For today N.O.A.A. forecast no precipitation, and right cool temperatures. Well, they were right. The high temperature barely rose above the freezing mark, and that only for a little while. To make matters worse the wind hardly stopped at all today, and continues to blow as I write this report. For much of the day there were very few clouds, but as evening approached the cirrus clouds moved in making the sky overcast. We have mare's tails and mackerel scales once again, and that spells some foul weather in our near future.
For the overnight the N.W.S. forecasts light scattered snow showers, and according to the cloud cover (64%/72%/81%/71%) that could be possible. The NEXRAD composite regional radar also show some echoes of frozen precipitation moving in our direction, and currently in western Vermont. The storm being predicted for Monday is another matter. According to the Weather Underground model forecast maps it will not start until late afternoon on Monday, although other prognosticators are calling for it to start Sunday night. I am just not sure who to believe.
My Weather Stick is smiling for a change, and at 52% relative humidity I do not blame it. There is no agreement among my electronic instruments. My La Crosse Weather Station predicts unsettled weather, falling barometric pressure and a recorded high temperature of 34.3°F. My Min/Max Thermometer forecasts fair skies, rising barometric pressure and a recorded high temperature of 33.5°F. My remote weather station forecasts clouds, steady barometric pressure and a recorded high temperature in the barn of 36.1°F. I think we will get a little snow overnight because it is not going to warm up and turn to rain. There may not be much accumulation from this front moving in. Sometime late Sunday night or early Monday morning I think we can expect some significant snow to start, and continue through the day leaving us with snow that will be here until spring. Let us see if I can get this one right.
High Temperature (°F): 34.3
Current Temperature (°F): 27.6
Relative Humidity (%): 52%
Dew Point (°F): 12.3
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.97
Wind Direction: Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 4.2
Wind-Chill (°F): 25.2
Precipitation (Type): Dry
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Overcast
Cloud Type: Cirrus
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:19°F/27.6°F//27°F/30.2°F//33°F/32.9°F//31°F/30.9°F
Relative Humidity: 92%/57%//62%/44%//49%/39%//53%/43%
The N.W.S. did a little better today. They had the temperature correct, with the exception of the 07:00 hour point. They were within 10% of the recorded relative humidity for the last half of the day, but they missed the first half. That was better than the overnight, but still not very good.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 28°F/26°F/24°F/22°F
Relative Humidity: 60%/68%/74%/68%

Overnight N.O.A.A. predicted a continuation of light scattered snow showers and frozen precipitation. When I took Ike out this morning for his walk there was no evidence that we had any additional precipitation. There was still just the thin coating of snow on the driveway and some ice on the edge and center of the road. It was windy while I was out, and from my weather station history that wind seems to be continuing.
For today the N.W.S. forecasts no precipitation, but plenty of cloud cover (53%/42%/45%/57%). North of us they are predicting light scattered snow showers. The only echoes on the NEXRAD composite regional radar are lake effect snows near Lake Erie. The Weather Underground model forecast maps seem to be working again, and they indicate a clear day today for Wilton, Maine, but a chance of precipitation tomorrow, and an even better chance on Sunday evening into Monday. Maybe this will be the first plowable snow of the season. At least that is what some of the prognosticators are saying. We will h have to wait until Monday on that one.
My Weather Stick is lagging behind the relative humidity. It is expressionless, and at 54% relative humidity I would expect it to be smiling. All three of my electronic instruments currently indicate rising barometric pressure. The La Crosse Weather Station calls for fair skies, and had a low temperature of 27.6°F. The Min/Max Thermometer forecasts unsettled weather and a recorded low of 28.8°F. In the barn the remote weather station recorded 29.8°F as the low, and it also sees unsettled conditions. From what I can see out of my west facing window we will have a mix of sun and clouds today with plenty of wind to keep them moving. It is not going to get much warmer than it is right now. My snowblowers are ready in case there is a need to clear the dooryard and driveways. Now would be a good tome to have an insulating blanket of snow to keep the frost from getting too deep in the ground, but we will get what we will get.
Low Temperature (°F): 27.5
Current Temperature (°F): 27.5
Relative Humidity (%): 54%
Dew Point (°F): 13.4
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.00
Wind Direction: West
Wind Speed (mph): 3.1
Wind-Chill (°F): 27.5
Precipitation (Type): Dry
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Mostly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cumulus
Weather Stick: Straight
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:29°F/32.1°F//24°F/34.7°F//22°F/32.1°F//19°F/30.3°F
Relative Humidity: 92%/87%//100%/79%//100%/61%//100%/60%
The N.W.S. is back to their usual forecasting accuracy. They missed all the recorded temperature and humidity readings except at 19:00 last night. This was one of the worst prognostications I have seen recently. I am no happier with the performance of the N.W.S. this morning than I was last night.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 19°F/27°F/33°F/31°F
Relative Humidity: 92%/62%/49%/53%

