On a hot summer day, especially when the strong sun is beaming down on the landscape, wearing sunscreen should be a no-brainer.  If applied properly and often, a quality sunscreen will help prevent skin damage and significally reduce the chance of skin cancer.  Unfortunately, many do not heed the advice and the research from experts, leading to years of doctor visits, or in some cases, death.

According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, claims 9,000 to 12,000 lives per year.¹  While there are many risks, experts agree exposure to UV rays from the sun or a tanning bed is the genesis for most cases.  Obviously, we can’t avoid the sun all of the time.  But we should take measures every day to protect ourself and our families from harm.

First, get in the habit of wearing sunscreen every day, rain or shine.  What do sunscreen and a toothbrush have in common?  The only commonality I can think of is after you brush your teeth in the morning, apply sunscreen to your face, ears, back of the neck, and other exposed areas.  If it’s forecast to be a sunny day, be prepared for a few extra applications.  If it’s forecast to be cloudy or rainy, wear sunscreen anyway.  While clouds do block a large portion of the sun’s UV-A and UV-B radiation, there is still some radiation reaching the ground.  Why risk it?

Second, don’t forget about your eyes.  Your eyes are tissue too, meaning the cells can be affected by the sun’s radiation.  It’s recommended you wear UV-approved sunglasses.

Finally, just because you are wearing sunscreen does not mean you should sit out in the sun all day.  Sunscreen lowers your risk of damage, but it does not eliminate it.  The American Cancer Society suggests limiting your time outdoors between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM.

I wish you all a safe and healthy warm weather season!  It’s much earned, especially after our long and snowy spring.  Thanks for reading!

¹http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/sunanduvexposure/skin-cancer-facts

Posted under Hometown Weather, Weather, Weblogs

2012-2013 Winter Snowfall Totals for Eau Claire, WI

Technically, spring does not arrive until the morning of March 20th.  That’s the day when the sun will cross over the equator, from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere.  But in the meteorological world, winter is all done and spring is here!  Why not celebrate early?  I know many are ready for warmer temperatures and more daylight.

Before I provide details about this past winter, I want to clarify the difference between a normal season and a meteorological season.  Meteorologists look at seasons as three month blocks rather than using the more commonly known astronomical dates, such as December 21st and June 21st.  This is due to consistency.  For example, December 1st always begins at 12:00 AM, but the first day of winter is not always December 21st.  A consistent time frame allows meteorologists, climatologists, and other experts to fairly compare previous seasons.

For Eau Claire, the winter of 2012-2013 will go down as the 12th snowiest since the late 1800s.  It was also warmer than average, but nowhere near the top ten.  In total, 44.6″ of snow fell in Eau Claire, containing 4.42″ of precious rain equivalent.  I write “precious” because we all remember the drought our region faced last year.  According to the National Drought Mitigation Center, we are still experiencing a drought in western Wisconsin.  Hopefully, some long, gentle spring rains will give us a helping hand.  Let’s keep our fingers crossed!

———-

2012-2013 Winter Statistics

Average temperature: 18.7° (+1.1° compared to normal) – 30th warmest

Snowfall: 41.6″ (+11.6″ compared to normal) – 12th snowiest

Liquid precipitation, including meltwater: 4.42″ (+1.72″ compared to normal) – 17th wettest

Posted under Hometown Weather, Weather, Weblogs

Daylight gained in Eau Claire, WI since Dec. 21st

The weather forecast is something I always try to be optimistic about.  Sure, there are some days, usually when severe weather threatens, that I have to present information in a firm and serious tone.  But 95% of the time, I can’t help but smile at the sun icon for the upcoming Friday, or the gradual warming trend over the week.

Still, this time of year, it can be hard to be optimistic.  While we do live in Wisconsin, a land that experiences cold and snow every winter, most of us reach a point during the winer season when we say “enough is enough.”  Personally, I enjoy snow, but I also start looking forward to summer, now four months away.  It’s hard to ignore the impending snow, ice, slush, late season flurries and overnight frosts.

