid- 40s central, near 50 south. Chance of rain 70%.

Next Week:
Monday: Cloudy and cool with isolated rain showers early in the day. Highs 51-56. Chance of rain 30%.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, still cool, highs 52-57.
Wednesday: Partly cloudy and warmer, highs 58-63. Temperatures look to move into the 60s right through next weekend.


Other City Forecasts:

This Weekend in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota: Partly cloudy today, scattered showers this weekend. Highs lower 70s today, lower 60s tomorrow, and only near 50 on Sunday.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/MN/Minneapolis.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USMN0503

This Weekend in Anna, Illinois: Partly sunny today, scattered showers and thunderstorms this weekend. Highs lower 70s today, upper 60s tomorrow, lower 60s on Sunday.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IL/Anna.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USIL0033

This Weekend in League City and Pearland, Texas: Showers, thunderstorms, and breezy through Saturday night. Partly cloudy on Sunday. Highs mid- 70s today, upper 70s tomorrow, lower 80s on Sunday.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USTX1029

This Weekend in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Sunshine today and tomorrow, isolated showers on Sunday. Breezy at times, highs lower 70s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USSC0155

This Weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada: Sunshine, highs mid- 70s today, near 80 tomorrow, mid- 80s this weekend. Great indoor gambling weather!
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USNV0040

This Weekend in Davenport, Florida: Partly sunny today, more sunshine this weekend, highs mid- 80s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/FL/Davenport.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USFL0104
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Wisconsin Weather Update for April 15, 2009.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 12:21 PM GMT on April 15, 2009 +0
Good Wednesday morning!

Weather Synopsis
The gradual weekday warmup continues! After Monday with highs in the 40s and yesterday's highs in the 50s, today some of us may approach 60! A few clouds are in eastern Wisconsin this morning stretching from a low pressure system moving through the east-central United States, but these clouds should leave us shortly, leaving us with high pressure and a sunny sky for the next several days! Colder weather and rain arrives on Saturday night and Sunday but the next few days will be a great opportunity to stay inside in our newly-finished basement, err, I mean get outside. Enjoy!
http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/sfc/ussatsfc.gif


Today’s Forecast Grade: A-

Wisconsin Forecast:
Today: Some clouds early this morning in eastern Wisconsin, otherwise mostly sunny and slightly warmer. High of 57 central, just above 60 south.

Raw Model Data: (combined numerical output range from three different NOAA weather models)
Appleton: Highs 57-59.
Madison: Highs 61-62.
Waukesha: Highs 57-58.

Tonight: Clear, lows upper 30s.

Tomorrow: Sunny and a little warmer. Another great day. Highs lower 60s central, mid- 60s south.

Friday: Morning sunshine, a few afternoon clouds, and warmer yet, highs mid- 60s central, upper 60s south.

This Weekend:
Saturday: Increasing clouds during the day. Windy with rain Saturday night. Highs 60-65. Chance of rain Saturday night 50%.
Sunday: Cloudy, windy and turning colder with rain likely. Highs 52-57. Chance of rain 70%.
Next Week’s Outlook: Lingering showers on Monday and another chance at scattered showers on Wednesday. Early week temperatures look to continue the cold trend began on Sunday with highs in the upper 40s or lower 50s, but should warm up to near 60 again by Wednesday.


Other City Forecasts:

Today and Tomorrow in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota: Mostly sunny, highs mid- to upper 60s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/MN/Minneapolis.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USMN0503

Today and Tomorrow in Anna, Illinois: Mostly sunny today, a few more clouds tomorrow, highs near or just above 60.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IL/Anna.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USIL0033

Today and Tomorrow in League City and Pearland, Texas: Partly cloudy today, scattered storms tomorrow. Breezy, highs mid- to upper 70s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USTX1029

Today and Tomorrow in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Mostly sunny, breezy at times, highs upper 60s to lower 70s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USSC0155

Today and Tomorrow in Las Vegas, Nevada: Mostly cloudy and colder with scattered rain showers today. Some areas may even see some snow showers but you guys may live on too low of an elevation to see that. Sunshine and warmer tomorrow. Breezy, highs upper 50s today, upper 60s tomorrow.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USNV0040

