Tuesday, February 28, 2012

storm update

its 9:17 and its snowing hard one again.  After extremely heavy snow fall this afternoon it switched to rain  then sleet now its back to thick wet snow.  there about 2.5" on the ground and its still coming down hard. It's 33°F but the snow is falling.  The main low pressure system is about to hit us and will probably bring the strongest precipitation of the night.  were only about 20 miles from the snow/ wintery mix line so its likely to switch back to sleet ding the night depending on how the air mixes.  The wind is out of the east right now indicating colder air that will produce snow.


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Tuesdays Weather

Today's Conditions

Temperature: 28°F
Wind: SSE 10 mph gust 13 mph
Dew Point: 26°F
Humidity 93%
Pressure: 28.00" dropping

Well the big one is finally here.  The snow started at about 2:30 and began coming down hard for the last two hours.  However it's currently not snowing at 4:30.  The wind is still coming out of the south east and its bringing warmer moisture rich air with it.  the radar maps is indicating the line between snow and sleet is approaching quickly indicating that warm air is almost here and the precipitation will switch shortly.
Theres only about an inch or so of snow and that will probably melt in the next few hours.  overall this storm system is quite large and its gaining strenght as the warm air from the south and the moist air to the north swirl together the surface map shows how the wind is interacting with this front.  The majority of the precipitation associated with this storm is rain, much of it is south of us where the center of the storm seems to be concentrated.  I would say the forecast from yesterday missed the mark.  it's not much of a winter storm, and the snow accumulations are not that significant. its become more of an early spring rain shower for Illinois than any thing else.  the warm air from the south pushed pretty far north causing this to turn into rain.


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Monday, February 27, 2012

maps for Mondays Weather

Infrared Satellite - US Current

Surface Data - US Current


NAM_MOS - US - 48hr





Monday's Weather

Today’s Conditions

Temperature: 24F
Wind: 14 mph NW gusts 30 mph
Dew Point: 12F
Humidity 62%
Pressure: 30.32" rising

The small area of low pressure that has been sitting over Wisconsin moved out last night and is now over the eastern great lakes area.  The pressure continues to rise and give way to a high pressure system coming out of the North West.  The skies are beginning to clear there's cumulous nimbus clouds replacing the stratus clouds that contributed to the gloom of yesterday.  The satellite shows nice clear skies on the way for the rest of the day. 


However there is a huge low pressure system building in the Rocky’s at the moment and will quickly push out the high pressure. This low pressure may turn out to be an exceptionally powerful storm and will be watched closely for the next few days.


The surface data shows what is now a stationary front in the northern Rockys that front is expected to gain strength and move towards us. The data also shows the North West wind pushing out the clouds and keeping the temps relatively cool today. 


This forecast model shows the predicted amount of precipitation that can be expected in the next 48 hours.  As you can see we are right in the path a significant storm. 


This map shows the forecasted pressure systems for the next 48 hours. It's projecting a very intense low pressure system to break away from the Rocky’s and gain strength as it moves toward Minnesota.  This low pressure is defiantly going to produce precipitation.  It’s course and development will determine just how hard we get hit in Eau Claire.  The surface data is showing the driving mechanism behind this storm. If you look at the wind coming out of the gulf it's heading north east, then  getting pulled west over the great lakes and in to Canada, then its swirling back though Wisconsin.  This air contains a lot of moisture that will provide energy to coming storm.  The current relative humidity map also show this.  There is very moist air to our north east and west that’s starting to get pulled down towards us.  The amount of moisture and the speed at with this happens will have a serious effect on how the storm will develop. We'll have to keep a close eye on all of these factors as this is expected to be the most intense storm of the winter.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Sunday's Weather

Todays Conditions

Temperature: 33°F
Wind: 0 mph SW 18 mph
Dew Point -32°F
Humidity: 5%
Pressure: 29.86" rising

Right now were seeing a rapid pressure change as the pocket of low pressure that has hung out over the state get pushed out by high winds.  On the edge of the high pressure system there's a line of snow storms that are developing.  The surface data shows swirling wind patterns around the edge of the low pressure.  A thick layer of clouds has moved in around the edge of this system as well.  It looks like well get a dusting of snow in the next few hours and possibly through the next few days.  It almost looks like this low pressure is gaining strenght and might stick around for a while.      

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Saturday, February 25, 2012

Saturday's Weather

Today’s Conditions

Temperature: 25F
Wind: 0mph Gusts 19mph NNW
Dew Point: 13F
Humidity 63%
Pressure: 30.14"

Today actually felt like a winter day for once. The temps were well below freezing all day. That hasn’t happened in a week or two.  The skies were completely cloudless and the flag was dead calm.  We’re under a pretty strong high pressure system right now causing the clear skies.  However there is a big low pressure system just to our west that will probably bring clouds and precipitation. 


Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Wednesday's Weather


Today's Conditions

Temperature: 33F
Wind: 7mph WNW gusts 14 mph
Dew Point: 16F
Humidity: 49%
Pressure: 29.41"

Todays another beautiful warm day, the suns out and the winds are calm making it feel very comfortable in the sun.  This morning the skies were completely clear, but cumulous nimbus clouds have begun to move in indicating a low pressure system is coming and probably bringing more clouds with it.  As the jet stream continues to push air down from the North West are chances for precipitation increase.  Tomorrow we could see some light scattered snow as temps will hover around freezing for the high.

The map of current snow cover does not seem right for February 22nd.  Half of Wisconsin and Michigan don’t have snow and large swaths for the northern prairie doesn’t either. This has to be one of the strangest winters in recent memory. 



Monday, February 20, 2012

Monday's Weather

Today’s Conditions

Temperature: 36F
Wind: 5mph SSW gusts 18mph
Humidity: 58%
Dew Point: 23F
Pressure: 30.06"

Today is once again very mild for this time of year.  The south wind continues to bring warm air up to the region.  However the pressure is currently dropping and a low pressure front is moving in.  The fronts coming from the North West indicating colder and more moist air.  A storm system has already developed just behind the front and is located in western Minnesota right now that's expected to hit us latter tonight bringing a rain and snow mix due to the warmth of this particular air mass. The forecast is calling for accumulations of 1-2 in of snow but it will probably start melting as soon as it hits the ground. The ground will start to thaw and the clouds will trap the days heat keeping the temps above freezing tonight meaning this storm will be a slushy mess.

The fishing conditions are excellent for this afternoon a low pressure front bring clouds, and precipitation will always cause fish to become active.  I’m sure there will be plenty of fish taking midges on the surface.


 Upper Mississippi Valley sector

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Saturday's Weather

Today's Conditions

Temperature: 33.2°F
Wind: 0mph gusts NNW 12 mph
Dew Point: 17°F
Humidity: 51%
Pressure:30.18"

Today is a beautiful calm bluebird day.  the temperatures are up and the sun is heating things up nicely.  it almost feels like spring.  The dew point and the humidity are down significantly from yesterday and the pressure is up slightly indicating that a high pressure front moved throughout last night.  Although the winds are coming out of the north west were still experiencing unseasonably warm weather.  I think this is due to the lack of cloud cover and the amount of solar radiation warming up the surface. tom marrow looks to bring the same weather as clear skies dominate.


Fishing is good today, warm weather and clam wind is always nice in February, however the intense sun might make the trout spooky especially is low and clear water.  I would try and fish shady spots and areas with tree cover as that will give the tout some sense of security. Fishing the pools with nymphs and streamers might be your best bet today unless you can stumble upon a nice pice of water where the fish are taking on the surface to spite the bright sun.  Even if the fishing is slow today is one of those days were its just nice to be outside.  I however will not be making it out, due to the copious amounts of home work I have, but my thoughts are currently occupied by the river. I'm going to try my hardest to get every thing done and head out tomorrow.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Friday's Weather

Today’s Conditions

Temperature: 30 F
Wind: NE 16 mph gusts 14 mph
Dew Point: 29 F
Humidity: 93%
Pressure: 30.05" rising

Well today was exceptionally nice and warm for February.  We hit a high of 36F this afternoon and it looked like a nice day to out.  However I've been sitting in a windowless room for about the last 8 hours and defiantly did not get to experience this nice day.  I couldn’t even tell you if it was cloudy or not. I was only outside for a few minutes today and was too distracted to take note of the clouds. The IR satellite tells me that it is in fact cloudy though. It also looks like a high pressure front is about to move through tonight meaning the skies should clear over the next few days.  Tomorrow’s temperatures will be slightly cooler only getting to the low 30's.

As far as the fishing goes today was perfect. it was one of the best fishing days I've seen since the winter season opened. Warm cloudy days can make for a fishing trip right out of your dreams.  Unfortunately I wasn’t able to make it out today, and probably won't have a change to take advantage of the favorable weather the rest of the weekend. Oh well, only two weeks till Wisconsin opens and I can start fishing 10 minutes from home instead of two hours.      

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Thursday's Weather

Today's Conditions

Temperature: 30F
Wind: WSW 4 mph gusts 9mph
Dew Point: 28F
Humidity 96%
Pressure: 30.03" rising

The weather is warming up quickly this morning and temperatures are expected to reach the mid to upper 30's.  a layer of alto stratus clouds has moved in in the last hour or so most likely from rising moisture.  The low pressure front that brought snow a few days ago is moving out slowly as we see the pressure start to rise.  Skies should clear up tonight and tomorrow.  The temperatures are supposed to continue to be in the upper 30's for the next few days.

as far as trout fishing goes now is the time to be on the water.  The warmer temps are bringing back the fish’s appetite and increasing insect activity.  Midge hatches are occurring almost every day around noon and the trout are feeding aggressively.  The little bit of snow we got is melting and causing the rivers to rise just a little, but we certainly could use some more water.  Streams are running crystal clear at base flow conditions, which make the trout spooky and the fishing very difficult.  Hopefully we see a good late season snow or two so we have a little bit of spring runoff or the early season might be really tricky fishing.   

