Coolest temperatures since April!

A strong and cold weather system will bring our area the coolest high temperatures since the April 28th, when the high was 49. Here’s the scenario: A vigorous wave of low pressure will move out of the Plains on Thursday morning and a surface front will move across the area between 4 and 7am. This weather system will bring showers and possibly some thunderstorms to the area throughout the day on Friday as the cooler air filters in. In fact, take a look at the Futurecast temperatures are only in the 40s by 5pm. Temperatures will continue to fall on Friday night into the upper 30s. The big changes will come this weekend as highs will only be near 50 on Saturday and into the upper 40s by Sunday.

One of the other interesting aspects of this weather system will be the  upper air trough that will be tracking from Missouri through the upper Great Lakes. This storm track will be an ideal set up to produce heavy snowfall across parts of northern Minnesota, Wisconsin and southern Canada. The lift created by this system and the influx of moisture from the south will fuel these snow squalls. Some northern areas could see 6 inches or more in these areas.

Lake Effect Clouds

Cold air creates “lake effect” clouds

An interesting aside to this weather pattern will be something we usually see during the winter. Lake Michigan water temperatures are around 65 degrees right now. Temperatures will drop into the 40s and lower 50s. A west to northwest wind will blow across these warm waters creating clouds and maybe even some light rain. Because of a predominant wind flow from the west across our area, these clouds will be seen through Saturday and Sunday afternoon. These clouds will also keep temperatures down.