Today and Tomorrow in Davenport, Florida: Mostly sunny, highs lower 80s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/FL/Davenport.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USFL0104


Weather in the News:

North Dakota braces for more flooding
* Mayor urges voluntary evacuations in Valley City, about 60 miles west of Fargo
* National Guard troops from Minnesota and North Dakota were in place Tuesday
* Red River, which crested at nearly 41 feet at Fargo on March 28, is rising again
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/weather/04/14/north.dakota.flooding/index.html#cnnSTCText
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Wisconsin Weather Update for April 13, 2009.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 12:40 PM GMT on April 13, 2009 +0
Good Monday morning!

Weather Synopsis
After a very nice weekend with sunshine and pleasant early-Spring temperatures, we're going to take a step backwards today before more nice weather arrives by mid-week. A strong area of low pressure currently centered in Arkansas will keep us cloudy and colder today with rain showers developing from the south. It looks like southern Wisconsin will end up with rain showers through much of the day, especially this afternoon and evening, whereas east-central Wisconsin may end up with just a few light rain showers or sprinkles late in the day depending on where you live. Look for sunshine and warmer weather to return on Wednesday and last through the rest of the work week with temperatures in the 60s expected on Thursday and Friday. The upcoming weekend could be a wet one, however.
http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/sfc/ussatsfc.gif


NowCast: (Source: National Weather Service)
Southern Wisconsin:
Light rain is expected to move slowly north from Illinois this morning...reaching a line from Mineral Point to Janesville to Lake Geneva by 10 am. The rain should continue north and extend from roughly Spring Green to Madison...Fort Atkinson...and Racine by the midday hours. Total rain along the Illinois border through noon should be around a tenth of an inch...with lesser amounts to the north.
http://www.wunderground.com/DisplayDisc.asp?DiscussionCode=MKX


Today’s Forecast Grade: C

Wisconsin Forecast:
Today: Cloudy, breezy and colder. Scattered rain showers this morning becoming more numerous this afternoon in southern Wisconsin. Maybe a few light rain showers or sprinkles in east-central Wisconsin this afternoon but the morning should be dry. High of 44 east-central, only lower 40s south. Chance of rain 30% central, 80% south.

Raw Model Data: (combined numerical output range from three different NOAA weather models)
Appleton: High 45. Chance of precip 32-36%.
Madison: Highs 41-44. Chance of precip 64-87%.
Waukesha: Highs 38-44. Chance of precip 63-88%.

Tonight: Cloudy with scattered rain showers diminishing overnight. Lows lower 30s. Chance of rain 25% central, 60% south.

Tomorrow: Cloudy and a little warmer, perhaps a few breaks in the clouds late in the day. Highs near 50.

Extended:
Wednesday: Partly cloudy and warmer, highs 55-60.
Thursday: Partly cloudy and warmer yet, highs 60-65.
Friday: Increasing clouds, even warmer, highs 63-68.

This Weekend:
Saturday: Cloudy, breezy and cooler with scattered rain showers developing. Highs 54-61. Chance of rain 40%.
Sunday: Cloudy, breezy and cool with more rain showers possible. Highs 49-56. Chance of rain 40%.


Other City Forecasts:

Today and Tomorrow in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota: Clouds today, sun tomorrow, highs upper 50s to near 60.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/MN/Minneapolis.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USMN0503

Today and Tomorrow in Anna, Illinois: Showers and thunderstorms today, isolated showers tomorrow, highs near 60 today, lower 50s tomorrow.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IL/Anna.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USIL0033

Today and Tomorrow in League City and Pearland, Texas: Morning fog, becoming mostly sunny. More sunshine tomorrow. Highs upper 70s to lower 80s.
Dense fog advisory in effect until 9 am CDT this morning...
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USTX1029

Today and Tomorrow in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Severe storms possible today and tonight, more storms expected tomorrow. Highs 70-75.
Through 9 am...a few light showers will continue to affect portions of southeast South Carolina and southeast Georgia. Although most areas will remain dry in this time period...expect periods of light rain with totals ranging from a trace to a few hundredth...especially for areas west of Interstate 95.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USSC0155

