Astronaut Buzz Aldrin decends from the Lunar Module --- Courtesy: NASA

USA astronaut Neil Armstrong said those exact words 43 years ago, July 20, 1969.  On that day, millions around the world watched as Armstrong took his first steps on the moon, the first person in history.  He was followed by astronaut Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin.  Of course, we cannot forget Michael Collins, the third astronaut who didn’t step on the moon, but provided support through the command module.  Together, these three men of Apollo 11 fufilled a dream, and a challenge, set forth by President Kennedy.

“We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win . . . ”

President John F. Kennedy, September 12, 1962

Kennedy’s challenge would lead to six more Apollo missions, five successful.  The project ended after Apollo 17 astronauts Harrison Schmitt and Eugene Cernan completed their moon mission in December 1972.  Since then, no one has been back.

Crater 308 on the Moon --- Courtesy: NASA

There is a lot of discussion among politicans and the public regarding whether or not to return to the moon.  One theory is the USA will return sometime around 2025 or 2030 as a first step, before going on a manned mission to Mars.  Of course, there are a lot of years between now and then, and with money tight right now, who knows what will happen.  It is still intriguing to me, knowing there is so much undiscovered outside of this world.  What could we find?  Satellites, rovers and telescopes do not even “scrape the surface.”

Check out the NASA website for a lot of cool information on the Apollo 11 anniversary and upcoming space events.  And, if you have any questions, I would be more than happy to answer them or find the information for you.  Until then, thanks for reading and stay tuned for more from Beyond the Forecast… 

Posted under Hometown Weather, Weather, Weblogs

The “Dog Days” of summer are here, and in no time, the mercury can go from a comfortable 60° to a scorching 95°.  Adding to the misery most of the time is the humidity.   With a relative humidity of 50% when the temperature is 95°, it actually feels more like 105° outside.  Whew…

The hottest days of summer in Wisconsin often involve higher humidity levels, making the air feel “heavier.”  But did you know the air on a humid day is less dense compared more comfortable day with the same temperature?  It may sound odd, even to me at times, but science proves this fact outright.

To answer this question, we have to dust off the old chemistry book.  Now think back – for some of you waaayy back – to your high school or college Earth science class.  In total, Earth’s atmosphere is composed of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% other gases.  It is estimated water vapor represents 0.40%, not a lot in the grand picture.  However, when we experience a humid day, the amount of water vapor in our local atmosphere is much greater. 

Courtesy: Wikipedia/Booyabazooka

So why is the air less dense, or in layman’s terms, not as “heavy?”  The water molecule, famously known as H2O, has significantly less mass compared to oxygen and nitrogen molecules, the gases that make up 99% of our total atmosphere.  When more water vapor is present on a regional level, more oxygen and nitrogen is displaced to other areas.  Think about this concept by imaging a ship and a sailboat.  Both vessels float, but the ship’s large mass allows it to push away, or displace, more water compared to the dinky sailboat.

Now, I’m not about to go on air and tout or correct how humid air is actually less dense, other than for a learning moment when the weather is slow.  I feel the humidity just like you do on the hot days, waiting for that next front to bring relief, and maybe a little rain too.  Have a great day and thanks for reading my blog!

Posted under Hometown Weather, Weather, Weblogs

It happens almost every year in Wisconsin.  There’s at least one, two-day stretch when temperatures rise above 90 with higher humidity levels.  Many view the weather as uncomfortable, but some ignore the danger lurking just around the corner. 

Sadly, according to NOAA, heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States.  Each year, hundreds of people die because of dehydration and other heat-related issues.  It comes down to two things: not being able to access cooler locations, and a lack of preparation.  You can do your part to make sure you and your family stay safe this upcoming summer, a summer that is sure to have a number of hot and humid days.