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Tuesday's weather

Todays Conditions

Temperature: 28°F
Wind: 2 mph WSW gusts 12 mph WSW
Dew Point: 27°F
Humidity: 96%
Pressure: 29.72

Today was a relatively mild winter day,  we had alto stratus clouds over us all day as the warm south wind brings more moisture up from the gulf.  Our dew point are really high with indicates a good chance of precipitation.  If you look at the radar map there are small scattered snow storm developing to the west,  it looks like they are picking up steam and heading our way tonight.  This will probably just be another dusting like we got yesterday since the storm hasn't had much time to gather strength.





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Monday, February 13, 2012

Monday's Weather

Today’s Conditions

Temperature: 27F
Wind: SSW 5mph gusts SSE 11 mph
Dew Point: 12F
Humidity: 54%
Pressure: 29.91"

Today’s temperatures are supposed to be much warmer than this weakens weather as a low pressure system comes out of the south west and is bring in warm moist air from the gulf coast.  The layer of alto stratus indicates the high amount of moisture in the air, and it’s likely we could see some snow today.  However it’s not expected to be much since the system will probably be concentrated to the south of us. The south wind should continue to bring more mild weather to us through the week and temps get into the mid to upper 30's by mid-week. 

It looks like the winter fishing is back on this week as we get another warm streak that will keep the fish active and the ice off you line.  Right now would be a great time to be on the water as the brunt of the low pressure is moving right over the top of us.  These are great conditions to be out fishing, and they should improve through the week.
Eau Claire Wisconsin Doppler Radar Map

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Saturday's Weather


Temperature: 14F (feels like 4F)
Wind: 6 mph NNW gusts 20 mph NNW
Dew Point: -3F
Humidity: 48%
Pressure: 30.42"

The skies are currently clear and the air is cold.  It seems like we’re getting a nice dose of cold artic air the consistent north west wind and the high pressure is pushing some really cold air on us right now. Judging by the current national temperature map the jet stream has pushed pretty far south bringing freezing temperatures down the south east.  I would expect tomorrow’s weather to be similar to what we saw to day. Since the humidity is low and the pressure in high to our north east. 

As far as the fishing goes when it’s this cold its best to stay inside and tie some flies or read a book.  The fish are just sitting in the warmest deepest parts of the river just trying to outlast the cold.  Warmer weather should be moving our way this week and could bring about some pretty good winter fishing opportunities.  
Colfax Wisconsin Current Temperature Map Map

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Thursday's Weather

Todays Conditions

Temperature: 33°F
Wind: SW 9 mph gust SW 16 mph
Dew Point: 15°F
Humidity 48%
Pressure 29.94"

Today brought about clear skies and warming temperatures throughout the day.  The low temperature was 17°F this morning but warmed up quickly due to the sun and the warmer South West winds.  The pressure is dropping and it appears a low pressure system is moving down from the north however it looks like it will bring even colder arctic air. This air mass will also bring clouds and chance for snow over the next few days.    







Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Wednesday's weather

Today's Conditions

Temperature: 30F
Wind: W 7mph gusts WSW 14mph
Dew point: 0F
Humidity: 30%
Pressure: 30.26"

There was not a cloud in the sky all day today it was pretty cold this morning, but it warmed up quick with the sun. This high pressure artic air is very dry relative humidity is only 30% and with the cold that means the actual moisture content of the air is very low.  The High pressure system is defiantly going to be here again tomorrow and the weather will probably be pretty similar as it was today. 

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Tuesday's weather

Todays Conditions

Temperature: 26°F
Wind: ENE 7 mph gusts 22 mph ENE
Dew Point: 10°
Humidity: 51%
Pressure: 30.44"

The high pressure front from Canada has brought the temperatures back down to normal.  With it we see slightly winds out of the East compared to the really calm South West winds we have seen over the last week. Right now we have about 70% cloud cover consisting of alto stratus clouds.  It looks like this cold air will keep temperatures down again tomorrow.