Today and Tomorrow in Las Vegas, Nevada: Sunshine today, windy with isolated storms tomorrow, highs upper 70s to lower 80s. Watch out for flying keyboards!
High wind watch in effect from Tuesday afternoon through late Tuesday night...
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USNV0040

Today and Tomorrow in Davenport, Florida: Isolated storms today with a better chance of storms tomorrow, highs mid- to upper 80s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/FL/Davenport.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USFL0104


Weather in the News:

Mom, infant killed by Tennessee tornado
* NEW: Parents in hallway with baby in car seat when tornado hit Murfreesboro
* Mother died, father found two houses away when tornado hit
* Tornado hit Mena, Arkansas, on Thursday; 3 people confirmed dead
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/weather/04/11/southeast.tornadoes/index.html#cnnSTCText
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Wisconsin Weather Update for April 10, 2009.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 2:05 PM GMT on April 10, 2009 +0
Good Good Friday morning!

Weather Synopsis
This will be a little bit shorter update compared to normal as numerous people on the mailing list aren't at work today, plus the fact that we're still in a rather boring weather cycle. :) A storm system moving across the central United States should miss Wisconsin to the south, and the next storm of any moderate interest doesn't arrive until Monday. So enjoy the continued seasonable weekend weather!
http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/sfc/ussatsfc.gif


Today’s Forecast Grade: B

Wisconsin Forecast:
Today: Mostly sunny, a little breezy and slightly cooler than yesterday. High of 48 central, lower 50s south.

Raw Model Data: (combined numerical output range from three different NOAA weather models)
Appleton: Highs 46-49.
Madison: Highs 52-54.
Waukesha: Highs 46-49.

Tonight: Mostly clear, lows mid- 20s.

This Weekend:
Saturday: Partly cloudy, highs near 50 central, low to mid- 50s south.
Easter Sunday: Mostly sunny, a little breezy, highs lower 50s central, upper 50s south. Chance of your Easter basket being hidden in the laundry room 40%.

Next Week:
Monday: Cloudy, windy and cooler with scattered rain showers. Highs 48-53. Chance of rain 50%.
Tuesday: Cloudy. Scattered light rain showers and breezy Tuesday morning. Highs 52-57. Chance of rain 40%.
Wednesday: Partly sunny during the day. Rain developing Wednesday night. Highs 53-58. Chance of rain Wednesday night 40%.


Other City Forecasts:

This Weekend in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota: Mostly sunny, highs lower 50s today, near 60 on Saturday and mid- 50s on Sunday.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/MN/Minneapolis.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USMN0503

Today and Tomorrow in Anna, Illinois: Showers and storms, upper 50s today, sunshine and lower 60s tomorrow, some sunshine with storms arriving late and mid- 60s on Easter Sunday.
Showers and thunderstorms are redeveloping across portions of southeast Missouri...moving into far southwest Illinois and the Kentucky Purchase area. A line of storms extended from near Sikeston to Kennett Missouri...and by 10 am...will extend from Metropolis Illinois southward through Mayfield Kentucky. This line of storms may produce brief torrential rains...gusty winds 40 to 50 mph and small hail. Behind this line of storms...spotty showers were developing. Some communities that may be affected by the stronger storms include Charleston and New Madrid Missouri...Cairo Illinois...and Fulton Kentucky.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IL/Anna.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USIL0033

Today and Tomorrow in League City and Pearland, Texas: Isolated afternoon/evening storms today and tomorrow with a better chance of stormy weather on Sunday. Highs 75-80.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USTX1029

Today and Tomorrow in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Isolated thundershowers tonight, otherwise partly cloudy this weekend. Highs low to mid- 70s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USSC0155

Today and Tomorrow in Las Vegas, Nevada: Showers developing late today and tonight, isolated showers lingering tomorrow, sunshine on Sunday. Highs near 70 today, mid- 60s tomorrow, and mid- 70s on Sunday.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USNV0040

Today and Tomorrow in Davenport, Florida: Isolated showers on Saturday, otherwise partly cloudy, highs mid- to upper 80s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/FL/Davenport.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USFL0104