Please keep these tips in mind:

• Never leave children or pets in a vehicle unattended.  In just a few minutes, the dashboard of a car can heat to 200 degrees.
• Always drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty.  Dehydration can occur quickly.  Carry water with you.
• Stay out of the sun, preferably in air conditioned rooms in extreme situations.  If you don’t have air conditioning, plan ahead and find a location that will serve as a cooling center for you and your family.
• Don’t forget about your pets!  They get hot too and will need water and shade.
• Remember those susceptible to the heat, especially the elderly and young children.  Make sure they are staying cool.
• Wear lighter clothing and apply ample sunscreen.
• Take it easy!  Physically speaking, don’t push yourself!
• Never leave children or pets in a vehicle unattended and drink lots of water.  Yes, I repeated these tips, but these two are important!

Enjoy this summer and feel free to let us know if you have questions!  Stay tuned for more from Beyond the Forecast…

Posted under Hometown Weather

Courtesy: NASA

The world was buzzing over a rare solar eclipse Sunday, drawing billions of onlookers from Asia to the southwest United States.  For just a few minutes, the moon passed in front of the sun, darkening the Earth and providing a beautiful sight.  While most understand how an eclipse works, only some know it was the combo of an eclipse and a science genius that pushed our understanding to new levels. 

In late 1919, Albert Einstein immediately gained popularity after he proved, with the help of a total solar eclipse, light was affected by gravity.  This opened the door to what’s known as “general relativity.”  The Big Bang theory, black holes, and the concept of time travel are all related to “general relativity.”  Einstein’s ground-breaking work built the frame for modern scientists.  Had it not been for an eclipse and Einstein’s dedication to science, we could be living in an entirely different world, in theory and reality.

Professor Alan Lightman of MIT wrote an excellent piece on how the 1919 solar eclipse inspired Einstein and changed our understanding of science.  Please click HERE to read more!  Very neat!

Stay tuned for more from Beyond the Forecast…

Posted under Hometown Weather, Weather, Weblogs

This year, FEMA, in partnership with the Federal Communications Commission, will roll out a system that will quickly relay emergency alerts to the public.  The Wireless Emergency Alerts service (WEA) will deliver text-like messages to cell phones in the alert area.  People owning cell phones with CAPS/WEA capability will be able to receive the emergency messages.  While the capability isn’t widespread now, the FCC expects most in-use cell phones to have the capability by 2014.  Cell phone owners will not be charged for this service.

Please continue reading for further information, courtesy of FEMA.  (http://www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/cmas.shtm) 

What is the Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)?

CMAS allows public safety authorities to use FEMA’s IPAWS Open Platform for Emergency Networks (IPAWS-OPEN) to send geographically targeted, text-like Wireless Emergency Alerts to the public. WEAs will relay Presidential, AMBER, and Imminent Threat alerts to mobile phones using cell broadcast technology that will not get backlogged during times of emergency when wireless voice and data services are highly congested.

CMAS/WEA complements the existing Emergency Alert System (EAS) which sends warnings to television and radio via broadcast, cable, satellite, and wireline communications pathways.

Who sends CMAS/WEA alerts?

Most CMAS/WEA alerts will be issued by NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS).  The NWS can send weather-related alerts to any region in the country.  CMAS will be used by the NWS only for the most imminent and severe weather conditions (e.g. tornado warnings).

Imminent Threat alerts may be issued by state and local officials who have completed a four-step application process and executed a Memorandum of Agreement with FEMA governing system security.  Alerts must meet certain criteria that are established in the FCC rules to ensure that only the most urgent messages are sent over CMAS.  More information on the application process may be found on the Alert Origination web page. For a list of state and local jurisdictions who have applied for IPAWS access, see the Authorized IPAWS Localities web page.

Who receives WEA messages?

IPAWS CMAS is operational now and all major cell carriers, as well as hundreds of smaller carriers, are participating in CMAS on a voluntary basis. For a list of participating carriers, see the current FCC Registry file. As with all new cellular services, it will take time for upgrades in infrastructure, coverage, and handset technology to allow CMAS/WEA alerts to reach all cellular customers.

