For the over night N.O.A.A. predicted fair skies, colder than normal temperatures and no precipitation. They did get that one right. We did cool down into the mid-twenties, and the sky this morning was free of clouds. There was definitely some frost around this morning. I have been hearing people talk about high fire danger due to the lack of rain, but I look at the mud in my yard and on my pasture as well as the amount of snow still in the woods around my house, and I have to wonder about that. I think if this dry spell continues much longer we may get into some problems, but not yet or at least not here.
For today N.O.A.A. indicates a continuation of the relatively clear skies (13%/14%./15%/29%), no precipitation and moderating temperatures. They have predicted that it will be warmer than it was yesterday, but still with no heat index. The NEXRAD radar shows some precipitation well west of us, but it appears to be headed in our direction. The Weather Underground model forecast maps show a storm system moving in our direction that may affect us tomorrow night into Saturday.
My Weather Stick points up still. The Min/Max Thermometer and Weather Station forecast fair skies with continued rising barometric pressure for today. The remote weather station is forecasting cloudy skies, but also with rising barometric pressure. The sun is up, and there was a red sky this morning. I had about 2 minutes to get a photo of it, and just did not make it. This has all the characteristics of a very pleasant day ahead. If you can get outside and enjoy it. The next couple may not be as nice.
Low Temperature (°F): 25.1
Current Temperature (°F): 25.8
Relative Humidity (%):75%
Dew Point (°F): 18.9
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.04
Wind Direction: None
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind Chill (°F): 25.8
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (inches): 0.00
Sky-AM: Clear
Cloud Type: None
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:46°F/44.4°F//37°F/36.6°F//31°F/29.1°F//28°F/27.1°F
Relative Humidity: 38%/41%//56%/50%//69%/67%//81%/73%.
N.O.A.A. did very well forecasting both the temperature and relative humidity. There were only two data points that varied by more than 5% with the relative humidity, and they were at 23:00 hours last night and0 5:00 hours this morning.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 36°F/49°F/62°F/64°F
Relative Humidity: 59%/33%/18%/19%

After the predictions of clear, sunny skies, I was disappointed to see a consistent cloud cover of altostratus to stratus clouds all day. It was only after 17:00 hours that the sky started to clear, and that had a chilling effect on the temperature today. It was not an unpleasant day by any stretch, but it was not as nice as the predictions (even mine) said it was to be.
For the overnight N.O.A.A. forecasts no precipitation for our area, but they are calling for some very patchy fog close by. The cloud cover is expected to dissipate again (38%/12%/6%/11%), which should allow for some radiational cooling so we can expect the temperature to fall below freezing again tonight. The NEXRAD radar and Weather Underground model forecast maps indicate a storm system south and west of us, but they expect that storm to pass by south of us. That storm is probably what brought us the cloudy conditions today.
My Weather Stick points up. The usual instruments indicate fair skies with a rising barometer, and the remote weather station still predicts clouds, but with a rising barometer. I suspect we will see dry conditions continue overnight, but it will get colder than last night. We will probably have an unobstructed view of the starry canopy of heaven.
High Temperature (°F): 56.8
Current Temperature (°F): 41.9
Relative Humidity (%): 44%
Dew Point (°F): 21.5
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.95
Wind Direction: None
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (inches): 0.00
Sky-PM: Partly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cirrus
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:40°F/44.2°F//49°F/54.6°F//58°F/55.9°F//59°F/53.7°F
Relative Humidity: 55%/72%//37%/31%//26%/31%//27%/37%.
N.O.A.A. did very well forecasting the temperature. Apparently there was enough of a change in the air mass that they did not have the relative humidity forecast quite right.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 46°F/37°F/31°F/28°F
Relative Humidity: 38%/56%/69%/81%

