Thursday, April 3, 2014

Current Conditions
Temperature: 36°F
Feels Like: 26°F
Wind: East @ 18 mph, Gusts @ 29 mph
Humidity: 48%
Pressure: 1013.6 mb ê

Another winter storm is moving into the region, bringing more snow, sleet, and rain. We have been experiencing a rather dreary, overcast, chilly, wet, cold day here in Eau Claire. Easterly winds have been maintained thanks to a low pressure trough to our southwest. As the day progresses, we should see an increase in precipitation as the storm starts to arrive. This mid-latitude cyclone is predicted to bring anywhere from 3-6 inches of snow, though the estimates have been decreasing the the storm nears us. Currently, sleet and rain has just started to fall and winds have strengthened. The next few days we can expect on and off precipitation through Friday

This map shows the pressure systems and fronts over the country. The current low pressure trough affecting our region is located to our southwest. The most notable area on this map is in Texas, where a dry line, a front with a very sharp moisture difference, is currently pushing through the area. Dry lines generally are associated with severe weather. Currently, tornado chance in the Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas area has been greatly increased.

This Accuweather map shows the current projected impact of the storm The most snow will track north of the Eau Claire area and impact the Duluth-Superior area most significantly, while down here we will get a decent amount of snow and wintry mix.

The map shows the current wind and temperature readings for the country. The green circle represents the Eau Claire area. The low pressure system can be seen drawing in air masses from many different regions, southwest of our area.

This map shows the current jet stream pattern over the country. There is a sharp dip over the Rockies, currently, which could be aiding in the formation of pressure systems in the southwest. 

This is a surface map of the Midwest region. Almost the entire area is overcast, with haze present to our west, and varying amounts of rain to our southeast.

This sounding from Minneapolis, Minnesota shows not much really significant atmospheric activity, though some is present in the form of non-severe storms.

This sounding from Springfield, Missouri shows a moderately unstable air parcel, the chance for severe storms, and a relatively low LCL. The dry line is currently nearing this location, and there is a chance for severe storms in this area.