Wireless carriers are currently selling mobile devices with CMAS/WEA capability included. While not all handsets now on the market are capable of receiving WEAs, some phones may be upgradeable and it is anticipated that most commercially available phones will be WEA-capable by the end of 2014.   The boxes of devices capable of receiving WEAs are marked with the Wireless Emergency Alert logo. Customers of participating wireless carriers with CMAS/WEA-capable phones will not need to sign up to receive the alerts and should automatically receive WEAs in the event of an emergency, if they are located in, or travel to the affected geographic area. Wireless customers are not charged for the delivery of Wireless Emergency Alerts.

What does a WEA look like on a mobile phone?

WEAs use a unique ring tone and vibration to signal that an alert has arrived.  The unique vibration, which distinguishes the alert from a regular text message, is particularly helpful to people with hearing or vision-related disabilities.  Alerts will automatically “pop up” on the mobile device screen and will be limited to 90 characters.

WEAs will not preempt calls in progress.  In addition, individuals will be able to opt-out of Imminent Threat or AMBER alerts.  Individuals will not be able to opt-out of Presidential alerts.

What should I do if I get a WEA?

Due to the 90 character limit, alerts will contain only basic information.  In most cases the alert will only indicate the type of event (e.g. tornado), the time until the alert expires, and recommended action.  To get more specific information, the best response is to check other sources of information, including radio or television, to see if there is a corresponding Emergency Alert System (EAS) message with additional details and/or local news coverage of the event. 

How does a CMAS/WEA alert reach a mobile device?

CMAS/WEA alerts are activated by authorized alerting authorities (generally, a local or State agency or the National Weather Service).  The alerts are targeted to specific geographic areas, generally a county. If a CMAS/WEA-capable mobile device is physically located in that area, it will automatically receive and display the message.  Every WEA has an expiration date/time and will be resent within the affected area until it expires; however, each individual wireless device will display the alert only once.  If a wireless customer travels into the affected area after the WEA was originally sent, and the alert has not expired, they will still receive the alert.

More information is available on the on IPAWS Components web page.

Will wireless customers be charged for CMAS/WEA alerts?

Wireless customers will not be charged for the receipt of WEA messages. In addition, alerting authorities will not be charged by wireless carriers for distributing CMAS/WEA alerts.

Are WEAs the same as text messages?

No, WEA are not the same as text messages. WEA will not have to be opened like SMS text messages, but will “pop up” on the device’s screen.  A key differentiator between the CMAS/WEA capability and the existing Short Message Service Point-to-Point (SMS-PP)–a one-to-one or one-to-few alerting service–is that WEA uses SMS-Cell Broadcast (SMS-CB), a one-to-many service, which simultaneously delivers messages to multiple recipients in a specified area. By using SMS-CB as the delivery technology service, WEAs avoid the congestion issues currently experienced by traditional SMS-PP alerting services, which translates into faster and more comprehensive delivery of messages during times of emergency

Will CMAS/WEA track a person’s location?

No, CMAS/WEA will not track an individual’s locations or personal data, as it uses SMS-CB, a broadcast (one-way) technology. This assures that authorities cannot collect any subscriber-related data, including details on who is in the targeted area, who has successfully received the emergency alert, or who may have opted out.  

If you have any questions, please let me know: ngrunseth@wqow.com.  Stay tuned for more from Beyond the Forecast…

Posted under Hometown Weather, Weather, Weblogs

Cool.  If we were to experience average readings this week, we would need daytime highs around 60 and overnight lows near 35.  Unfortunately, much of our time the next few days will be below average.   On the flipside, our threat of severe weather will remain low and pesky bugs will be mininal.

Here’s a look at this week’s forecast.  For a current, up-to-date forecast, click HERE.

• Monday – Morning Rain/Snow, Highs: Low 40s
• Tuesday – Mostly Sunny, Highs: Upper 50s
• Wednesday – Showers Early, Partly Cloudy, Highs: Mid 60s
• Thursday – Mid-Day Showers, Highs: Near 50
• Friday – Partly Cloudy, Highs: Low 50s
• Saturday/Sunday – Mostly Sunny, Highs: 50s

Aside from Monday morning’s snow, the highlight this week will be showers and thunderstorms before dawn Wednesday morning.