Weather in the News:

3 dead after twister hits Arkansas town
* Tornado hits Mena, Arkansas, on Thursday; at least 3 people confirmed dead
* County hospital, City Hall, courthouse were among buildings damaged by storm
* National Guardsmen have been sent to town
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/weather/04/10/arkansas.tornado/index.html#cnnSTCText

Fires scorch Southwest, burning homes and one entire town
* Neighborhoods in Oklahoma City seared; hurricane-force winds fan flames
* In Oklahoma,13 people are confirmed injured, two of them severely
* In Texas, the 100-person town of Stoneburg has been "burned over"
* Texas, Oklahoma officials say fires multiplying so fast they've lost count
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/weather/04/10/southwest.wildfires/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
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Wisconsin Weather Update for April 8, 2009.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 12:15 PM GMT on April 08, 2009 +0
Good Wednesday morning!

Weather Synopsis
Look for this current stretch of dry, comfortable weather to continue for the rest of the week and this weekend as high pressure dominates our weather. A low pressure system does march across the United States Thursday and Friday but it looks like it will stay well to our south. A westerly wind flow means it won't get cold on us again like we experienced last Sunday, but we're not going to get that super-nice warmup either. So in other words ... seasonable.
http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/sfc/ussatsfc.gif


Today’s Forecast Grade: B

Wisconsin Forecast:
Today: Partly cloudy, a little breezy this morning, high of 50 central, lower 50s south.

Raw Model Data: (combined numerical output range from three different NOAA weather models)
Appleton: Highs 49-52.
Madison: Highs 53-55.
Waukesha: Highs 52-54.

Tonight: Mostly clear, lows upper 20s.

Tomorrow: Mostly sunny, highs upper 40s to near 50 central, lower 50s south.

Friday: Partly cloudy, highs upper 40s central, near 50 south.

This Weekend:
Saturday: Partly cloudy, highs 47-52.
Sunday: Partly cloudy, highs 49-54.
Next Week’s Outlook: Maybe some light rain showers Monday and Tuesday with another shot at rain next Thursday night and Friday. Temperatures look to continue our normal trending with highs primarily in the 50-55 degree range. You may say "meh" but at least there's not any snow in the extended forecast!


Other City Forecasts:

Today and Tomorrow in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota: Partly cloudy, highs upper 40s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/MN/Minneapolis.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USMN0503

Today and Tomorrow in Anna, Illinois: Sunshine today, showers and storms tomorrow, highs mid- 60s.
Freeze warning in effect until 9 am CDT this morning...
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IL/Anna.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USIL0033

Today and Tomorrow in League City and Pearland, Texas: Partly cloudy today, isolated storms tomorrow, breezy, highs mid- to upper 70s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USTX1029

Today and Tomorrow in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Mostly sunny, highs mid- 60s today and lower 70s tomorrow.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USSC0155

Today and Tomorrow in Las Vegas, Nevada: Isolated showers today, mostly sunny tomorrow, breezy, highs upper 60s to lower 70s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USNV0040

Today and Tomorrow in Davenport, Florida: Mostly sunny, highs lower 70s today and warming to the lower 80s tomorrow.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/FL/Davenport.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USFL0104
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Wisconsin Weather Update for April 6, 2009.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 12:38 PM GMT on April 06, 2009 +0
Good Monday morning!

Weather Synopsis
That was quite a non-interesting weekend of weather, wasn't it? Things got cold and windy outside yesterday as a storm system approached, but we never really got the snow Meteorologists were expecting as that strong area of low pressure moving across the Midwest ended up staying further south than expected. Southern Wisconsin just got some light snow out of the deal with maybe an inch or so near the Illinois border, and central Wisconsin saw maybe a few flurries and that was it.

As for this week, look for a dry, boring weather pattern with little if any rain (or snow) expected and temperatures below normal for this time of the year (50 central, 52 south) to start the week, with a gradual warmup into the upper 40s and 50s by late in the week.
http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/sfc/ussatsfc.gif


Today’s Forecast Grade: B-

Wisconsin Forecast:
Today: Mostly cloudy, windy and remaining cold with a few breaks of sunshine possible later this morning. Perhaps a few flurries this afternoon. High of 39 central, just above 40 south.