Yes, I was up in time to see the sunrise this morning. The combination of the red sky and the cirrus clouds (mares' tails and mackerel scales) suggest the potential for rain in the next 24 hours. Even though the temperature fell just a little bit below freezing it was comfortable overnight. Once again, it appears that N.O.A.A. got another one right. The cloud cover already seems to be dissipating, so we will see what the rest of the day will bring.
For today, N.O.A.A. forecasts a pleasant pattern with temperatures approaching 60°F, the cloud cover dissipating as the afternoon wears on (17%/12%/6%/5%) and once again, no precipitation. There is some precipitation showing up on the NEXRAD radar, but it appears to be tracking to our south. The Weather Underground maps indicate the same, but there is a storm system that they suggest will affect us late Friday into Saturday. We can probably use just a little rain, but there is some snow still to be found in the woods around this area of Wilton, Maine.
My Weather Stick points up, though not as dramatically as with 31% relative humidity. All three of the electronic instruments forecast rising barometric pressure. The Min/Max Thermometer and Weather Station forecast fair skies for today, while the remote weather station forecasts partly cloudy skies. With the forecast by N.O.A.A. calling for nearly clear skies I disagree with that latter instrument. I think we will have another very nice day with light winds, fair skies, delightful temperatures and no precipitation. After the weather we had last week we deserve this, there is no doubt in my mind!
Low Temperature (°F): 30.0
Current Temperature (°F): 30.7
Relative Humidity (%): 81%
Dew Point (°F): 25.6
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.00
Wind Direction: None
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind Chill (°F): 30.7
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (inches): 0.00
Sky-AM: Mostly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cirrus
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:49°F/46.0°F//39°F/40.1°F//33°F/35.2°F//30°F/30.2°F
Relative Humidity: 39%/42%//52%/53%//61%/68%//75%/79%.
N.O.A.A. did very well forecasting both the temperature and relative humidity. There was only one data point that varied by more than 5% with the relative humidity, and that was at 02:00 this morning, and that only deviated by 7%.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 40°F/49°F/58°F/59°F
Relative Humidity: 55%/37%/26%/27%

N.O.A.A. certainly got this one right. The sky cleared after that early morning shower, and we had a beautiful comfortable day.

The Sky Is Clear For Now
and the willow trees are beginning to leaf out,
Yes, after inspecting my vehicle I could see where the raindrops had dried, but there were so few that they could be counted. That was why there was nothing in the rain gauge. My tiger lilies are coming up,

The Lilies Will Bloom Soon
the snow is off the garden,

This Weed Patch Should Soon Be A Garden Spot
and I am beginning to be able to work on the electric fence. The goats and sheep should be able to begin to go out to pasture very soon.
For the overnight, N.O.A.A. forecasts no precipitation, dissipating cloud cover(26%/16%/6%/13%), and temperatures just below freezing. There is no precipitation showing up on the NEXRAD radar. The Weather Underground model forecast maps do not show any precipitation until at least Friday night. As wet as my ground is, and it is wet, it will be a few days before we start to get into trouble needing water for the glower gardens. I do not dare yet walk out on my garden spot for fear of sinking to my knees in the mud and never getting out alive.
My Weather Stick points up, and I have now added the 31% weather stick to the folder. The electronic instruments are all calling for the barometric pressure to continue to rise. The only disagreement is with the remote weather station that is calling for cloudy conditions. The air to the west is very clear, and there is not much of a sunset. I would guess that with the sky clearing the radiational cooling will kick in and we will see temperatures at or just below freezing, clear skies and no precipitation.
High Temperature (°F): 62.0
Current Temperature (°F): 55.9
Relative Humidity (%): 32%
Dew Point (°F): 26.5
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.88
Wind Direction: West Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 6.7
Wind Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (inches): 0.00
Sky-PM: Clear
Cloud Type: None
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:48°F/50.9°F//62°F/55.7°F//67°F/59.9°F//65°F/58.8°F
Relative Humidity: 48%/63%//28%/37%//20%/37%//22%/31%.
There has been another change in the air mass, since it did not get as warm as was predicted, and the relative humidity did not hit a single predicted forecast point for today. The only recorded temperature that hit the forecast was at 08:00 this morning. The forecasters certainly do not seem to be able to keep up with the changing weather here in Wilton, Maine.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 49°F/39°F/33°F/30°F
Relative Humidity: 39%/52%/61%/75%

The stones on my front walk appeared to be wet this morning when I stepped out to monitor the weather conditions. There was also a small amount of water on top of one of my ash cans, but there was apparently not enough to register in my rain gauge. I checked the NEXRAD radar, and they do show a short line of showers moving southeast away from us, dissipating as it goes. On that basis N,.O.A.A. was correct, it is just the timing that may not have been correct. Obviously it was a pleasant night, at least from the standpoint of the temperature.
For today N.O.A.A. predicts no precipitation, cloud cover dissipating