GFS model suggesting where ridge will be at 7 PM Monday.

Short-term, through Thursday… A mixed bag of weather is expected through Thursday, with periods of sun/clear sky and rain.  Two low pressure systems will affect the area.  The first, late Tuesday night, will kick up showers and isolated thunderstorms in the region, as a warm front lifts northeast.  The following cold front may spark isolated showers Wednesday morning.  In total, if the rain develops accordingly, the Chippewa Valley will pick up 1/10″ to 2/10″, or more.  A second low will pass just south of Wisconsin Thursday, but close enough that mid-day showers will plague the area.  The cloud cover and rain on Thursday will limit temperatures to the upper 40s and lower 50s.

Long-term, Friday and this weekend… An upper-level ridge will build into the middle of the country this weekend, keeping our sky relatively clear.  This pattern will last into the first half of next week, according to the latest model runs.  Temperatures will begin cool this weekend, but gradually improve above average by the start of next week.

Have a great day and keep it tuned for more from Beyond the Forecast…

Posted under Hometown Weather, Weather, Weblogs

Monday's Fire Danger

Dry.  I picked “dry” as this week’s word, not only because we will remain dry until this weekend, but also because of the dangerous fire conditions in western Wisconsin.  The Wisconsin DNR says the threat of fire danger is “very high” or “extreme” for the entire state.  Click HERE for a look at the current fire danger for Wisconsin.

Here’s a look at this week’s forecast.  For the current, up-to-date forecast, click HERE.

• Monday – Mostly Sunny, Windy, Highs: Upper 40s
• Tuesday – Mostly Sunny, Breezy at Times, Highs: Mid 40s
• Wednesday – Sunny, Highs: Low 50s
• Thursday – Mostly Sunny, Highs: Low 60s
• Friday – Mostly Cloudy, Showers and Thunderstorms, Highs: Near 60
• Saturday – Mostly Cloudy, Showers and Thunderstorms, Highs: Upper 60s
• Sunday – Mostly Cloudy, Showers and Thunderstorms, Highs: Mid 60s

This weekend, rain is a good bet.  It is hard to say exactly when the rain will affect us, but the models have been consistent on two systems sparking showers and thunderstorms.

Short-term, through Thursday…The biggest concern the next few days is a hard freeze during the overnights.  As Canadian high pressure gradually settles into the Upper Midwest, expect cooler than average temperatures Monday and Tuesday.  Thankfully, because of a lack of moisture in the low atmosphere, we will experience mostly sunny conditions.  On Monday and Tuesday night, temperatures will fall into the 20s for several hours, alarming news for those with outdoor plants.  Wednesday morning will be cold too, but just below freezing.  Please, if you are able and this affects you, take necessary precautions to avoid damage.

Eventually, by Wednesday, the wind will lighten and turn south, laying the groundwork for a return to the 50s and 60s.  It will still be breezy at times.

GFS Precipitation Suggestion for 1 PM Friday, April 13

Long-term, Friday and this weekend…I am 80% or more confident it will rain this weekend, but *when* is the big question.  The two, most reliable long-range models suggest a warm front lifting north through the area on Friday.  However, there is a several hour difference in timing of the front, meaning a several hour difference in precipitation.  The two models are more consistent on Saturday night and possibly part of Sunday with alike forcing in the lower and higher levels of the atmosphere. 

After much research and thought, I think the first half of Friday will be wet, as well as Saturday evening and Sunday morning.  Between those times, a few showers or thunderstorms will certainly be possible, but it’s more likely much of the area will be dry.  The forecast models suggest anywhere of 1/2″ to 1 1/2″ of rain will fall this weekend.  This range will likely change, but it’s not unreasonable.  It would certainly be welcomed news for area fire officials and residents.