I am not sure if anyone got the prediction on this storm correct. N.O.A.A. certainly did not, since it quit storming shortly after noon, I did not since the sun was coming out at 15:00 hours, and the Weather Underground model forecast maps missed it too. Around 10:00 hours there was snow falling at quite a rate, by noon the precipitation was falling as rain, and by 15:00 hours the sun was coming out, or at least we were into broken clouds.
For tonight the N.W.S. forecasts light scattered snow showers for the first half of the night and light scattered :ice" showers for the remainder of the night. The NEXRAD composite regional radar shows the bulk of this storm beyond eastern Maine, and just a few light scattered showers moving our way for the overnight. Just because they are moving in our direction does not mean we will have any precipitation out of them The Weather Underground model forecast maps are currently out of service, and unintelligible. They seem to be having a problem.
My Weather Stick is frowning again, and at 85% relative humidity so am I. All three of my electronic instruments forecast falling barometric pressure. My La Crosse Weather Station predicts foul weather with a high temperature recorded of 35.7°F. The Min/Max Thermometer also forecasts foul weather and it recorded 34.6 °F for the high today. Finally the remote weather station forecasts cloudy conditions and the high temperature in the barn of only 33.6°F. There was some white on the ground briefly, but I certainly missed this storms track and productivity. For the overnight I think we will not have any more precipitation, and the sky will clear as the night goes on (N.W.S. forecasts 65%/60%/54%/54% cloud cover) and be much less than that prediction indicates. It may also get significantly colder than the prediction below. Oh well, I might as well stick my neck out, since like the turtle one never gets ahead if they do not stick their neck out.
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:24°F/20.8°F//29°F/22.2°F//38°F/32.1°F//36°F/34.8°F
Relative Humidity: 74%/67%//69%/80%//54%/83%//59%/83%
After doing so well lately with both the temperature and relative humidity the N.W.S. could not keep the string going. They had the first and last forecast temperatures close to the recorded temperature, and they had the 07:00 hour relative humidity forecast close to the recorded data. They missed the rest of them. Once again our tax dollars are at work for us. Think of the late Everett Dirksen and the golden fleece awards. Sorry guys, I am not happy with your performance.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 29°F/24°F/22°F/19°F
Relative Humidity: 92%/100%/100%/100%
High Temperature (°F): 35.7
Current Temperature (°F): 33.6
Relative Humidity (%): 85%
Dew Point (°F): 29.5
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.79
Wind Direction: Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 5.1
Wind-Chill (°F): 29.1
Precipitation (Type): Rain/Snow
Amount (Inches): 0.02
Cloud Cover (PM): Mostly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cumulus
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:24°F/20.8°F//29°F/22.2°F//38°F/32.1°F//36°F/34.8°F
Relative Humidity: 74%/67%//69%/80%//54%/83%//59%/83%
After doing so well lately with both the temperature and relative humidity the N.W.S. could not keep the string going. They had the first and last forecast temperatures close to the recorded temperature, and they had the 07:00 hour relative humidity forecast close to the recorded data. They missed the rest of them. Once again our tax dollars are at work for us. Think of the late Everett Dirksen and the golden fleece awards. Sorry guys, I am not happy with your performance.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 29°F/24°F/22°F/19°F
Relative Humidity: 92%/100%/100%/100%