But let’s look at this time of year with the ”glass half-full approach.”  There are many wonderful things about this time of year, and actually, one could argue this is the best time of the year!  For one, we are gaining about three to four minutes of daylight each day.  Since the winter soltice on December 21st, the shortest daylight of the year, we have added more than 90 minutes of daylight.  That’s 90 minutes of opportunity to talk a walk, shovel snow, or soak up a little Vitamin D when the weather is nice.  Also, the first day of spring is a little more than one month away, 36 days from Valentine’s Day.  Finally, let’s not forget about daylight saving time; we will “spring ahead” one hour on Sunday, March 10th, meaning more daylight to enjoy in the evening.

So yes, the holidays are long gone, there’s not much going on and the weather is cold.  I say it’s a great time to kick back and relax, and rest up for the following months of 2013.  As you know, the days will seem to go faster and faster once the trees start to green!

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more from Beyond the Forecast…

Posted under Hometown Weather, Weather, Weblogs

On several occasions with my dad or my father-in-law, whether it’s talk about fishing or hunting, the topic of air pressure comes up.  The common question is “which way in the arrow pointing; up or down?”  They want to know when the weather will change.  If you are one of the few that own a barometer, you know exactly what I’m talking about!  This is what I call “old school meteorology,” but there’s nothing wrong with it.  In fact, it’s fairly reliable!

Backyard barometers are not as common as thermometers, but are equally important.  Barometers measure the current air pressure.  If the pressure is increasing, the needle of the barometer rises, and vice versa.  Of course, with today’s technology, digital barometers display an arrow up or arrow down for pressure rise and fall.  High pressure usually brings quiet and pleasant weather, while low pressure usually brings clouds and precipitation.

Knowing if the air pressure is rising or falling is good information when forecasting for the next day or two.  But it isn’t the “be all and end all” of forecasting the weather.  A couple of drawbacks: a barometer cannot detect moisture, which is essential to forming clouds and precipitation;  also, with very light precipitation such as flurries or sprinkles, barometers may show little variance.

Finally, if you are interested in owning a barometer, you don’t have to spend a lot of money.  In fact, you can make your own!  Check out this link on how to make your own barometer with things around the house. 

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more from Beyond the Forecast…

Posted under Hometown Weather, Weather, Weblogs

Residents of the Chippewa Valley woke up to a different sight on Election Day morning, November 6th.  What was brown the night before quickly turned white, wet, and cool.  A large band of rain moved from Minnesota into Wisconsin during the early morning hours.  As temperatures cooled, the transition began – first, from rain to a mix, then, from a mix to snow.  By the time all the precipitation wrapped up, some locations picked up one inch of fresh snow, a true sign the winter season is just around the corner.

Each fall, usually around the first snow, you will see somewhere a little story about safe winter driving.  Hmm…I wonder where this year?   Some good tips include slowing down, driving defensively, keeping your vehicle in good shape for winter travel, and having an emergency “stuck in the snow for several hours” kit prepared in the vehicle.  But instead of just keeping these tips in mind, I would like to dig deeper.  Why are they important?  I find with anything in life, learning a backstory makes is much easier to remember and follow suggestions.

• Slowing down – Common sense right?  But I think some people drive with the attitude “it won’t happen to me.”  Last November, I met up with fellow meteorologists at the National Weather Service in La Crosse.  One of the forecasters at the office presented a study.  In general, he found that a large number of accidents occurred with a small amount of snow, a high enough number to be compared to a big winter storm.  Perhaps people think a little snow won’t hurt, but “definitely slow down for the big stuff?”  Also, think about your tires.  From the little, tin can hatchback to the big SUV, about four square feet of most vehicles is in contact with the road.  Yes, a good snow tire is beneficial, but slowing down is always a must!
• Driving defensively – There are a lot of good drivers out there, but even the best slip up once in a while.  Follow this example with me:

It’s snowing and the road is a bit slick.  You are coming up to an intersection and have the green light.  A driver in the oncoming lane wants to turn left at the same intersection and thinks he has enough time.  Of course, he hasn’t taken into account the road is slippery.  You hit the brakes, but the car is not slowing down fast enough.