Have a great day and feel free to email me with questions: ngrunseth@wqow.com.  Stay tuned for more from Beyond the Forecast…

Posted under Hometown Weather, Weather, Weblogs

7 Day Forecast (Produced Monday, April 2 - AM)

Tranquil.  Aside from a few showers and isolated thunderstorms late Monday night and early Tuesday morning, a fairly quiet week is on tap for western Wisconsin with, yet again, above average temperatures.  However, we can not rule out one or two sub-freezing mornings in the area.

Below is the forecast prepared on Monday AM.  For more specifics and the most up-to-date info, please launch our weather page by clicking HERE.

• Monday – Partly Cloudy and Breezy, Highs: 60s
• Tuesday – Showers Very Early, Partly Cloudy, Highs: Upper 50s/Low 60s
• Wednesday – Mostly Sunny, Highs: Upper 50s/Low 60s
• Thursday – Mostly Sunny, Highs: Upper 50s
• Friday – Mostly Sunny, Highs: Upper 50s
• Saturday/Sunday – Chance of Showers, Partly Cloudy, Highs: Upper 50s

The Easter holiday weekend looks decent; overall, nothing out of the ordinary in comparison to our recent weather trend.

Short-term, through this week…A weak low pressure area and incoming cold front will work to bring us a few showers and isolated thunderstorms Monday night.  The latest indications suggest most of the rain will track south, but not far enough to rule out rain for the Chippewa Valley.  This is good news considering the fire danger.  As of Monday, it is low to moderate, but a few days of dry weather will allow the threat to increase to high.

Canadian high pressure will settle in from the north late Tuesday, clearing out the sky and setting us up for a few quiet days.  While sunshine will be common, overnight lows will likely drop near or below freezing.  If you have any early growing or blooming plants, it will be a good idea to throw a blanket over those  on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights for the following mornings. 

GFS 850 mb Temps - Tuesday, April 10, 1 PM. Above the white line, the GFS model suggests readings at the ground could be in the 40s and 50s.

Long-term, for Easter weekend…It appears rain showers may pass through the area on Easter weekend, and if the timing is right, we cannot go without mentioning the slight potenial of non-accumulating snow.  An area of low pressure and potent mid-level trough will scoot across the northern tier of the U.S.  With a cold front dropping in later Saturday, I anticipate scattered showers and plenty of cloud cover.  *If* the activity lingers into Saturday night when temperatures cool into the lower/mid 30s, a few flakes may fall, especially in areas an hour’s drive north and east of Eau Claire.  No travel problems are expected.

Temperatures for next week may hold near average with the models suggesting a pool of cooler air nudging in from the northwest.  Hopefully, we will stay dry, at least during the overnights, as cooler air would allow for snow.  Personally, let’s leave the snow for next winter! 

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

Posted under Hometown Weather, Weather, Weblogs

Unless something unbelievable and unexpected happens between now and the stroke of midnight Saturday night, the month of March 2012 will go down as the warmest on record for Eau Claire.  The numbers are not even close compared to previous Marches.  Check out the stats below:

Warmest Marches and Average Temp. for that Month

1. **2012 – 47.9°
2. 1910 – 44.6°
3. 1946 – 41.9°
4. 1973 – 39.7°
5. 1945/2010 – 39.6°

** – In Progress

Top Five Warmest Marches for Eau Claire

The list above is ordered from highest to lowest in overall average temperature.  Basically, take every hourly observation from 12 AM March 1st through midnight March 31st and find the average.  A three degree difference between 2012 and 1910 is impressive, but it gets better!  Read the next two paragraphs and you will understand why.

March 1910 still holds on to the title of warmest high temperature average with 58.3°, but barely.  March 2012 is close behind at 57.7°.  This statistic will remain the same, unless our daytime high is above 83° Saturday afternoon. 

So how will March 2012 overall be significantly warmer than March 1910?  The average low temperature for March 2012 is 38.1°, a tremendous seven degrees warmer compared to March 1910′s 30.9° average.  In fact, March 1948 is the second warmest on record at 31.8°.  Maple syrup producers around the area will tell you this spring was the worst sapping season they can ever recall.  With only 11 mornings below freezing this month, that’s not surprising.  1910 was slightly better with 18 mornings at or below freezing.

