Where Did Spring Go?

Temperature: 40

Real Feel: 30

Wind: WNW 19 mph 

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 46%

As I predicted cold cloudy conditions here is Eau Claire unfortunately have prevailed. The high pressure to the north west that is feeding into the low pressure system to the north east, has contributing to consistent strong north west winds. In addition to strong northern winds which are contributing to further colder temperatures, a meridional jet stream flow has put Eau Claire in the center of trough holding in cold continental polar air. Not only did a predict a continuation of cold cloudy conditions, I also mentioned the lack of possibility for precipitation. Considering the air is fairly dry, only providing enough means for full cloud cover, and Eau Claire's location on the western half of the low, chance of precipitation is unlikely. However, I was slightly inaccurate in this prediction as we did experience very brief snow flurries on a couple separate occasions today.

Meridional Jet Stream Pattern

Dip In Jet Steam Puts Wisconsin In a
 Trough Of Cold Air

Conditions today have been considerably hard to bear after lasts weeks beautiful weather. The drop in the jet stream and extremely strong north west winds, have prevented temperatures to rise much above 40 degrees. As if the cold temperatures were not enough to put a damper on the last couple days, cloud cover has been consistently overcast with full stratus cloud cover. Furthermore, cold windy bouts of snow flurries have occurred on and off for brief periods of time throughout the day. Fortunately the lack of moisture in the air and westerly winds will keep the amount of snow or rain fall minimal, meaning there will not be any significant amounts of precipitation.    



Cold Temperatures Within
Trough of Jet Stream

High Pressure to North West Feeding
Into North East Low Pressure

Contrasting North Pressure Systems
Creating Strong North Winds

Although the last couple of days have been miserably cold for spring, I have hope that tomorrow will begin to turn around again. The low pressure system to the north east will soon die out which will likely cause winds to not only die down, but shift in direction ceasing these strong direct north winds. In addition to the change in wind patterns, I also predict that the jet stream will begin to make its way back up, no longer keeping Eau Claire in a trough of cold air. Even though these changes in conditions may not be considerably noticeable tomorrow, I do expect them to slowly take place which will in turn slowly bring back our spring weather.