The Stratocumulus Clouds Are Breaking Up
to very low levels (2%/5%/7%/3%) and the temperature reaching the mid-sixties. The temperature right now is in free fall, and the barometric pressure is rising rapidly. The latter is already up 0.10 inches of mercury and the former down half a degree. Talk about changeable Maine weather, we have it right now.
My Weather Stick is up responding to the 64% relative humidity. When I checked the electronic instruments just before 07:00 hours two of them were showing partly cloudy skies with rising barometric pressure. The remote weather station was indicating rain with rising barometric pressure. I have not checked the other two, but the Weather Station currently predicts fair skies with the rising barometric pressure. The wind is holding at almost 7 mph, and the relative humidity is falling (now down about 2%). Just to note, the Weather Underground forecast maps are now showing no precipitation for the next couple of days, which is a change from what they were saying over the weekend. If nothing else this should be an interesting day.
Low Temperature (°F): 48.3
Current Temperature (°F): 53.2
Relative Humidity (%): 64%
Dew Point (°F): 41.4
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.69
Wind Direction: West Northwest
Wind Speed (mph): 6.0
Wind Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): Rain?
Amount (inches): 0.00
Sky-AM: Mostly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Stratocumulus
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:67°F/68.7°F//57°F/58.6°F//49°F/66.0°F//46°F/61.0°F
Relative Humidity: 32%/31%//47%/47%//66%/47%//63%/58%.
There was an obvious change in the air mass between 23:00 hours and 02:00 hours. The temperature and relative humidity forecasts , which were right on target went awry. The temperature started going back up, and the relative humidity started going back down. The relative humidity ended close to the target prediction, but the temperature was fully 15 degrees off. Interesting, very interesting.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 48°F/62°F/67°F/65°F
Relative Humidity: 48%/28%/20%/22%

We started the day with cirrus clouds and finished with altostratus clouds. In between, we had an absolutely gorgeous day. I was going to photograph the area where my Tiger Lilies are coming up, but they are not up enough to tell, and the ground needed to be leveled. In the next few days, they should be up enough to tell. It was almost warm enough to call it summer, but there is still some snow on the ground around here. That will not last much longer. N.O.A.A. did have it correct that we would not have precipitation today. Also, the cloud cover did increase, but much more than they said it would. It also got much warmer than they said it would.
For the overnight N.O.A..A. predicts scattered light rain showers until early tomorrow morning, but they expect them to end by 05:00 hours tomorrow morning. The do expect the cloud cover to increase (40%/62%/84%/43%) and then decrease which supports the idea of scattered showers. The temperature is expected to remain in the mid-forties overnight. It should be a pleasant night even if we do have a shower.
My Weather Stick points up, and 26% relative humidity will do that to it. All three of the electronic instruments are calling for falling barometric pressure and foul weather. When they forecast in concert like that they are usually correct. I did see clouds moving in from the west, and that may portend some foul weather moving in. We shall have to wait and see what the rain gauge shows in the morning.
High Temperature (°F): 88.3
Current Temperature (°F): 73.7
Relative Humidity (%): 26%
Dew Point (°F): 37.4
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.61
Wind Direction: None
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (inches): 0.00
Sky-PM: Mostly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Altostratus
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:48°F/57.3°F//69°F/78.2°F//78°F/88.3°F//76°F/82.9°F
Relative Humidity: 66%/51%//31%/27%//23%/21%//27%/30%.
N.O.A.A. did not do very well predicting the temperature today, it seems that the warm air was about three hours ahead of their forecast. After the 08:00 hour forecast they did get the relative humidity correct, or at least within 3% of the recorded data. There are those who will take issue with my temperature readings, but when I took a ride in my truck, equipped with a thermometer, around 04:30 the temperature was reading 84 degrees. I believe that thermometer since it is within a degree of the posted temperature at several locations around the area.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 67°F/57°F/49°F/46°F
Relative Humidity: 32%/47%/66%/63%

Overnight it almost got to the freezing mark at my location, and I am sure that in some of the valleys it went below freezing. There were some clouds that probably helped to keep the temperature up. As N.O.A.A. predicted we did not have any precipitation overnight. The snow is finally beginning to disappear from my garden, and that is good. As long as we do not get any major storms, I should be able to till the garden spot by the first of May. That may give me a jump on the growing season.
For today, N.O.A.A. forecasts no precipitation, with the cloud-cover remaining quite low until late this afternoon (22%/21%/21%/35%) and the temperature reaching the high seventies or maybe the low eighties. The latter is my prediction not theirs.
My Weather Stick points up responding to the 57% relative humidity. All three of the electronic instruments are indicating falling barometric pressure, which usually presages a low-pressure system moving in. Two of the instruments forecast foul weather, while the remote weather station forecasts clouds for today. I think we will see the weather deteriorate during the day today, but we probably will not see any precipitation until late tomorrow night or early Wednesday, based on the Weather Underground model forecast maps.
Low Temperature (°F): 32.7
Current Temperature (°F): 52.1
Relative Humidity (%): 57%
Dew Point (°F): 37.4
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.92
Wind Direction: West
Wind Speed (mph): 1.1
Wind Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (inches): 0.00
Sky-AM: Partly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cirrus
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:57°F/53.7°F//48°F/43.8°F//41°F/35.7°F//38°F/32.7°F
Relative Humidity: 35%/39%//54%/57%//73%/71%//91%/81%.
N.O.A.A. did very well predicting the temperature for the overnight. They did get it close to the recorded temperature. They also had the relative humidity correct, with the exception of the last point which was off by 10%. This was not a very bad showing.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 48°F/69°F/78°F/76°F
Relative Humidity: 66%/31%/23%/27%

