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May 18 to 24, 2022 WEATHER TIDBIT It didn't take much time. In just a few hours, I totaled 2.58" of rain last Wednesday, March 11, thunderstorm. Strong winds also accompanied this storm, knocking over several large pine trees in my area. It made for an exciting night, only to be followed by a less exciting Thursday night as another round of weaker storms moved through. It was mainly dry, scattered showers. Fishing opener was on Saturday. Aside from gusty winds, there was plenty of sunshine. Temperatures this period look very comfortable as seasonable weather is on tap. Nature notes: Tress are exploding in green and I spotted my first goslings on White Bear Lake. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 71 49 60% 0.75" May 11 to 17, 2022 WEATHER TIDBIT Last work week, May 2-6, we made it all through the week without rain! The dry weather spilled into Saturday, but unfortunately our dry weather came to an end on Mother's Day. While it did dry out in the mid-afternoon , winds were very strong, which by now is something we're getting used to. This weeks 80º temperatures mark the first time we've reached 80º since September 30th! After this weeks "heat wave," temperatures will begin to cool off. Outdoor Notes: people are out raking, mowing, putting docks out and gardening. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 68 47 59% 0.75" May 4 to 10 , 2022 WEATHER TIDBIT Right now I think we'll take any sign of Spring, and if you look, there are some positive weather and nature notes. April's bountiful rain has supplied more than enough precipitation for lawns and they're turning green. Maple trees are in the very early stages of budding. Local lake and pond levels are up after a few years of being down. April's rain brought out worms and night crawlers in numbers I haven't seen in years. Even better, the upper winds are showing signs of moving north this week and that should bring in milder temperatures as well as fast moving weather systems. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 67 45 56% 0.78" April 27 TO May 3 , 2022 WEATHER TIDBIT There's not many signs of Spring to talk about as the weather pattern has been very March-like. The longest period of dry weather I've observed this April was from midday April 8 thru April 11. As it was, this period was accompanied by wind gusts in the low 30's mph. The battle of lingering winter cold air and impending spring warm air is the culprit for our very noticeable wind gusts, which have been quite remarkable. This past weekend gusts reached over 40 mph at times. As for now, no warm-up of any significance is foreseen. We enjoyed a nice spring thunderstorm this past Saturday. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 63 41 56% 0.80" April 20-26 , 2022 WEATHER TIDBIT The weather has been sounding like a broken record for the past 4 weeks. Its been nothing but cold, rain, snow and lots of wind. Frankly, I'm tired of it. We've been teased with a few periods of sun but it would be nice to string 4 to 5 days of it together. This past week the jet stream spent much of its time well to our south, keeping daytime highs 20º colder than normal. If you've ventured north, you might have found yourself in the middle of a few good snowfalls. Warmer weather is forecasted for this time period but rain is expected to accompany it. Local area lakes are ice free. Ice-out on White Bear Lake was April 20. Lake Minnetonka was April 15. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 62 39 56% 0.75" April 13-19 , 2022 WEATHER TIDBIT Last week's weather isn't really much to brag about. At least it didn't spill into the weekend weekend. Clouds, rain, snow, wind and cold dominated the weather pattern much of the week before finally clearing the day on Friday. Saturday was our first day of full sun since April 1 as this past weekend provided some much needed relief from the nasty weather. Last week I talked about not putting away your boots as the forecast for this week is looking just as dreary. Nature note: My local pond, Pepper Tree, is ice free. I spotted a guy fishing on the ice of White Bear Lake on Saturday, as ice remains on the big lakes. I harvested some chives from my garden for my meal on Sunday. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 58 38 56% 0.62" April 6 to 12 , 2022 WEATHER TIDBIT "Don't put away your boots" is what I have been telling people for the past couple of weeks and sure enough, we wake Monday morning to find 2-3 inches of snow on the ground. Being April snow, it was wet and heavy. Plus snow in April tends to melt fast. We all want winter weather to be over with and as each week passes we're closer to green grass and leaves on trees. Meanwhile it's still April, so don't put away your boots. Nature note: maple tree sap is overflowing and I've boiled down about a gallon of syrup. Local ponds are still frozen over. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 54 32 56% 0.50" March 30 to April 5, 2022 WEATHER TIDBIT I think may speak for everyone when I say "I'm glad March is over." Last week's weather featured a day of rain followed by high winds. It wasn't much fun being outdoors. Even though the weekend was sunny, once you stepped outside it felt anything but spring-like. With the forecast this mid-week calling for rain and snow, the end of March is going out like a lion. The cold temperatures have halted my maple tree sap supply. Local ponds have a little open water that freezes overnight. Geese, mallards, and wood ducks have returned to Pepper Tree pond here in White Bear Lake. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 51 30 54% 0.58" March 23 to 29, 2022 WEATHER TIDBIT Our long-awaited period of winter temperatures finally thawed the snow and ice over the weekend. What better day to record our first 60º since November 6 than on the first day of Spring, Sunday, March 20. People were out in droves walking, biking, running, as well as those diehards still ice fishing. We lost much of our snow cover as fields really opened up. The gutters are filled with running water as crusty snow banks dwindle in size. It's hard to say we've had our last snow, but at this point late, March and April snowfalls don't last long. Nature notes: Spotted my first Red-Wing Blackbird, the ducks are back on Pepper Tree pond and the sap is flowing from the maple trees. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 47 27 56% 0.56" March 16 to 22, 2022 WEATHER TIDBIT We've experienced quite a bit of interesting weather the first half of the month, ranging from snow, rain, thunderstorms and below 0º temperatures. This past weekend most likely was last one with below 0º temperatures. Saturday's morning low of -4º and still a good snow cover was probably the last day for snowmobiles to get out in the local area. By Sunday temperatures were in the 40's and I spotted my first motorcycle. Despite Monday's morning light snow I suspect much of the snow cover will be gone by this weekend as were heading into some warmer Spring time temperatures. Spring Begins on Sunday, March 20 at 10:33am. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 42 24 57% 0.63" March 9 to 15, 2022 WEATHER TIDBIT Just when it looked like we were coming out of our winter doldrums with a stretch of somewhat milder temperatures and nicer weather, we were hit with rain, freezing rain, thunder and snow this past weekend. I totaled 1.36" of liquid precipitation and nearly 4" of snow overnight Sunday morning. Saturday's rain and freezing temperatures provided slick roads and a coating of ice on trees. With upper winds still streaming out of Canada, temperatures are heading below normal and maybe even below 0º. Nature note: I was asked by Scott in Shoreview about maple tree tapping season. Last year I was tapping trees around March 10. So get ready. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 38 20 53% 0.63" July 14-20 2021 WEATHER TIDBIT Recent rains have greened up some yards but we're still running a deficit this month. I've only totaled, as of Monday, a third of an inch of rain this month. Normally we average over an inch a week and right now we're not in a pattern that brings us much rain. States to our south and east have been receiving nice rain totals while states to our west have been making national headlines for heat and drought. We're somewhat in between. Smoke from Canadian fires gave us hazy skies over the weekend and into this week. High temperatures have fallen from the mid 90's of last month to more seasonable readings, which makes outdoor activity pleasant. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 84 64 71% 0.90" July 7-13 2021 WEATHER TIDBIT Was that the month of June that just ended or was it July? June temperatures soared past their monthly normals with 11 days passing the 90º mark at the airport. I totaled 9 days above 90º. For the month we averaged 5º to 7º hotter than normal. If not for the last 10 days of the month rainfall was non-existent. I totaled 1.87 inches which is 2.58 inches drier than normal. My forecast for July calls for our dry weather pattern to continue with temperatures slightly warmer than normal. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 83 63 72% 1.04" June 29 to July 6 2021 WEATHER TIDBIT We're in full summer-like weather mode. This past weekend and past few days have brought us some much needed rain. Rain amounts varied from location to location with some locations totaling over an inch. My yard still sports nice patches of brown and it remains to be seen if it will turn green, providing we get significant rain totals. Temperatures have been more bearable, with highs generally in the 80's and not mid 90's like earlier this month. July 4th weekend is looking good with slight chances for rain. Garden Notes: My strawberries have been picked through but raspberries are now plentiful. