As we have been aluding to for much of the week, more quiet weather is in store for this weekend with lots of sunshine and milder temperatures.  Saturday will feature more sunshine with highs in the upper 20s to around 30 degrees while Sunday will have a few more clouds, but high temperatures in the lower to possibly middle 30s.  It looks like Sunday we may finally see temperatures get above average – the last time we had high temperatures actually above average was in early February.  So far, our temperatures are -6 degrees below average and we may end up being somewhere between 5 and 6 degrees below average by the end of the month.

If you are enjoying the quiet weather (I know we are) don’t expect it to last too long because by the early part of next we are watching our next storm system arrive.  There has been a lot more variability with this storm then the past few.  Earlier this week, it looked like the storm would track right over us giving us some significant snowfall, but over the past day, the storm seems to be taking more of a southerly track.  If this trend continues, only the southern portions of our viewing area can expect several inches of snowfall (mainly south of Hwy. 29) with only a couple inches from Hwy. 29 on north.  Keep in mind that this track will likely change which will dramatically change snow potential across the area.  Snow amounts will be higher across the area if the storm takes a more northerly track and and lower if the storm moves farther to the south.  We’ll be monitoring this storm very closely over the weekend so make sure to check back and watch TV-9/34 for updates!  One consistency with this storm is that behind it, more cold air will move into the area.  By the middle to end of next week, temperatures will fall back into the teens.  We are getting to the time of year where blasts of cold air are still common, but tend to be shorter and less dramatic.  This seems like it’ll be the case next week.  Looking at the long-range trends, a milder trend may be in store as we go into March, but we’ll have to wait and see…those who are anxious for Spring, keep your fingers crossed!  As much as I love the snow and all winter activities, I know I’m looking forward to being able to run and bike outside again!!!

I also wanted to bring up that there is an Air Quality Watch for particle pollution across central Wisconsin on Saturday.  The Northwoods were not included in this watch.  The Air Quality Index is forecasted to reach the orange level which means that air may be unhealthy for people who are in sensitive groups such as those who suffer from asthma, lung disease or other respiratory problems along with small children and the elderly.  With high pressure sitting on top of us today and Saturday, winds will be calm to very light so the air isn’t mixing as much.  The Wisconsin DNR tends to issue air quality statements when the air is expected to be stagnant for a period of time.  In other words, increased levels of fine particles that come from power plants, factories, car exhausts, etc. will linger across central Wisconsin.  Now this mainly affects those who are in sensitive groups as I mentioned earlier and people in these sensitive groups should just limit strenuous outdoor activity.  If you still have questions or would like further information on this topic, visit the DNR website by clicking on this link.

That is all for tonight, have a great weekend and enjoy the milder weather!

Meteorologist Megan Syner

Posted under Science