Raw Model Data: (combined numerical output range from three different NOAA weather models)
Appleton: Highs 37-39.
Madison: Highs 39-41.
Waukesha: Highs 39-40.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy and windy, maybe a few flurries, lows lower 20s.

Tomorrow: Partly sunny, still cold and breezy but not quite as windy as today, highs lower 40s central, mid- 40s south.

Extended:
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy and a little warmer, highs 49-54.
Thursday: Partly sunny, highs 47-52.
Friday: Partly sunny, highs 48-53.

This Weekend:
Saturday: Partly cloudy, highs 50-57.
Sunday: Increasing clouds and winds with rain showers developing Sunday night. Highs 53-60. Chance of rain Sunday night 30%.


Other City Forecasts:

Today and Tomorrow in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota: Partly sunny with flurries today, partly cloudy tomorrow, highs upper 30s today and mid- 40s tomorrow.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/MN/Minneapolis.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USMN0503

Today and Tomorrow in Anna, Illinois: Cloudy and breezy with scattered light rain or snow showers today, highs lower 40s. Partly sunny tomorrow, highs upper 40s.
Freeze warning in effect from 1 am to 9 am CDT Tuesday...
Freeze watch in effect from late Tuesday night through Wednesday morning...
Patchy light rain and drizzle will continue across southern Illinois...southwest Indiana...west Kentucky...and areas of southeast Missouri near the Mississippi River through 9 am. The rain may mix with some snow at times across southwest Indiana and portions of southern Illinois north of Route 13. Only trace amounts of liquid to possibly a couple of hundredths of an inch are expected.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IL/Anna.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USIL0033

Today and Tomorrow in League City and Pearland, Texas: Partly cloudy, breezy today, highs mid- to upper 60s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USTX1029

Today and Tomorrow in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Scattered showers and thunderstorms today, breezy with highs upper 60s. Partly cloudy and breezy tomorrow, highs only mid- 50s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USSC0155

Today and Tomorrow in Las Vegas, Nevada: Mostly sunny, breezy tomorrow, highs mid- 70s today and lower 80s tomorrow. Watch out for flying keyboards tomorrow!
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USNV0040

Today and Tomorrow in Davenport, Florida: Partly sunny with isolated storms today. Partly cloudy and cooler tomorrow, highs upper 60s. Breezy both days.
Caution is advised on area lakes today for winds of 20 knots...
http://www.wunderground.com/US/FL/Davenport.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USFL0104
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Wisconsin Weather Update for April 3, 2009.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 12:07 PM GMT on April 03, 2009 +0
Good Friday morning!

April Fools!
So did you guys enjoy my April Fools edition on Wednesday? I didn't go all-fake like I have in years past, and yes, I did even look at some weather models before doing my writeup, but there were plenty of hidden and not-so-hidden jokes in there. Included in the funnies were the Surface Map link right below the Weather Synopsis (which was instead a picture of a person measuring a large snowfall), the Forecast Grade (I: Incomplete), invalid Raw Model Data (from a set of weather models gone loopy), Tonight's forecast (Partly sunny?), an extremely detailed Independence Day outlook, the Las Vegas "forecast", the inclusion of an Albuquerque, New Mexico forecast followed by the words "who cares?", and the fake news articles at the bottom (two weather-related videos from The Onion and two National Weather Service record bulletins which I reworded for your enjoyment). For those who remember my first big step in the April Fools genre, I also included the entirely fake forecast I wrote in 2003, which was calling for a snowstorm of 12-18" even though the real forecast had sunshine with highs in the 50s. That one was the best because most people on the email list weren't expecting it and I left for a week-long vacation right after writing that update, so I freaked some people out and didn't get a chance to tell them that it was fake until a week later. :)
http://www.wunderground.com/blog/HaleStorm/comment.html?entrynum=755

Weather Synopsis
A strong area of low pressure is annoying most of the eastern United States today, and the large swath of rain is just on the other side of Lake Michigan. Luckily for us, we get to enjoy a couple days of sunshine before winter returns Saturday night and Sunday. And by winter, I mean cold and snow as another strong low pressure system marches across the country. Some parts of Wisconsin, particularly southern WI, could see several inches of new snow accumulation by Sunday evening! And just think - Opening Day for most Major League Baseball teams is the very next day (although the Brewers will have to wait until Tuesday to start their season).
http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/sfc/ussatsfc.gif


Today’s Forecast Grade: B

Wisconsin Forecast:
Today: Partly cloudy and pleasant. High of 45 central, upper 40s south.