Finally, I can’t go without mentioning the number of new temperature records established this month.  Ten daytime high records were logged, while eleven warmest, overnight lows were recorded.  That’s a total of 21 temperature records! 

What we have witnessed this month as far as temperature is unprecedented.  It will likely be several years, or a lifetime, before this happens again in our area.  Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more from Beyond the Forecast…

Posted under Hometown Weather, Weather, Weblogs

Beginning this week, I’m starting something new on my weather blog that I hope you will enjoy and find valuable.  It’s called “Week in a Word.”  Basically, each Monday, I will lay out the forecast for the entire week and explain why I’m convinced it will be warmer, colder, wetter, drier, etc.  Yes, I guess I could have called this “Your Week’s Forecast,” but even I know that sounds boring.  Really, let’s make it fun and sum it all up in one word!

—

Tuesday's Forecast Highs

Wild.  This week will be wild, especially from the start.  It will not be wild because of a huge, nasty winter storm; rather, the wind and roller “coastering” temperatures will be the top two weather conversation pieces.

Below is the forecast prepared Monday AM.  For more specifics, please launch our weather page by clicking HERE.

• Monday – Mostly Cloudy and Breezy, Highs: 40s
• Tuesday – Mostly Sunny and Windy, Highs: 70s
• Wednesday – Partly Cloudy and Breezy, Highs: 50s
• Thursday – Mostly Sunny, Highs: 50s
• Friday – Showers Possible, Highs: Upper 40s/50s
• Saturday & Sunday – Partly Cloudy, Highs: 60s

Off the bat, you probably see why I write the beginning of the week will feature roller “coastering” temperatures.

Short-term, through Wednesday…An area of low pressure will slide out of the northern Rockies into the northern Plains on Monday, intensifying along the way.  Ahead of the low, a warm front will lift through western Wisconsin, turning winds from the east to the south Tuesday morning.  With the front and other low-level forcing factors, scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms will develop late Monday and very early Tuesday.  The best chance of thunder will be far to the south; I expect most of the WQOW viewing area to experience periods of light rain.

Back to the wind – the wind will be quite strong at times, Monday through Wednesday, due to a tight pressure gradient.  (In short, a tight pressure gradient means a large difference in air pressure over a small distance, which results in strong winds.)  On Tuesday afternoon, the combination of sunshine, a strong south wind, a warm air mass aloft and the mixing of drier air should allow the temperature to rise into the lower 70s, about 25 degrees above our average.  This taste of summer will be short-lived, thanks to a cold front dropping into the region Tuesday night.  No precipitation is expected at this time.  On Wednesday, highs closer to seasonal averages will be common.

Overall, I don’t see to many variations in the short-term forecast.  You may notice temperatures raised/lowered a degree or two, and the slight possibility of thunder in our area.  Honestly, the models do not suggest the appropriate environment for thunderstorms.

GFS: Jetstream Position at 7 PM Saturday

Long-term, into this weekend…Thursday looks quiet, but Friday and this weekend is tricky.  The two forecast models we rely on the most, the GFS and the ECMWF, have differing opinions on how the weather will play out.  The GFS suggests a fast-moving trough passing through Wisconsin early Friday, triggering some rain for our area.  It then develops a ridge of high pressure over the mid-section of the country, including Wisconsin.  Likely, this will lead to sunny and dry weather.  However, ECMWF model, which usually performs the best, advertises a train of small ridges and troughs, meaning periods of wet and dry weather.  While it’s tough to tell what the weather will be like given the discrepancy, my gut feeling tells me this weekend will probably be dry, though a lingering shower or two is possible early Saturday from Friday’s rain.

Next week, above-average temperatures are likely, but rain is tough to pin-point at this time.

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

Posted under Hometown Weather, Weather, Weblogs