N,.O.A.A, predicted another day without precipitation, temperatures of 70°F or higher and cloud cover increasing throughout the day. They got this one right. It was a great day to be or work outside. I needed to drive to Augusta for an errand, and I had my windows open for the first time in several months. I also finished stacking my wood that I finished splitting yesterday. That is another job well finished.
For the overnight, N.O.A.A. is still predicting we will have no precipitation, the cloud cover will dissipate somewhat (52%/38%/24%/23%) and the temperature will not fall below freezing Looking at the local radar it appears there are some light showers in the Portland and Augusta areas, but none here. The Weather Underground model forecast maps do not show any storms affecting our area until late Tuesday or early Wednesday. I can live with that.
My Weather Stick points up. Two of the electronic instruments forecast fair skies and rising barometric pressure. The remote weather station forecasts partly cloudy skies with steady barometric pressure. Based on the data before me and the cloud cover I see outside, I would guess that we should have partly cloudy skies, but still a very pleasant night. The fact that it should not go below freezing is a bonus. I have, by the way seen Daffodils and Narcissus growing in our flowerbeds. It should not be long before they bloom. Photos to follow.
High Temperature (°F): 76.8
Current Temperature (°F): 51.0
Relative Humidity (%): 42%
Dew Point (°F): 28.8
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.02
Wind Direction: South
Wind Speed (mph): 2.2
Wind Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (inches): 0.00
Sky-PM: Mostly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Altostratus
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:42°F/46.2°F//61°F/63.1°F//70°F/74.8°F//69°F/69.6°F
Relative Humidity: 46%/49%//61%/28%//17%/25%//21%/26%.
N.O.A.A. did very well predicting the temperature for today. They did get it correct. During the middle of the day the air was much drier than forecast, but they did get the two ends of the day correct for the relative humidity.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 57°F/48°F/41°F/38°F
Relative Humidity: 35%/54%/73%/91%

With the temperature at 28.0°F at 06:30 this morning it was definitely cool, but the sun is up and shining through the cirrus clouds. Now at 07:30 the temperature is already up t0 47.1°F, so even if we have some cloud-cover today it should be pleasant. N.O.A.A. predicted no precipitation overnight, and once again, they were correct. The temperature did fall a bit below their predicted low, but still within 5°F of their forecast. The stratocumulus clouds did dissipate in favor of the cirrus clouds we now have, and that may have had its effect on the radiational cooling.
For today, N.O.A.A. forecasts no precipitation once again. They also predict temperatures to rise to 70°F and the cloud cover to increase during the day (19%/28%/38%/41%) but not to the point where there is a threat of precipitation. We currently seem to be in the strong grip of a high-pressure system, and that should continue to give us fair weather possibly through tomorrow. According to the Weather Underground model forecast maps there does appear to be weather system that will affect us very late Tuesday. It is not supposed to last very long though. At this time of year some overnight rain every three or four days is exactly what we need to get the garden plots ready for tilling and the flowers up and growing. I even see Iris coming up.
My Weather Stick points up, not as dramatically as with 20% relative humidity, but up nonetheless. All three electronic instruments are forecasting rising barometric pressure. The Weather Station and Min/Max Thermometer forecast fair skies, while the remote weather station forecasts partly cloudy skies. The cirrus clouds in the sky over my house seem to indicate that partly cloudy skies may be the order of the day. They should not be enough to prevent us from working outside though. Overall, I am expecting another day bordering on a "10".
Low Temperature (°F): 28.0
Current Temperature (°F): 44.9
Relative Humidity (%): 59%
Dew Point (°F): 31.5
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.14
Wind Direction: None
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Sky-AM: Mostly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cirrus
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:55°F/55.2°F//44°F/41.9°F//36°F/32.7°F//33°F/28.9°F
Relative Humidity: 31%/25%//45%/45%//59%/65%//66%/76%.
N.O.A.A. did very well predicting the temperature for the overnight. The predictions for the relative humidity were within 6% of the recorded values, with the exception of the 05:00 hours reading which did miss the mark by 10%. Here again, overall the prediction were not particularly bad, but they could have been better.
Temperature: 42°F/61°F/70°F/69°F
Relative Humidity: 46%/23%/17%/21%

