Well, Spring had a Good Run

Yesterday was nearing the record high or Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The record for April 30 of 89 degrees F was set in 1952. At 2:05 pm yesterday, we experienced temperatures of 81 degrees F (16 degrees above average). The low occurred just before midnight, being 53 degrees F (13 degrees above average).

regional high temperatures 4/30/13

regional low temperatures 4/30/13

The SW winds of 22-32 mph brought in some light precipitation throughout the day, totaling 0.09 inches. Most of this precipitation in the form of rain came from the cumulonimbus clouds that formed in the late morning hours.

cumulus clouds starting to experience upward growth 4/30/13 late morning

By early evening, most of the clouds had dissipated, leaving a few scattered cumulus humilis clouds to dot the sky.

cumulus humilis clouds scattering the sky in the early evening 4/30/13

Overnight, however, the strong spring rain we have been waiting for came rolling through Eau Claire. Our rain showers that we saw last night were caused by yet another picture perfect mid-latitude cyclone that has developed across the Midwest.

In this jet stream map, you can see a definite trough that has formed. This uncharacteristic meridional flow pattern is bringing drastic temperature discrepancies across the county. Normally, by this time of year we should be seeing zonal flow patterns in the jet stream. 

You can see how this jet stream flow pattern is effecting us weather-wise in the Midwest by comparing it to the following surface map of the United States.

The stationary front that is creating a diagonal line across the center of the country is the eastern edge of the trough seen in the jet stream map. The western edge of the trough is seen as an occluded front over the Rockies. Both of these fronts are associated with a low pressure system and precipitation. You can see the snow, mix, and rain occurring in the center of the trough. This will move into our area tomorrow.  

This map shows the radar exclusively.

 Fortunately, we were on the warm quadrant of the mid-latitude cyclone this time, as opposed to the cold quadrant we always found ourselves in this winter.

Today, our temperatures in Eau Claire are much lower than we have seen the last few days. Currently, the temperature is 46 degrees F with a real feel of 48 degrees F. There is a 100% chance of precipitation today and tonight in the form of rain. Tomorrow, expect to see ice pellets and a likely forecast of snow on Friday.

If you have been enjoying the clear to partly cloudy skies with lots of sun lately, do yourself a favor and don't look outside. The skies are overcast with altocumulus clouds.

altocumulus clouds blanketing the sky over the Chippewa River 5/1/13, predicting the rain to come this evening

Flooding of the Chippewa River will only increase as more rain and snow comes throughout the next few days. The footpath will not re-open anytime soon.

Current winds are coming from the NE at 3.8 to 8.3 mph. The winds, like the temperatures, are all over the board regionally right now.

Regional temperatures are all over the board right now as a wave of precipitation moves into the area this afternoon and evening.