Raw Model Data: (combined numerical output range from three different NOAA weather models)
Appleton: Highs 46-48.
Madison: Highs 50-51.
Waukesha: Highs 47-49.

Tonight: Mostly clear, lows upper 20s.

This Weekend:
Saturday: Sunshine in the morning with increasing clouds during the afternoon. Parts of southwestern Wisconsin may start seeing rain and snow developing Saturday evening, and this will gradually push into the rest of southern Wisconsin (and perhaps central Wisconsin) Saturday night. Highs on Saturday in the mid- 40s central, upper 40s to near 50 south. Chance of precip Saturday night 40% central, 60% south.
Sunday: Cloudy, windy and colder with snow likely with heavier totals likely across southern Wisconsin. Central Wisconsin will probably just see an inch or two of snow but southern Wisconsin could see 3-5" of new snow according to the latest National Weather Service forecast which would meet "Winter Weather Advisory" criteria. As always, stay tuned as small system track changes could result in new snowfall estimates. Highs only in the low to mid- 30s. Chance of measurable snow 70% central, 90% south.

Next Week:
Monday: Cloudy, windy and cold with light snow showers or flurries, but little additional accumulations are expected. Highs 36-41. Chance of measurable snow 40%.
Tuesday: Cloudy, still a little windy, maybe a few lingering flurries. Decreasing clouds late in the day. Highs 38-43.
Wednesday: Partly cloudy and warmer, highs 44-49.


Other City Forecasts:

This Weekend in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota: Partly cloudy today, rain tomorrow, snow tomorrow night and Sunday. Highs mid- 40s today and tomorrow, mid- 30s Sunday.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/MN/Minneapolis.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USMN0503

This Weekend in Anna, Illinois: Decreasing clouds today, sunshine tomorrow, scattered showers and thunderstorms tomorrow night and Sunday. Highs upper 50s today, upper 60s tomorrow, and lower 60s on Sunday.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IL/Anna.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USIL0033

This Weekend in League City and Pearland, Texas: Mostly sunny, maybe an isolated shower with some breezes on Sunday morning, highs low to mid- 70s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USTX1029

This Weekend in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Mostly sunny today and tomorrow, showers and storms on Sunday. Breezy today. Highs mid- to upper 70s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USSC0155

This Weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada: Isolated showers and windy today, sunshine this weekend, highs low to mid- 60s today and tomorrow, near 70 on Sunday. And yes, everyone knows its windy.
Wind Advisory in effect from 10 am this morning to 8 PM PDT this evening...
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USNV0040

This Weekend in Davenport, Florida: Scattered showers and thunderstorms today, mostly sunny tomorrow, and an isolated shot at more storms on Sunday. Highs lower 80s today, mid- 80s tomorrow, upper 80s on Sunday.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/FL/Davenport.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USFL0104


Weather in the News:

(Source: National Weather Service)
...Record monthly maximum rainfall set at Madison...
The liquid equivalent precipitation total for March 2009 at Dane
County regional Airport in Madison was 6.19 inches. This value made
March 2009 the wettest March on record for Madison. The previous
wettest March on record was 5.46 inches...set in 1998.

Below is a list of the top ten wettest March months on record at
Madison...

Rank amount year

*1.* *6.19* *2009*
2. 5.46 1998
3. 5.04 1973
4. 4.75 1976
5. 4.73 1882
6. 4.67 1886
7. 4.34 1881
8. 4.24 1991
9. 4.18 1990
10. 4.14 1923
Updated: 12:08 PM GMT on April 03, 2009   Permalink | A A A
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Wisconsin Weather Update for April 1, 2009.
Posted by: HaleStorm, 12:30 PM GMT on April 01, 2009 +0
Good Wednesday morning!