N.O.A.A. predicted no precipitation today, and that was correct. They also predicted temperatures near 70°F, and that was correct also. We have had some clouds move in late this afternoon, but it was a beautiful day to work outside. I did that, and in the process, I cut the last of my wood and split it. Now I need to start working on the wood for the summer, and then for next winter's wood. Thoreau got it wrong wood does not warm you twice it warms you six or seven times. It is no wonder that woodsmen tend to be slim and muscular.
For the overnight N.O.A.A. predicts no precipitation, cloud cover increasing until early tomorrow morning and then decreasing again (38%/42%45%/33%). With the cloud-cover in place, the temperature may not fall as far or as fast as it did last night. There were cirrus clouds around most of the afternoon, and late this evening they thickened to become stratocumulus.
My Weather Stick certainly had no choice but to point up in response to the 21% relative humidity. The same two electronic instruments are forecasting fair skies and rising barometric pressure. The remote weather station is still forecasting cloudy skies with steady barometric pressure. I think, for no particular reason, that the cloud cover will dissipate, and we will end up with fair skies. This should be another pleasant evening and overnight. I would hope for bright stars and an even brighter moon.
High Temperature (°F): 78.0
Current Temperature (°F): 61.3
Relative Humidity (%): 21%
Dew Point (°F): 20.9
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.01
Wind Direction: Northwest
Wind Speed (mph): 5.5
Wind Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (inches): 0.00
Sky-PM: Mostly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Stratocumulus
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:42°F/53.7°F//61°F/66.9°F//70°F/76.1°F//58°F/73.5°F
Relative Humidity: 46%/48%//26%/27%//20%/22%//22%/17%.
N.O.A.A. did not do very well predicting the temperature for today. The middle part of the day was the only time when they got the forecast temperature close to the recorded temperature. They did much better with the relative humidity, having gotten all four predictions correct.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 55°F/44°F/36°F/33°F
Relative Humidity: 31%/45%/59%/66%

N.O.A.A. predicted no rain overnight, and they were correct. When I looked out at 23:00 hours, the sky was clear and the temperature was in free-fall. It ultimately dropped just a little below freezing, but nothing compared to what we had a couple of weeks ago. How quickly we forget. It is a bit amazing to see the temperature fall almost 40 degrees overnight.
For today, N.O.A.A. is again predicting no precipitation, a slight increase in the cloud cover (7%/15%/22%/38%) during the day

High Thin Cirrus Clouds
and temperatures reaching 70°F. Just to note, yesterday was the first time since October 9th that we reached or exceeded 70°F. That is more than six months.
My Weather Stick still points up at 48% relative humidity. No surprise there. The Weather Station and Min/Max thermometer predict fair skies and rising barometric pressure. The remote weather station says we will have clouds with steady barometric pressure. This is interesting. We do have some high thin cirrus clouds around, but with the wind out of the north (the last time there was wind recorded at 08:17 hours) they are an harbinger of fair weather.

Under a Clear Blue Spring Sky
I will, suggest therefore, that we will have another very pleasant day. With the snow leaving day by day we can get our yards cleaned up and get ready for lawn mowing season. I have such pleasant thoughts!
Low Temperature (°F): 30.5
Current Temperature (°F): 53.4
Relative Humidity (%): 48%
Dew Point (°F): 34.1
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.00
Wind Direction: None
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (inches): 0.00
Sky-AM: Mostly Fair
Cloud Type: Cirrus
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:54°F/55.4°F//44°F/40.8°F//36°F/36.1°F//33°F/32.1°F
Relative Humidity: 31%/22%//45%/40%//61%/54%//75%/63%.
N.O.A.A. predicted the temperature correctly for the overnight. They did not do quite as well with the relative humidity. The only point they forecast closely was at 23:00 hours.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 42°F/61°F/70°F/68°F
Relative Humidity: 46%/26%/20%/22%