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 82 62 70% 1.17" June 16-22 2021 WEATHER TIDBIT There's little doubt what is in people's minds weather-wise: where's the rain, and it's been hot. We've an experienced and unprecedented run of 90's for this time of year. My run began on June 2 and peaked at 96º on Thursday, June 10. Nine of the first thirteen days of the month were in the 90's at my station. With the scarcity of rain, lawns have dried and turned brown. If you experienced a shower, consider yourself lucky. I don't know if it's done much good to save your lawn. We missed out on a nice rain Friday as showers died before they reached us here in the cities. This week we'll enjoy cooler temperatures but the dryness will continue. Nature Note: I've collected 3 Monarch caterpillars and I'm picking strawberries like crazy. Summer begins on Sunday, June 20, at 10:32 pm. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 79 59 64% 1.20" June 9-15 2021 WEATHER TIDBIT How quickly our fortunes can change. Three week dry period followed by one week wet period. Last weekend's cold followed up this past weekend's heat. I gotta say our recent string of 90º temperatures really didn't feel that bad. One reason was that the dew point, how much water was in the air, was relatively low. A July or August heat wave we'll have dew points in the mid to upper 70's which are very uncomfortable. This past week our dew points were in the low and mid 50's and creeping into the low 60's. If you were able to find some shade, it felt nice to be outside and relaxing. Enjoy the earliest sunrises and latest sunsets times of the year. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 77 57 60% 1.15" May 19-25 2021 WEATHER TIDBIT Needless to say, there is one weather item that has people talking and that is how dry May has been. I've totaled a trace of rain. The Airport only 0.07 inch. It's been pretty much the whole metro, as well as the state, that has been short of rain. My yard still looks pretty good. The cool mornings and our cooler than normal weather has kept our yards from drying out, but I do see people watering. The good news is that rain is in the forecast and we'll be making up for lost ground this week and weekend. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 71 49 61% 0.90" May 12 to 18 2021 WEATHER TIDBIT Well if you're thinking it's been a bit on the dry side lately, you'd be right. We've experienced very little in the way of rain this month. The primary culprit is the direction of the upper winds which have been primarily out of the north. You might also have noticed it has been quite cool for this time of year. When our upper winds are from the north we tend to have drier and cooler weather. It was great for the fishing opener and Mother's Day this past week but we could use some rain now. The weather pattern will begin to shift this weekend and that could mean warmer temperatures and rain. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 69 47 59% 0.71" May 5 to 11 2021 WEATHER TIDBIT Last week brought us some nice rain events, that weren't on the weekend, bringing our May precipitation total to 3 inches. Lawns are green and trees are also showing young leafs. It won't be to long before we experience more days with thunder but in the meantime lets enjoy the warming temperatures. This past Saturday brought us upper 80º temperatures and extremely low humidity, much like they experience in the southwest U.S.. We're still struggling to consistently to get our high temperatures near normal as cooler temperatures overall have prevailed. With the fishing opener and Mother's Day this weekend lets hope the rain holds off but it still looks a bit cooler than normal. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 67 46 56% 0.82" April 28 to May 4 2021 WEATHER TIDBIT Some weeks and weekends are just better than others. This past week's weather was just not that great. Cloudy, cool and wet best describes the last week as we head into the month of May. Weekend rain, mixed with snow at times, was pretty light and did allow for some outdoor time, but it was pretty cool out for this time of year. The workweek started off wet but temperatures did manage to warm. We'll lose the clouds and the cold for this upcoming weekend and may even manage to get the first mowing in. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 64 42 56% 0.79" April 21 to 27 2021 WEATHER TIDBIT We enjoyed some great weather over the weekend only to have a Monday morning cold front remind us that we're not out of the later winter weather quite yet. Outdoor "chores" were in order as many neighbors were out raking and some even getting that first cut of grass in. Dandelions are already blooming and will be seeding soon. The yearly quest to control them has failed yet once again. Earth Day is Thursday, April 22. Take a few minutes to venture out and collect a bag full of litter that has collected over the weekend. I try to do this on my runs around White Bear Lake. There is never a shortage of items to collect. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 63 40 56% 0.79" April 14 to 20 2021 WEATHER TIDBIT Behind every great man is a woman and behind every great son is a mom. My mom passed away last week and for the past 17 years since my dad's death, Meteorologist Bruce Watson, my mom had played an active part in charting the weather with me. She diligently took weather observations every day going out in the rain, snow and cold and reported what she saw. Despite slowing down the last few years, she kept abreast on the latest weather and enjoyed a good storm event. Her phone calls will be missed not only by me but by the people she touched in life. Love you Mom. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 59 37 56% 0.62" April 7 to 13 2021 WEATHER TIDBIT What just happened? Was the weather not just perfect for families to get together for an outdoor Easter celebration this past weekend? Temperatures were just a mere 25º warmer than normal on Sunday, making for perfect weather conditions for outdoor grilling and gathering. We're enjoying a nice run of warmer than normal temperatures and with the expected rain over the next few days, we will be greening up pretty quickly. I'm going to try my hand at planting some early hardy vegetables in the garden (though I think it's a bit early), but ground temperatures are quickly approaching 50º. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 54 33 57% 0.53" March 31 to April 6 WEATHER TIDBIT March was a nice bounce back month after the cold February we experienced. Temperatures not only rebounded but rebounded in a big way. We finished 8º warmer than normal with major snowfalls passing off to our south. What did fall was usually in the way of rain, with a nice soaking 1.5 inch rain total on March 23-24. This past weekends rain, although steady, totaled around .25". With the warmth and the rain came very early ice outs on the area big lakes. We have some above normal temperatures for us to enjoy as we enter April. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 51 31 54% 0.55" March 24 to 30 2021 WEATHER TIDBIT Spring literally blew in on Saturday and Sunday. It was one windy weekend. It began innocently enough Saturday morning, but by noon gusts were near 40 mph. It wasn't until the end of day Sunday when winds finally abated. This past weekend was also one of our warmest with Saturday in the mid 50's and Sunday in the low 60's. We're running well above average temperature-wise for the month. Temperatures will cool a bit this week but still be a little warmer than normal. Nature Note: Small ponds are just about free of ice and the big lakes are turning dark gray; we should see some large open water soon. I've spotted Robins but have not yet heard from the Red Wing Blackbirds. Update: Pepper Tree is ice free as is Goose Lake. Northern half of Bald Eagle is ice free with ice over the southern end. Still lots of ice on White Bear Lake. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 48 28 57% 0.60" March 17-23 2021 WEATHER TIDBIT We're slowly inching our way toward the astronomical start of spring, and we've enjoyed some nice spring-like weather this past week. March weather can be crazy at times and last Wednesday's thunderstorm was a great example. Vivid lightning, hail, and heavy rain accompanied this thunderstorm. I totaled nearly an inch of rain, which means we lost out on 8-10 inches of snow, oh darn. If this warm weather continues, look for early ice-outs this year on area lakes. Nature notes: The mallards and geese have returned to Pepper Tree pond. I've made nearly a gallon of maple syrup and my brother-in-law is now in competition with me. I've had enough of maple syrup making this season. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 42 24 57% 0.32" March 10-16 2021 WEATHER TIDBIT It was a great week of weather, with more mild weather expected. With that said, let's get to more important topics like Maple syrup season. After years of watching my maple tree drip sap every year, last year I finally collected some and made several quarts. I spotted a bucket on a tree last week and quickly set my collection system up. No sap for me! I complained to my neighbor Mark. My neighbor Penny allowed me to tap her maple. It was pouring out of Penny's tree. Made my first batch this weekend. Mark called me and gave me a container full. His sap collection "sickness" is about to overwhelm him. He has jugs full of sap and two burners going and wants a third. Oh yeah, DST starts Sunday. Sun rises and sets later. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 39 20 53% 0.51" March 3-9 2021 WEATHER TIDBIT I'm sure it's no surprise if I tell you that February finished colder than normal. We fell well short of our normal February temperature by 9º. It was quite a stretch of cold. We've rebounded very nicely and enjoyed a nice run of 40º temperatures to finish off the month of February. I warmed to 47º on Saturday and had my first run in shorts and t-shirt. I try to run in shorts when it's above 35º. I got a few looks and comments but I think I give people hope that warmer weather is coming soon and it is. It's still early March and while the harsh cold may be over, the snow is most likely not. If you recall, last March we totaled only 2" of snow. It will be hard to duplicate that in back to back years. Meanwhile, enjoy the warmer temperatures projected this weekend. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 36 18 55% 0.45" February 24 to March 2 2021 WEATHER TIDBIT It's finally over. We experienced a 17-day period of below freezing temperatures when it finally came to an end on Monday. My average low from Feb. 5 to 20 was -10.9º while the average high was 7.4º, for an average daily temperature of -1.7º. We'll see that showing up in our gas bills this month. The good news is that there's nowhere to go but up. It's later in the winter season now and our average high is now above freezing. I think we'll be above normal as we head well into March. We'll still need to keep an eye out for some heavy snowfalls as I expect we'll be seeing some. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 34 17 58% 0.31" February 17-23 2021 WEATHER TIDBIT We're just coming out of an unprecedented historic run of cold weather. About all you could do was just grin and bear it, and most of us did. This will be one of the coldest runs of below zero temperatures this late in the season. We'll end up with over 100 hours, falling well short of the Twin Cities record of 186 hours. To reach the top ten, we'll need 130 hours. If you have been getting outside or have a large window, the sun sure does feel great. I'm in the midst of a 47-day outdoor run streak. I've noticed a few less souls out this past week. I know they'll return this weekend when temperatures will approach near normal. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 33 16 58% 0.23" February 10-16 2021 WEATHER TIDBIT Topic: Cold temperatures. “These are the times that try men's souls." -Thomas Paine. Although Thomas Paine wasn't talking about the weather, this will be a trying time weather-wise for an extended period of time. Well into next week. If you can get a cheap fare south...book it! We may've experienced much colder temperatures, highs teens below; this cold will be known for its length. I will say I'm a bit surprised by the forecast length but better to have this late in the season rather than back in December. The sun is getting ever higher and out longer. I've been getting my runs in every day and the 3pm walkers along White Bear Lake have been out despite the cold. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 28 11 55% 0.18" February 3 to 9, 2021 WEATHER TIDBIT Overall it was a rather uneventful past week, weather-wise. Lots of clouds and very little sun with fairly mild temperatures. This has been pretty much the theme all winter. We finished January 6-7º warmer than normal, with snowfall totaling 7-8 inches. While we did drop below 0º here in the northern suburbs, the Airport failed to drop below 0º in January for only the 3rd time in the past 150 years. Last Wednesday was the Airports best chance but a cloud cover overnight kept temperatures above 0º, while northern Minnesota was hit with readings dropping to -35º in Cotton and -33º in Ely. Looking at the temperatures in the latest forecast, the Airport's run of sub 0º is likely to come to an end. Brrrr. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 26 9 53% 0.15" January 27 to February 2 2021 WEATHER TIDBIT We experienced our coldest and first below-zero temperatures of the new year. We dipped below zero on the morning of Friday, January 22 while the airport remained above zero. It was only the 4th time we've fallen below zero this season. Saturday's snowfall ranged from 3-4 inches and was about half the water content of our January 14-15 snowfall and was much easier to shovel. Ground Hog Day is next week and with the winter we've had, odds are he won't see his shadow and our mild winter will continue. Sun now setting past 5 pm for the drive home! WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 25 7 53% 0.18" January 20-26 2021 WEATHER TIDBIT The warmer temperatures have been nice but it would be even better if we could mix in a day or two of sun. We haven't had many days since the month opened up with five days of sun. It has been pretty cloudy since. With the coldest temperatures since Christmas heading this way, we may get my wish this weekend and experience some sunshine. Last weeks snowfall was wet and heavy. I totaled 3.5" with a hefty water content of .42". The freezing temperatures did a number on the side roads, leaving them very icy. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 24 7 53% 0.29" January 13-19 2021 WEATHER TIDBIT The beauty of nature was on full display for several days last week. Rime ice formed on trees, long grasses and objects, making for surreal scenery. At times a light breeze would knock off some of the ice/frost onto walkways. After a week of clouds, we finally experienced some sunshine on Monday this week. The recent spat ofclouds did keep temperatures from dropping off significantly overnight, but we could use the sunshine to pick up our spirits. Sun will be setting after 5pm this week. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 23 6 50% 0.25" Week of June 3-9, 2020 WEATHER TIDBIT We recorded our first 80º of the year on Tuesday, May 26 as we mixed in a few days of summer-like heat and humidity. I heard a few air conditioners running as dew points reached the mid 60's. With the heat came a few showers and thunderstorms. I totaled over 2 inches on May 26-27. Our recent spat of rain brought May's precipitation total over 5 inches, quite remarkable considering how dry the first half of May was. Garden Notes: I planted part of my garden this past week, with tomato plants from neighbor Jessica Kim, thanks! I also scored some local honey from a neighbor during a run this past Sunday. Dave Lenz has been posting pictures of his morel mushrooms he's picked but not the location. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 77 55 61% 1.00" Week of April 29 to May 5, 2020 WEATHER TIDBIT A bit of mid May-like temperatures visited us this past week as temperatures rose into the 70's for the first time since early October. You might have experienced a passing garden variety thunderstorm on Sunday, but overall the weekend weather made for doing outside "chores" less painful. Not only are temperatures showing signs of spring but also trees are starting to bud. The cottonwood tree made a mess of the patio with seeds everywhere. A sparrow has built a nest on the front porch light. I feel too guilty to knock it off so I wait around until the babies have left. I'm seeing more and more boats at the local marina as we gear up for the fishing opener and summer boating. I do like the temperature trend we're heading into and hope that it stays that way. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 64 42 56% 0.72" Week of April 22-28, 2020 WEATHER TIDBIT We're slowly making that transition from winter like weather to more what we expect spring to be like. Last week we were reminded that we still can have snow and have it stick on the ground. The good news is how quickly temperatures can turn around. Last Wednesday's 33º high temperature was forgotten as temperatures soared to 67º on Saturday. It's been a bit windy lately; as this is pretty common and colder air is still fighting to stick around before it's replaced by warmer temperatures. The forecast still looks a bit unsettled but rain is needed as lawns are turning greener and buds are starting to pop on area trees. Nature Notes: A Blue Heron visited Peppertree Pond this week, feasting on minnows. The giant snapper is eyeing its next meal and muskrats are swimming about. A run along Otter Lake this past weekend was filled with the sounds of red-winged blackbirds. They did not attack me. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 62 40 50% 0.82" Week of April 15-21, 2020 WEATHER TIDBIT Uffda, what a busy weather week. We woke to rumbles of thunder the previous Tuesday, April 7, but not much in the way of rain. That Tuesday we also almost reached 70º; I recorded 68º, our warmest day of the year so far. This Easter weekend will be one to remember for sure. After a beautiful day on Saturday, the weather quickly changed on Easter Sunday. Snow coated the ground as I rolled out of bed and it kept on coming down and down and down. By the time it was all over you may have had between 4-6 inches in your yard. Little to no shoveling was required with this one, as much of it melted on pavements. With the forecast of 60º later this week the snow will be gone, if its not already. Astro Note: Look for Saturn below the moon on Wednesday Morning, April 15. Mars will be above the moon on Thursday morning. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 59 39 57% 0.62" WEATHER TIDBIT April 8 to 14, 2020 The wind howled and blew for much of last week. On Thursday, April 2, I had my first 60º day since October 20, a period of 164 days! Then we went from our warmest day to one of our coldest days in two weeks on Friday, which brought us a mix of weather types from rain, freezing drizzle, ice pellets, snow pellets and snow. One of the easier days to remain indoors. Sunny and warmer temperatures over the weekend brought the sounds of snow blowers as we make the transition of cleaning out the unused gas and getting the lawnmowers ready. Nature Notes: Ice-outs were reported on Bald Eagle, White Bear and Forest Lakes on Thursday, April 2. White Bear Lake level April 6, 2020: 925.12 ft; April 6, 2019: 924.5 ft. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 53 33 54% 0.57" WEATHER TIDBIT March 18-24, 2020 Friend Mike Faust pointed out to me that weather is no longer the topic of most casual conversations and instead has been replaced by Coronavirus talk. Mike also pointed out that the weather has been pretty nice lately. He's right on that. We missed out on a snowfall that hit the southern suburbs with 3" of snow on March 10; I totaled 0.1". Other than a light rain event which washed some grime away on March 12, it has been fairly quiet. I've noticed the ducks and geese have returned to a frozen Pepper Tree pond here in White Bear as they await the return of Spring, this Thursday, March 19. We're watching a spring storm event for this week. Maybe something else to talk about besides Corona? WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 43 23 56 0.42" Week of March 11-17, 2020 WEATHER TIDBIT Chalk up another great weather weekend. Sunshine was plentiful and the temperature might have reached 60º on some over optimistic thermometers. The airport did reach 60º on Sunday but I fell a couple degrees short at my station. Nevertheles, people were out and enjoying the fine weather despite some gusty winds both Saturday and Sunday. I did record some meaningless snow and rain the last past of last week. We could use a nice rain to wash away some grime. Another snow is still not out of the question but not on the horizon right now. One person that took advantage of the weather on Sunday was friends wife, Sandy Lahren, who ran her first 10 mile run as she trains for her first half marathon. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 40 22 54 0.47 Week of February 26 to March 3, 2020 We've fallen into a nice pattern the past several weeks in which I'm not hearing to many complaints about, well maybe a few grumblings. The work week has been a tad bit cold but the weekends have been pretty great. This past weekend no exception. I recorded mid 40's and plenty of sunshine both Saturday and Sunday, exceeding the forecast. Not many complaints at all. Sun has certainly dominated this month. The milder temperatures have loosen the hard snow pack and melted snow is flowing. Watch out for refreeze as that is when most slip and fall accidents occur. Astro note: Venus is bright in the southwest sky at sunset. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 34 17 59% 0.36" Week of February 19-25, 2020 There were no major snowstorms to report this past week for those of you returning from out of town. Seems like attendance was way down for the regular events I attend. If you were out of town you missed our third Arctic cold outbreak of the season. I recorded back to back -14 mornings on February 13-14. To make up for the cold mornings, the sun was out along with some strong winds, sending wind chills to the -30 range. The wind and the snow created some interesting snow drifts. We'll have another cold work week before temperatures once again rebound for the weekend. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 32 12 58% 0.23 Week of February 12-18, 2020 A Sunday morning snowfall totaled anywhere from 4-5 inches here in the northern metro; our first snowfall of the month and first shovelable snowfall since a January 21-22 snowfall. It was a bit treacherous driving for a while Sunday but the snow was low in water content and easy to shovel. The sun managed to come out later in the afternoon and it turned out to be a pleasant day. Speaking of the sun it has been out in abundance this month as compared to January. We're in store for a brief cold snap but temperatures are expected to rebound quickly for a mild weekend ahead. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 26 8 57% 0.19" Week of April 17 to 23, 2019 Many of you, like my neighbor Maggie, had put away your snow shovel for the winter. Last Wednesday around noon I saw her taking it out. Last week I totaled 8.1 inches of snow, ice and hail. Unlike Maggie, I refused, REFUSED to take my shovel out. Yes, the first couple of days driving through the snow was tough. I had to blast through the snowplowed bank at the end of the driveway, but I did it. Most likely, other than maybe a few flakes, that will be the last of our snow. White Bear Lake level update: November 15, 2018, 924.0 feet. April 15, 2019, 924.8 feet. Astro note: April 23: Jupiter below moon. WEEKLY AVERAGES High Low Sun PCP 56 35 57% 0.65" Sunrise Sunset Wed April 17 6:25 8:02 Thu April 18 6:23 8:03 Fri April 19 6:21 8:04 Sat April 20 6:19 8:06 Sun April 21 6:18 8:07 Mon April 22 6:16 8:08 Tue April 23 6:14 8:09 Ice Outs: Bald Eagle Lake Thursday, April 11. That was the super windy day. White Bear Lake Thursday, April 18. The 1 inch rain on Wednesday took the rest of the ice.
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