Snowpack to erode as warmer weather continues into the days leading up to spring

Mostly to partly sunny skies can be expected through the afternoon as winds gradually shift out of the south-southeast. With some of the snow that we already lost yesterday, temperatures should be able to reach the upper 40s and low to mid-50s across Western Wisconsin this afternoon. More areas of fog, which could be dense, may develop over the next couple nights as our late March thaw continues.

Upper-level ridging to the west will inch closer as the week wanes on, allowing for the warmer weather to continue. Going into tomorrow, we’re likely to reach the low to mid-50s for highs as we welcome in astronomical spring. Before more zonal flow returns, temperatures on Saturday could reach into the 60s again, with even a few readings in the 70s possible further south. While we will be over 20-degrees above average, the record high for the March 21st is just shy of 80 degrees for Eau Claire. A cold front will pass through into Sunday, stunting temperatures in the 40s for the rest of the weekend and into next week, as high pressure resides just north of the area. Moisture looks to be very limited with this passage, but there is an outside chance for maybe some rain or snow Saturday night and into Sunday morning. The high will keep us in northerly flow into Monday. A weak trough will exit by Tuesday, allowing for ridging out west to slowly build. Temperatures will be around average in the mid-40s to start off the week. By mid-week, a few locations may be able to warm into the 50s as shower chances look to potentially return on Wednesday.