What a gorgeous day. I did spend much of it outside and Bart stayed there with me. It was warm enough that my sweater came off quickly and the sleeves were rolled up while I worked on my wood. There was just enough of a breeze while I was working outside that the black flies did not have the chance to light or bite. They are mean nasty bloodsucking creatures. Some people a bit south of us have reported seeing mosquitoes. Oh, no!. I expect to hear the peep frogs sounding in my bog very soon. When they start, we will know that spring is really here. By the way one of the other harbingers of spring has been seen, the pussy willows are out.
For the overnight N.O.A.A. predicts no precipitation, almost no cloud cover (0%/0%/0%/3%), and radiational cooling dropping the temperature into the low thirties. That all fits with reality. Since I started this at 19:00 hours, the temperature is already down to 55.7°F (it is 19:57).
At 20% relative humidity, would you expect the Weather Stick to point any way other than up? The remote weather station forecasts clouds with steady barometric pressure. The other two electronic instruments forecast fair skies with rising barometric pressure. I like that forecast. I think I will make it mine, and it even agrees with the prognostications I have seen from the weather experts.
High Temperature (°F): 78.0
Current Temperature (°F): 60.2
Relative Humidity (%): 20%
Dew Point (°F): 19.0
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.94
Wind Direction: None
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Sky-PM: Clear
Cloud Type: None
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:36°F/51.6°F//58°F/61.5°F//68°F/71.7°F//66°F/73.9°F
Relative Humidity: 59%/41%//23%/24%//15%/18%//18%/17%.
N.O.A.A. missed the recorded temperature and relative humidity at 08:00 hours. I suspect that the air mass that brought us this beautiful spring day moved a little faster than they expected. It was also a little warmer and drier than they expected. All of this was excusable.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 54°F/44°F/36°F/33°F
Relative Humidity: 31%/45%/61%/75%

It appears that we are going to dry out a bit, and it is none too soon. The weather temperature overnight did not get quite as cold as was forecast. It dropped below freezing, but just by a couple of degrees. That should keep the maple sap flowing into the buckets. The season seems to be lasting longer than it has for the past couple of years. We seem to be plagued by the persistent cirrus clouds, but they are supposed to dissipate during the day today.
For today, N.O.A.A. forecasts no precipitation, virtually no cloud cover (17%/10%/3%/2%), summer like temperatures and very low relative humidity. We seem to have made a sharp left turn in the weather, rather than the gentle curve we are used to, but it is better late than not at all. The NEXRAD radar shows a few light showers headed out to sea well south of us. The Weather Underground model forecast maps indicate that we will not have any serious threat of precipitation before Monday.
My Weather Stick points up, and at 42% relative humidity that is to be expected. The Weather Station and Min/Max Thermometer indicate rising barometric pressure with fair skies for today. The remote weather station is calling for partly cloudy skies with rising barometric pressure. It appears that the cirrus clouds are dissipating, the temperature climbing rapidly and the relative humidity continuing to fall. Might I suggest that we will have a day when it would almost be a travesty to work inside a cubicle today? If you can get outside to enjoy this day it should be a "10".
Low Temperature (°F): 30.2
Current Temperature (°F): 47.1
Relative Humidity (%): 42%
Dew Point (°F): 25.0
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.02
Wind Direction: None
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Sky-AM: Partly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cirrus
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:43°F/51.9°F//35°F/37.9°F//29°F/32.5°F//25°F/30.7°F
Relative Humidity: 41%/28%//56%/44%//69%/56%//88%/48%.
N.O.A.A. missed the recorded temperature for today for only the 19:00 hour time period. The relative humidity was another matter. I am not sure what happened, but the air mass must have changed faster than they thought it would.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 36°F/58°F/68°F/66°F
Relative Humidity: 59%/23%/15%/18%

If you look at the next photo, how can you doubt it? The crocuses are up in perfusion.
Spring is Sprung the Grass is riz, this is where the Flowers is.
Now we wait for the tulips and daffodils. From the temperature, we can surely say that we have had a change in season. Above 40°F, there is no wind chill and below 70°F no heat index according to the National Weather Service in Washington. I asked!
For the overnight N.O.A.A. forecasts no precipitation, dissipation of the cloud cover (23%/19%/14%/11%), and temperatures falling a bit below freezing due to the radiational cooling. What I see outside my window certainly supports that forecast, although the temperature is not falling as fast as they suggested.
My Weather Stick is turning up as far as it turned down last night. It is pointed straight up in response to the 23% relative humidity. The remote weather station still forecasts foul weather with steady barometric pressure. The other two electronic instruments forecast fair skies with rising barometric pressure. I tend to agree with the latter. I think we are out of the rain for the moment, and should see some delightful weather for the next few days. Three cheers for the nice weather.
High Temperature (°F): 64.2
Current Temperature (°F): 61.5
Relative Humidity (%): 23%
Dew Point (°F): 23.4
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.87
Wind Direction: North
Wind Speed (mph): 4.2
Wind Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Sky-PM: Mostly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cirrus
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:39°F/46.5°F//50°F/55.0°F//55°F/62.2°F//54°F/61.5°F
Relative Humidity: 57%/41%//36%/26%//27%/22%//27%/23%.
N.O.A.A. missed the recorded temperature for today for most of the time periods, and they got the last two relative humidity points correct. When the day is as nice as this one it does not matter. It is to be enjoyed!
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 43°F/35°F/29°F/25°F
Relative Humidity: 41%/56%/69%/88%

