Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Current Conditions:
Temperature: -2°F
Feels Like: -21°F
Wind: Southwest @ 13 mph, Gusts @ 23 mph
Humidity: 65%
Pressure: 1016.1 mb ê

Cold now predicted to linger even longer, into the middle of next week. Our frigid temperatures seem to want to hang around even longer than previously predicted. A low pressure system is currently located to the north, into Canada, and is currently affecting us, dropping pressure and leading to a possibility for snow heading into the weekend. The Polar Jet seems to have shifted a little more vertically than it was previously, bringing cold polar and arctic air masses down on us. Our winds are currently coming out of the southwest, with a potential for strong gusts as the day progresses. In the next few days we can expect the the cold to linger, with the worst day coming on Thursday, as well as windy conditions, and a chance for snow as the week progresses.

A low pressure system to the north is currently dropping pressure, most significantly, in the Wisconsin/Minnesota/ Michigan area. A cold front appears to be descending on us from the north as well, bringing a blast of subzero temperatures to the area.

The Polar Jet appears to have shifted to more central west central Canada, today, helping to bring exceptionally cold temperatures to the Midwest. 

Some overcast skies are present in the area, as well as dominant winds out of the southwest. The center of the low pressure system is noticeable, with swirling winds appearing to center just off the northern portion of the map, in line with the word "Analysis". 

This upper air sounding from Minneapolis, Minnesota helps to show current conditions in the area. The Lifting Index reads 31.2°C, very stable conditions with no significant activity. The K-Index reads -34 which relates to the least likelihood for storms.