Sunny weather prevails for Memorial Day weekend with above average temperatures

Our holiday weekend will get off to a gorgeous start with more sunshine in store as a ridge of high pressure remains situated over the Great Lakes with a cut-off upper low positioned across the Tennessee Valley. The current orientation of these features creates a blocking pattern (Rex Block) aloft, which is what’ve seen the past couple days and are forecast to see into early this week. As a result, dry weather will continue locally with light southerly winds giving way to warmer temperatures across Western Wisconsin as highs climb into the low 80s both today and tomorrow. Low temperatures later tonight will not be as cold also with most places falling into the lower 50s. That said, low-lying valley areas may dip into the 40s. Memorial Day on Monday is looking quite pleasant and sunny as high pressure continues its hold over the region. We’ll see another push of warm air as temperature soar into the mid and upper 80s.

By Tuesday, there are indications that our blocking feature will start to break down over the Eastern United States while another ridge of high pressure begins to build across the Great Plains. This looks to amplify over the Upper Midwest through late in the week, keeping sunshine around with a boost in temperatures as southerly flow dominates. The feel of summer will be in full force as highs look to climb up around 90 in the Chippewa Valley multiple days with humidity increasing as dew points rise through the 50s, and potentially into the low 60s by Thursday. Meanwhile, a weak cold front will be tracking out of the Northern Plains Wednesday, arriving in our neck of the woods Thursday before stalling out to the south on Friday. With the added forcing in addition to heat and humidity, daily chances of isolated showers and storms are in the forecast at this time from mid-week on. At this time, no severe weather is anticipated as the dynamics do not appear to come together. With little to no rain expected the next several days, it will be a good idea to water your lawn and plants frequently. The latest 6-10 day precipitation outlook indicates chances for below average precipitation as well, but for now, we are not listed as being in a drought.

Copyright 2023 WEAU. All rights reserved.