I’m sure you know what could happen next.  In winter, I suggest always looking twice.  Snow can be quite distracting and change your perspective.  To me, grass and trees give definition to my field of view.  It’s much harder to judge distance and speed when snow is on the ground.  Mentioning “distance” also brings up a good idea: give yourself plenty of space when following vehicles.

• Vehicle condition – If you have room in the budget, put some good tires on your car!  And when ready to spend, the saying “you pay for what you get” applies.  The better traction on the tire, the better you will be able to push through the snow.  Also, make sure you have good headlights, taillights, blinkers, etc.  When I’m on the road, it is frustrating when people drive with ice and snow over the lights, or a blinker is not used.  Don’t make people guess which way you are going.  Finally, keep plenty of gas in your car at all times.  You never know when you’ll need it, which leads me to the fourth tip…
• Emergency kit – At the very least, keep blankets, some water, a first-aid kit, and a few candy bars in the vehicle with you.  In addition to slippery roads, engine stalls and flat tires could leave you out in the cold for several hours.  Hypothermia and frostbite are nothing to mess with, so always dress prepared!  In addition to the basics, a shovel and cat litter can go a long way.  If you are stuck in the snow, use the cat litter for traction and the shovel to clear the way.  Lastly, keep your insurance information handy and phone numbers for towing needs.

The last piece of advice I have is know the weather forecast and road conditions.  Be familiar with points along your travel route, so if you go into the ditch, you can call a tow service or law enforcement with your general location.  Remember, they have to drive through the wicked conditions too, so limiting “guess work” for them is a plus!

If you follow all of these tips, I consider you an “expert” winter driver!  Unfortunately, the title is not official, and I have no prizes to give away.  Perhaps a “cheers” to you with my coffee mug in hand right now will do! :)

I wish you a safe winter season, and be sure to enjoy the season’s activities.  Spring will be here before you know it!  Thanks for reading!

Posted under Hometown Weather, Weather, Weblogs

Droughts are nothing new to Wisconsin and the United States.  In fact, nearly every year, at least one portion of the country experiences drought, whether it is moderate, severe, or extreme.  Droughts are caused by a long period of little to no rainfall.  They are quiet – no damaged buildings, uprooted trees, or twisted scraps of metal.  So it may be surprising to know widespread droughts can cause as much damage as a powerful hurricane making landfall near a major coastal city.

As of early October 2012, no official dollar amount has yet been assigned to the 2012 drought.  But a few experts around the country have come up with a ballpark figure after analyzing the impacts.  Chris Hurt, an economist at Purdue University, was recently quoted in The Madison Courier suggesting the 2012 drought will cost $77 billion.  If that is true, when adjusting for inflation, the drought of 2012 will cost nearly the same amount as the drought of 1988.  Some economists argue it will cost more.  Regardless, it is unbelievable to think how a long-term weather pattern like can put us in such a bad position.

Obviously, it is too late for farmers who hoped for a nice crop.  But there is help available through the USDA’s Drought and Drought Assistance program.  If you, or someone you know needs more information, please don’t hesitate to share this post.

Outlook:

GFS model's precipitation forecast - 1:00 AM Sunday, October 14, 2012 --- Image courtesy of College of DuPage

A bit of good news: some decent rain is expected this weekend! (October 13 & 14)  The forecast models have been consistent on bringing an area of low pressure through the middle U.S. and into the Great Lakes region.  Rain totals could range from 1/4″ to 1″+, depending on how much moisture the low draws north from the Gulf of Mexico.  This will certainly help our drought, but it will not eliminate it.  We need frequent periods of rainfall and a nice snow cover this winter.  Speaking of winter, a month ago, indications were El Niño would develop in the eastern Pacific, forcing our weather pattern into a drier and milder state during the upcoming season.  El Niño has not yet formed, meaning we could see more of a “normal” winter in the area.  Time will certainly provide all the answers.  Much of our weather also depends on ocean osscilations.