We did not have any precipitation overnight. The sky cleared almost completely, and the temperature never dropped below freezing. It appears that we have finally turned the meteorological corner into spring. Once our mud season ends we can begin to get our gardens in order, but it is not too early to think about planting. In fact if you are going to start some plants inside now is the time to do so. It seems that N.O.A.A. had the overnight forecast right on all counts.
For today in Wilton, Maine, we can expect no precipitation, clearing skies (49%/44%/46%/35%) and rising temperatures according to the N.O.A.A. prognostications. Both the NEXRAD radar and Weather Underground model forecast maps show clear skies and no precipitation for Maine today, and for the next couple of days.
My Weather Stick is having issues catching up with the relative humidity and points only slightly up, but I expect that to change. The Min/Max Thermometer and Weather Station forecast fair skies with improving barometric pressure. The remote weather station forecasts clouds with steady barometric pressure. As I view the sunny skies and observe the wind moving the trees, I suggest that we are going to have a beautiful spring day. Much of the snow that is left on the ground will disappear, and many of the spring flowers will begin to appear.
Low Temperature (°F): 37.4
Current Temperature (°F): 46.2
Relative Humidity (%): 43%
Dew Point (°F): 24.8
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.91
Wind Direction: Northwest
Wind Speed (mph): 6.2
Wind Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): Dry
Amount (inches): 0.00
Sky-AM: Mostly Fair
Cloud Type: Cirrus
Weather Stick: Slightly Up
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:43°F/44.2°F//41°F/42.4°F//37°F/41.0°F//34°F/38.1°F
Relative Humidity: 62%/63%//62%/68%//64%/64%//72%/67%.
N.O.A.A. correctly forecast the temperature for the overnight. They also got the relative humidity correct for the entire period. Great Job!
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 39°F/50°F/55°F/54°F
Relative Humidity: 57%/36%/27%/27%

I think the system has moved out to sea. N.O.A.A. thinks the system has moved out to sea. The Weather Underground model forecast maps indicate that the system has moved out to sea. Even the NEXRAD radar show that the system has moved out to sea. Shh! We do not want to get our hopes up, but we may actually have some nice weather headed our way. N.O.A.A. had us down for scattered light mixed wintry precipitation for the entire day. All I saw was the clouds breaking up, a little bit of sunshine and we did have some wind. It was, overall, a very nice day when compared with the past three. We will take it because we do not have to shovel in, nor do we have to dry off when we come inside.
For the overnight N.O.A.A. predicts the same light wintry mix for the first half of the period and no precipitation for the second half. Basically, the cloud cover (84%/83%/82%/60%) would support that, but the sky just does not seem to be producing any of that precipitation. Further, the clouds do seem to be breaking up. Further, the temperature does not seem to support frozen precipitation overnight.
My Weather Stick points straight out (66% relative humidity). The usual two electronic instruments forecast fair skies and rising barometric pressure. The remote weather station forecasts foul weather with rising barometric pressure. I do not believe any of them. I think the barometric pressure will rise because a high-pressure system seems to be moving in, and we will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies because the storm is moving off shore and is breaking up.
High Temperature (°F): 54.1
Current Temperature (°F): 43.8
Relative Humidity (%): 64%
Dew Point (°F): 32.4
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.87
Wind Direction: None
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (inches): 0.00
Sky-PM: Overcast
Cloud Type: Stratocumulus
Weather Stick: Straight
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:36°F/39.3°F//40°F/45.3°F//42°F/50.7°F//42°F/51.6°F
Relative Humidity: 79%/84%//67%/72%//62%/60%//57%/57%.
N.O.A.A. correctly forecast the temperature for the first half of today, and missed the mark on the second half. Surprisingly they did get the relative humidity correct for the entire day.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 43°F/41°F/37°F/34°F
Relative Humidity: 62%/62%/64%/72%