Weather Synopsis
Aren't you glad all that rain that fell yesterday wasn't snow? There were some reports of freezing rain early yesterday morning across parts of central Wisconsin, but southern Wisconsin and the Fox Valley seemed to avoid that nasty scenario. However, we may still have our chance to be the lucky recipient of some springtime snow as a series of strong low pressure systems keeps churning through the United States, bringing both rain and snow our way. Besides some light snow showers or flurries today, another round of rain and/or snow moves through tomorrow night and again Saturday night and Sunday, the latter of which could actually accumulate to a few inches of new snow! What, you think I'm kidding? Check around, pal! Today may be the first day of April, but it sure isn't going to feel like it outside for a while.
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/images/ind/January2009Snow/DepthEnlargementWeb.jpg


Today’s Forecast Grade: I

Wisconsin Forecast:
Today: Cloudy and windy with scattered light rain or snow showers, mostly this morning. More of a nuisance than anything else, really. Maybe a small break in the clouds this afternoon before more clouds roll in late. High of 42 central, mid- 40s south. Chance of measurable snow just 25% central, 15% south.

Raw Model Data: (combined numerical output range from three different NOAA weather models)
Appleton: Highs 25-85. Chance of precip 0-100%.
Madison: Highs 14-97. Chance of precip 0-100%.
Waukesha: Highs 21-79. Chance of precip 0-100%.
Steve's New Basement: Highs 66-67. Chance of precip 0%-0%.

Tonight: Partly sunny. Highs upper 30s central, near 40 south.

Tomorrow: Cloudy and becoming windy again with showers and isolated thunderstorms developing late in the day south. Highs low to mid- 40s central, mid- to upper 40s south. Rain turning to light snow tomorrow evening and overnight as it spreads across the rest of eastern Wisconsin. Chance of rain during the day 50% south, 25% central. Chance of precip tomorrow night 70%.

Friday: Partly sunny, highs 44-49.

This Weekend:
Saturday: See also, Friday.

Saturday Night: Cloudy and windy with rain or snow showers likely south, gradually spreading into central Wisconsin overnight. Lows near 30. Chance of precip 60%.

Sunday: Cloudy and windy with rain and snow likely. I would not be surprised to see another couple inches of snow develop from this thing depending on the final track of the system and how much of it falls as snow where you live. Highs 41-46. Chance of cursing mother nature 60%.

Next Week’s Outlook: All of you who are expecting warm spring temperatures to arrive will just have to wait a little while longer. Maybe some light rain or snow Wednesday night as a large storm system just grazes us from the south, otherwise dry with below-normal temperatures in the low to mid- 40s for highs. At least it will be in the upper 60s to near 70 inside your house as you watch Opening Day baseball from your living room.

Independence Day Outlook: Mostly sunny in the morning with increasing clouds late in the day. Scattered showers and thunderstorms developing in the evening and continuing overnight, some of which may be severe south. High of 83. Low of 64. South winds 10 to 20 mph turning northwest 5 to 15 mph overnight. Barometric pressure 29.87" in the morning, dropping to 29.52" by late in the afternoon.


Other City Forecasts:

Today and Tomorrow in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota: Breezy with snow this morning, mixing with rain this afternoon. Partly cloudy tomorrow. Highs near 40, don'cha know? Maybe that's why your university is named after gophers - the nasty weather just makes you want to live in a hole in the ground!
http://www.wunderground.com/US/MN/Minneapolis.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USMN0503

Today and Tomorrow in Anna, Illinois: Sunshine today, no sunshine tomorrow. Sorry. Storms likely tomorrow as well. Highs mid- 60s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/IL/Anna.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USIL0033

Today and Tomorrow in League City and Pearland, Texas: Partly cloudy and breezy y'all. Highs low to mid- 70s.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/League_City.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USTX0745
http://www.wunderground.com/US/TX/Pearland.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USTX1029

