May-like temperatures for the beginning of the weekend before dipping closer to average

Fog will dissipate this morning, a warm front arriving in the next several hours. With the melting snow and higher sun angle, it has been looking more and more likely that Eau Claire will hit 70 degrees for the first time this year. Records will likely fall short in the Chippewa Valley, but that may not be the case in La Crosse. The record is 75 degrees (2022), with a forecast high of 76 degrees in the cards. The record in Eau Claire is 77 degrees (1911) with a high of 72 in the forecast. Temperatures in the upper 60 and low 70s are typical more of the end of April and very beginning of May. On average, April 9th is when we usually see our first 70+ degree day in Eau Claire, so it is coming a little earlier than usual. Sunshine is likely in the afternoon before clouds roll in out ahead of a cold front that will pass through.

Temperatures will begin to drop into the overnight with the passage. Late in the night, there is a chance for some rain/maybe a stray flurry, but overall moisture isn’t looking too impressive. Still, don’t be surprised if we do experience some light precipitation into Sunday morning. Flow will flatten on Sunday, and temperatures will about 30 degrees cooler in the 40s. Breezy winds out of the north may aid in cooler wind chill values. Troughing will be to our east Monday and into Tuesday. At the surface, high pressure will allow for sunshine Monday. Temperatures will warm a few degrees above average in the upper 40s and low 50s to start the week before a few different fronts arrive. Overall, a stray shower will be possible on Wednesday with a front. Another front will push through on Thursday, allowing for a small decrease in highs into Friday.