For the first time since last Thursday, Wilton, Maine awakened to find water on the ground, but none falling from the sky. What a delightful concept. There is no snow on either my carriage house or barn roof, and that is unique. The temperature never got below freezing here overnight and it is climbing quickly. If this continues, we may actually find the ground in a couple of days. N.O.A.A. did predict a wintry mix overnight, but it appears that we only had 0.16 inches of rain giving us a total since last Thursday of 5.37 inches of rain for the period. From what I hear that is more than enough for now.
For today, N.O.A.A. forecasts light scattered showers of a wintry mix. (I doubt that!) The cloud cover (100%/93%/87%/88%) would support that, but the forecast temperature in the forties would not. There is almost nothing left in our area on the NEXRAD radar, and that seems to be drying up. The Weather Underground model forecast maps show the storm pulling away from us finally, and nothing for us in the near future (at least through Saturday).
My Weather Stick still points down responding to the 86% relative humidity. The Weather Station and Min/Max Thermometer forecast fair skies with rising barometric pressure. The remote weather station forecasts clouds with rising barometric pressure. To paraphrase Confucius, "A man with one instrument always knows the forecast weather and pressure tendency, a man with more than one is never quite sure!" The storm seems to be breaking up, and I can accept that. I do not know if we will see any sun today, but we can live in hope. The forecast temperature certainly could support that. Maybe spring will arrive soon for us.
Low Temperature (°F): 36.1
Current Temperature (°F): 38.8
Relative Humidity (%): 86%
Dew Point (°F): 34.9
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.80
Wind Direction: East Southeast
Wind Speed (mph): 6.7
Wind Chill (°F): 31.6
Precipitation (Type): Rain
Amount (inches): 0.16
Sky-AM: Overcast
Cloud Type: Stratus
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:36°F/37.5°F//36°F/36.6°F//35°F/36.3°F//34°F/36.3°F
Relative Humidity: 82%/90%//82%/90%//82%/90%//85%/90%.
N.O.A.A. correctly forecast the temperature overnight. That was a good job. They, once again could not correctly identify the relative humidity at any of the forecast times, with the exception of 05:00. I think that one was pure luck rather than any forecasting prowess.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 36°F/40°F/42°F/42°F
Relative Humidity: 79%/67%/62%/57%.

This morning we did have a mix of snow, sleet and rain followed by rain this afternoon. N.O.A.A. did get that part right. The temperature remained in the thirties for the entire day, and the winds were blustery. I did go for a brief ride this afternoon and found ducks swimming in a hayfield that is bordered by Wilson Stream. You can see them in both the open shot and the close-up.

Ducks Swimming In A Hayfield

Same Ducks—Close-up
In the next photo you can see Wilson Stream at its banks, and if anyone tries to get that sap bucket they are quite liable to get very wet.

Wilson Stream Coming Out Of Its Banks
Even the bog at the foot of my hill is very full at the present time.

The Bog At The Foot Of My Hill
For the overnight the wintry mix is again the order of the forecast from N.O.A.A. I do not know if we will wake tomorrow to more snow on the ground or more rain in the rain gauge. The 100% cloud cover and temperatures in the low thirties certainly favor more rain than snow or sleet. Morning will certainly tell the tale on that. With over five inches of rain out of this system I think we have had enough, but I have no control. Mother Nature will certainly have the last word as usual. At least this rain should shorten mud season for us.
My Weather Stick loves to point down at 90% relative humidity, and down is exactly where it is pointing. The two usual electronic instruments are forecasting fair skies and improving barometric pressure. The remote weather station now concurs with the improving barometric pressure, but still forecasts foul weather. I do not know about anyone else, but I am ready for some sunshine and warm temperatures. I do not think we will get it tomorrow, but we can hope for Thursday.
High Temperature (°F): 39.3
Current Temperature (°F): 37.0
Relative Humidity (%): 90%
Dew Point (°F): 34.5
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.68
Wind Direction: None
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind Chill (°F): 37.0
Precipitation (Type): Rain
Amount (inches): 1.27
Sky-PM: Overcast
Cloud Type: Stratus
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:35°F/34.3°F//38°F/37.7°F//39°F/39.0°F//39°F/38.4°F
Relative Humidity: 72%/90%//64%/88%//64%/88%//62%/88%.
N.O.A.A. correctly forecast the temperature today. That was a good job. They, once again could not correctly identify the relative humidity at any of the forecast times. They were not even close.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 36°F/36°F/35°F/34°F
Relative Humidity: 82%/82%/82%/85%

Posted by Jeffrey Le Doux at 02:53 AM
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