Thanks for reading and keep visiting for more from Beyond the Forecast…

Posted under Hometown Weather, Weather, Weblogs

Figure 1 --- Drought report from 9/25/12, courtesy of NOAA and partners

The recent frosts and freezes signaled the end of the growing season in Wisconsin, but for many around the state, the end was many weeks or months ago.  As you know by now, the drought of 2012 devastated millions of acres of crops across the country.  76% of the continguous United States is in need of rain according to the federal government, up 34% from one year ago.  While the next growing season will not come until the spring of 2013, we can hope Mother Nature will provide us with some much-needed moisture over the coming months.  Still, the outlook is grim.

Currently, the U.S. Drought monitor classifies western Wisconsin in a moderate or severe drought.  (Figure 1)  Since the start of 2012, the Eau Claire area has fallen more than five inches below average for precipitation. (Figure 2)  Harder hit communities in the state include La Crosse at -7.4″, Madison at -9.7″, and a

Figure 2 --- 2012 Rainfall Departure

portion of southwest Wisconsin at -10.0″+.  The only places in the Midwest that are above average for precipitation are central and northeast Minnesota, and the northern portion of Michigan.  Overall, it is a sad reality when one thinks about it.

So what’s in store for us down the road?  Of course, when forecasting several months in advance, the answer is never clear-cut.  But there are a couple of related factors that lead me to believe this will be a mild and drier winter.  First, the latest satellite data indicates the eastern Pacific Ocean near South America is warming.  Within certain criteria, this warming will be classified as an El Niño event.  The ocean is a major driver of Earth’s weather patterns.  El Niño events typically force the polar jetstream further north in the winter, resulting in above average temperatures and drier conditions for Wisconsin.  Second, while not a perfect match, 2012 matches well to 2006 in both temperature and precipitation.  The ocean warming/cooling trends are comparable too.  It wouldn’t surprise me to see the dry and mild conditions continue into January, but then cooler with more precipitation in February and March of 2013.  Only time will tell.

For area farmers and gardeners, moisture during the winter and after the spring thaw would be nice, but the ultimate requirement is the rain comes after the seeds are planted.  Crops and plants live in the “now.”  We will see improvement, but it will require a lot of patience.

Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more from Beyond the Forecast…

Posted under Hometown Weather, Weather, Weblogs

It is not a complete surprise when I tell you this year has been incredibly warm in western Wisconsin.  In January, we experienced highs in the 50s, 80s were recorded in March, and July was just plain old hot.  But even after compiling the data, it’s still a shock to put one number to it all and compare it to previous years. 

Since the first of the year, Eau Claire’s overall average temperature is 52.3 degrees, good enough to put 2012 in a pending first place in the record books.  Of course, there is still five months to go before the log book closes.  Still, we are currently about one degree warmer than the #2 spot of 51.4 degrees in 2006, and the climate average of 47.2 degrees.  For 2012 to end near the climate average, we would need long periods of significantly below average temperatures, and I don’t foresee anything of that sort.

Figure 1: Dec-Jan-Feb Temperature Forecast --- Courtesy: Climate Prediction Center

Looking deeper into the data, we will also find that 2012 currently holds first place for the warmest average low temperature.  This is quite intriguing.  On one hand, we can say daytime high temperatures are the cause behind our extreme warmth.  But, it comes with help from the other hand – warm overnight lows.  If temperatures are not cooling at night, it is just a big head-start for the next day.  Do you recall a number of mornings when the temperature was around 70 degrees?  Eau Claire highest climate averages are 83 for a high and 61 for a low.

Looking ahead, there is a good chance the mild weather will stick around through this winter. (Figure 1)  The Climate Prediction Center is forecasting the likelihood of above average temperatures this winter due to the possible onset of El Niño.  Less precipitation may also fall this winter.  While the forecast has to be taken with a grain of salt, it would not be surprising to me to see winter pan out warmer and drier than average.  In my experience, when certain temperature patterns take shape like the one we have been experiencing, it may take several months to break.

Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more from Beyond the Forecast…

Posted under Hometown Weather, Weather, Weblogs

I have always been facinated with outer space.  When I was a kid, I read countless articles and books on our moon, the planets, and the universe.  At one point, I considered being an astronomer, but my love for weather won out.  I guess I am still looking up to the sky! 

There is one part of astronomy I am always wanting to know more about – deep space.  I think many of us wonder what’s out there, past the solar system and beyond the Milky Way galaxy.  NASA’s Deep Space Network continues to track several missions, ranging from a year to a few decades old.  To me, the most fascinating program is Voyager.  Launched in the late summer of 1977, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 continue to send data back to Earth.  As of April 2012, Voyager 1 is the farthest traveled man-made object, now approximately 11.1 billion miles from Earth.  Yes, billion with a “b.”  Voyager 2, on a completely different path, is roughly 9 billion miles from Earth.  To put these distances in perspective, it takes more than a half day’s time for the sun’s light to reach the spacecrafts.  The primary objective of the Voyager program was to explore Jupiter and Saturn.  Now, NASA is focused on collecting data from outside the solar system.  Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 will head into the “interstellar medium,” a vast expanse at the edge of the sun’s reach.

Courtesy: NASA - An artist's rendition of the Voyager 1 & 2 spacecrafts' locations

Closer to home, NASA’s biggest objective presently is exploring Mars.  Currently, there are two rovers on the planet and three orbiters.  More missions are planned, and there is constant discussion of a manned program to the planet beginning in the 2030s.  Personally, I won’t hold my breath, since travel time to the planet is nine months, and the mission would require an unbelievable amount of money.  Still, it is fun to dream – what’s next?

Again, feel free to learn more about deep space operations by visiting the NASA website.

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more from Beyond the Forecast…

Posted under Hometown Weather, Weather, Weblogs

My friend asked me the other day, after looking at a cooler forecast with 70s and 80s, if summer was gone. 

 ”Summer gone?”  I jokingly responded, “not until September 22.” 

September 22nd is the day when summer officially ends and autumn begins.  Of course, I knew what my friend was asking.  He wanted to know if any more hot stretches of weather were in the distant future because his wallet was hurting.  I don’t blame him, because I am in the same boat.  I almost called the electric company to ask if the decimal point was in the wrong place! 

Thankfully, I’m proud to report our chances of prolonged heat are waning.  While a short stretch of 90 degree days cannot be ruled out, we will not witness another long period of hot weather this season comparable to the stretch from June 27 to August 3rd.  First, the heat stretch was impressive by itself.  We completed July 2012 with a mean temperature of 71.6°, good enough for #2 on the list of warmest Julys in Eau Claire since 1950.  Second, based on climate averages, we have passed our warmest point of the year.  Typically, the second and third weeks of July are the warmest with an average high of 83° and an average low of 61°.  With daylight slowly slipping away from us, the odds are not in our favor.

Classic El Niño Pattern

Many are wondering what is around the corner.  In short, when considering the overall trend, we will likely remain near or above average into the winter season.  Meteorologists at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC) are watching the central Pacific closely.  There is a chance another El Niño event will develop in the coming months.  During an El Niño event, warmer Pacific waters off of South America can modify the upper air pattern in favor of mild weather for the Midwest.  We could also experience drier conditions.

The El Niño talk does come with a literal word of caution: osscilation, as in ocean oscillation.  Last winter was a La Niña winter, which typically brings cooler weather to the Midwest.  But as you know, last winter was quite mild in the area!  That’s because the North Atlantic Osscilation (NAO) was in a strongly positive phase.  The NAO, combined with other factors, turned the tables on La Niña and our weather pattern in western Wisconsin.  Thus, ocean osscilations must be taken into consideration.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more from Beyond the Forecast…

Posted under Hometown Weather, Weather, Weblogs