Today and Tomorrow in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Breezy with showers and thunderstorms likely. Highs near 70. Flooding of biblical proportions possible ... REPENT!!!
Through 8 am...rain will continue to affect southeast South Carolina. Majority of the rain will remain light with rain totals ranging from a trace to a few hundredths of an inch in a hours time. Majority of the rain will remain along the coastal counties and across portions of Allendale and Hampton counties during this time period.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/SC/Hilton_Head_Island.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USSC0155

Today and Tomorrow in Las Vegas, Nevada: Golden chips a'plenty falling from the sky between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., redeemable at any of the Forum Shops at Caesar's. Bring your umbrella along but hold it upside-down to really rake in the cash! Highs around $2,500!
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Henderson.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USNV0040

Today and Tomorrow in Davenport, Florida: Scattered thundershowers, highs mid- to upper 80s. You can still golf in that but I would recommend plastic clubs.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/FL/Davenport.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USFL0104

Today and Tomorrow in Albuquerque, New Mexico: Who cares?
http://www.wunderground.com/US/NM/Albuquerque/KABQ.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/USNM0004


Weather in the News:

Weather Channel Accused of Pro-Weather Bias
http://www.theonion.com/content/video/weather_channel_accused_of_pro

Extreme Weather Alert: Meteorologists Predict Intensely Brisk Autumn
http://www.theonion.com/content/video/extreme_weather_alert

(Source: National Weather Service)
... Record daily maximum rainfall set at Appleton WI...
a record rainfall of 32.75 inches was set at Appleton WI yesterday
March 31 2009. This breaks the old record of 1.34 set in 1885.

... Record recent rainfall set at Madison WI...
the record rainfall of 31.34 inches set at Madison WI yesterday also
broke the record for most recent rainfall. This breaks the old record of
0.23 inches set on March 29 2009.


This Day in WisconsinWeatherUpdate.com History (2003):

Spring Weather Statement:
Winter Storm Watch For Tonight and Tomorrow...
Periods of rain or freezing rain can be expected through the afternoon hours... thus expect a significant coating of ice on untreated surfaces. Snow is then expected to redevelop later this afternoon and continue through tonight and tomorrow. Total accumulations of 12 to 18 inches are expected by tomorrow evening. In addition... northerly winds are expected to increase to 15 to 30 mph later tonight... causing significant blowing and drifting snow. The combination of snow... freezing rain and sleet will make roads slippery. Use extreme caution if you are traveling and allow plenty of time to reach your destinations.

Today: A strong area of low pressure is building in from the central Plains, which will combine with the low pressure system that gave us a mix of light rain and snow yesterday. This combination of systems will push a lot of new moisture and instability to our area. Ahead of the cold front associated with this new low, precipitation will begin to fall as rain, but will quickly turn over to freezing rain and eventually snow by the later afternoon hours as the front passes. Snow may be heavy at times this evening, and combined with strong winds and fog will likely help to create near-blizzard conditions across the area. Because this system is moving so slowly, a Winter Storm Watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for most of the state, from a line south of Rhinelander stretching to about Rockford, Illinois, and from Prairie du Chien through parts of western Michigan. Highs mid- 40s early, then dropping during the afternoon hours as the cold front passes.

Tonight: Snow continuing, mixed with plenty of wind and fog. Yuck! Lows upper 20s.

Tomorrow: Snow eventually ending by evening. 6-12" of new snow is expected across southern Wisconsin, with areas near the Fox Valley getting between 12-18" by the time tomorrow night rolls around! Highs only lower 30s.

Extended: Talk about a thaw! A nice surge of warm air will move in by Thursday due to a good southwest flow behind an area of high pressure to our west. This will push high temps in the upper 50s Thursday, mid- to upper 60s on Friday, low to mid- 70s Saturday, and perhaps lower 80s by Sunday! The record high in Madison for this upcoming Sunday is 85 degrees, set back in 1991, so this may challenge that record! After that, another stretch of cold weather will move in for next week, pushing temps back into the 30s and 40s. Gotta love spring in Wisconsin!
Updated: 1:24 PM GMT on April 01, 2009   Permalink | A A A
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About HaleStorm
Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences degree from UW-Madison: 1998. Former broadcast Meteorologist for NewsRadio 1310 WIBA in Madison. NWS Storm Spotter.

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