The fishing conditions have really taken a hit with the below freezing weather. it's no fun to try and fish when its this cold every thing gets covered in ice pretty quickly.  However if you are brave enough to face the cold you might be rewarded with a decent fishing.  It takes a few cold days to significantly drop the water temperature and the fish are probably still pretty active,  so its certainly not the worst day to be out but its nothing like yesterday. The solar winter is now over with means Wisconsin early trout season will be here in no time.

here's a cool fly fishing video from Romania to ease February blues

Monday, February 6, 2012

Monday's Weather

Today’s Conditions

Temperature: 39F
Wind: WSW 2mph gusts WSW 13mph
Dew Point: 30F
Humidity: 80%
Pressure: 30.08" steady

Today was another beautiful mild and sunny day.  The temperature hit a high of 41 again well above the average.  The sky’s were partly cloudy this morning with some stratus clouds moving out by 11am making the rest of the day very nice with clear sky’s and only a light breeze. Unfortunately it look like our week and a half stretch of warm weather is about up.  We currently have cool air sliding down from the north west its bringing clouds and a chance for light snow over the next two days.  It looks like the jet stream is finally moving back down to the south where it's normally bringing us cold artic air at this time of the year.  If you look at the map you can see the high pressure cold front coming right at us.

  US: Current Weather

Sunday, February 5, 2012

sunday's Weather

Todays Conditions

Temperature: 29°F
Wind: 0mphWSE gusts10mph
Humidity: 63%
Dew Point16°F

Today was much colder than predicted highs only reached 31°F instead of the 38°F that was called for.  The local news said there was a chance today could be cold if the fog and thick clouds didn't burn off, and thats pretty much what happened. A think layer of stratus clouds rolled in at about 9am and never left. Tomorrow is supposed to well into the 40's as the clouds move out and the sun warms every thing up.

I actually made it out to the river today and get my fix of fly fishing.  It was great to be out on the water and do some exploring. This was probably the worst fishing day all week since the temperatures were so low.  The fishing was pretty slow there were midges coming off the water all morning, but only small trout spartanly taking on the top. I managed to catch a few little guys, but missed my change at a really nice rainbow trout.  

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Saturday's weather

Todays Conditions

Temperature: 28°F
Wind: 1mph W gusts W 10 mph
Dew Point: 27°F
Humidity: 100%

Today was  a beautiful sunny day with a high of 41°F. There wasn't a cloud in the sky all afternoon and the sun really warmed things up and make it a great day to be out side.  Highs for tomorrow are supposed to get into the into the 40's again.  Its likely there will be some fog in the morning due to the high humidity caused by all the melting snow.

The fishing was once again fantastic this warm weather is great for any one who likes fly fishing.  it's defiantly helping to ease the usual cabin fever. Fish were active and feeding the sun probably kept them from taking flies on the surface but it was still a fantastic day to be outside.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Fridays weather

Todays Conditions


Temperature: 34°F
Wind: 0mph ENE gusts 10 mph
Humidity: 82%
Dew Point: 29°F
Pressure: 30.43"

The weather hasn't changed much over the last three days the temperatures are still above average and cloudy sky's have dominated.  Stratus clouds have persisted throughout the day again. This warm air mass is still siting on top of us and doesn't appear to be going any where for the next few days.  Temperatures are predicted to be around 40°F for saturday and sunday.

This week has been remarkably good fishing, consistent warm weather is a real treat for any fly fisherman who's willing to brave the cold and snow.  The waters still warm for this time of year and the fish are responding to the increase in insect activity.  This weekend is looking promising, I can't wait to get out and finally do some fishing.  By the way if you'r not sure what I'm talking about when I mention the fly fishing in the drifless area heres a link to an awesome new video all about it.
Minnesota trout stream in February

Winter Brook Trout
the heart of the driftless areas

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Thursdays Weather

Todays Conditions

Temperature: 35°F
Wind: 0mph WNW gusts 8mph
Humidity: 95%
Dew Point: 34°F
Pressure: 30.29"

Todays been an extremely calm and boring weather day.  The temperate has only changed by 5° since the morning and a thick layer of stratus clouds has been hanging over us all day.  The humidity is high and it makes everything feel damp and cold.  It seems more like London than Wisconsin.

However on the bright side today was another great day to do some winter fishing. the temperatures are still above freezing and the water is warmer than normal so the fish are happy and hungry.  The insects probably arn't as active today, but the trout are still feeding subsurface.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Wednesday's Weather

Todays Conditions

Temperature: 31°F
Wind: W 2mph gusts NW 12mph
Humidity: 97%
Dew Point: 31°F
Pressure: 30.09"

Today's turning out to be colder than expected as a thick layer of stratus clouds blankest the area.  The chance of precipitation is only 10% to spite dreary looking skies. According to the forecast the warm weather is supposed to sick around for a few more days.

The fishing conditions for today are still excellent but not as good as the past two days. I've heard reports of incredible winter fishing down in Iowa the last two days and it probably still persists today.  Im really hoping the warm weather sticks around through the weekend so I can make a trip to my favorite Minnesota trout stream.