N.O.A.A. predicted no precipitation for the first three quarters of the overnight. They then forecast snow after 04:00 hours. They were right about the first part, but at this point (07:00 hours) we have yet to see any snow. It has been cold, and there has been wind, but, again, at this point the temperature is on the rise and the winds are calm. Further, the sky is overcast giving one the feeling that there is something coming, and that something is probably snow.
For today, in and around Wilton, Maine the N.W.S. forecasts light scattered snow showers all day. The cloud cover would certainly support that (100%/99%/99%/99%). Looking west I am unable to see the usual mountains, rather I see what appears to be a white wall, and with the general movement of the weather I suspect there will be some snow in our near future. The NEXRAD regional radar does show some showers breaking out in our area (apparently rain) with some frozen precipitation behind it in Vermont and New Hampshire. It appears to be moving our way. The Weather Underground model forecast maps currently show some isolated showers in our area with the bulk of the precipitation moving in around 15:00 hours this afternoon, and moving out of here by midnight tonight. We will have to wait and see about that. At least my snow gauge is in place and ready for what comes. The forecast temperature indicates that our precipitation this afternoon will be rain, but I am not sure that the forecast is right. We will find out.
My Weather Stick is expressionless again, and so am I with 66% relative humidity. Currently my La Crosse Weather Station forecasts a storm warning, falling barometric pressure and a low temperature of 19.5°F. My Min/Max Thermometer forecasts foul weather with falling barometric pressure and a low temperature of 19.6°F. Finally my remote weather station forecasts unsettled conditions, no precipitation, and a low temperature in the barn of 24.4°F. My own feeling is that we will see some white on the ground before the end of the day, and we may not see the ground after this one until spring. As I said a few days ago we are overdue for snow enough to blanket our world. It will come sooner or later.
Low Temperature (°F): 19.5
Current Temperature (°F): 20.4
Relative Humidity (%): 66%
Dew Point (°F): 11.1
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.18
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 20.4
Precipitation (Type): Dry
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Overcast
Cloud Type: Stratocumulus
Weather Stick: Straight
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:25°F/23.1°F//22°F/20.8°F//20°F/20.1°F//18°F/19.7°F
Relative Humidity: 46%/51%//54%/57%//62%/62%//77%/65%
The N.W.S. only missed one of the forecast points for the relative humidity, and that was at 04:00 hours this morning, and that was only by 2%. They had the rest of the forecast points for both parameters correct. I would call that a very good job.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 24°F/29°F/38°F/36°F
Relative Humidity: 74%/69%/54%/59%

I Don't Think This Portends A Nice Day Tomorrow
N.O.A.A. predicted no precipitation today, and they were right. I took the photo above at sunset today, and usually that red a sky would portend fair weather for the next day. Well I do not think that is the case. More on that later. It was definitely cold today, but I was still able to get outside and prepare more wood for splitting. I picked up my splitter from the person to whom I loaned it so I can (hopefully) get my wood done before it gets buried in white stuff. I have already noted that some of it is freezing to the ground. I think I had best get a move on. One thing I should note is that the reported low temperatures were eclipsed after I posted my report. The lows actually were 24.6, 23.8 and 28.8 from the electronic instruments in the usual order as noted below.
For the overnight the N.W.S. forecasts no precipitation through 01:00 hours, and sometime between then and 04:00 snow is expected to start. If we look at the projected cloud cover that is a real possibility (65%/86%/89%/96%). Right now there is nothing showing up on the NEXRAD regional radar with the exception of some lake effect snow in Western New York State. The Weather Underground model forecast maps still indicate a storm starting between noon and 15:00 hours tomorrow lasting until sometime Friday. They seem to have shorted the duration of the storm, but not its intensity.
My Weather Stick is smiling for a change, and we have the lowest relative humidity I have seen for a while at 46%. All three of my electronic instruments forecast fair skies (Ha-Ha) with rising barometric pressure. I just do not believe that since it is already cloudy. The high temperatures recorded today were 32.9°F, 31.7°F and 35.6 by the La Crosse Weather Station, the Min/Max Thermometer and the remote weather station respectively. My hands hurt, my shoulder hurts and my knee hurts, all of which are telling me we are in for a storm of some proportions. Who says our injuries cannot tell us things after we have had them fixed. I do not know how much we will get, but I think we will get something.
Low Temperature (°F): 24.6
High Temperature (°F): 32.9
Current Temperature (°F): 24.4
Relative Humidity (%): 46%
Dew Point (°F): 6.5
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.43
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 24.4
Precipitation (Type): Dry
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Mostly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cirrus
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:26°F/25.5°F//32°F/27.3°F//36°F/31.8°F//34°F/27.1°F
Relative Humidity: 65%/61%//45%/47%//33%/39%//36%/43%
Once again, the N.W.S. has gotten themselves on track with both the temperature forecasts and the relative humidity forecasts. The only point they missed was at 16:00 hours this afternoon, and that only by two degrees. That was an excellent job by our N.W.S.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 25°F/22°F/20°F/18°F
Relative Humidity: 46%/54%/62%/77%

When I took Ike out for the last time last night the sky had cleared completely, and it apparently remained so until I took him out again this morning. It did remain windy as well overnight with gusts reaching as high as 11 mph. That does put a bit more bite into the temperature. The sky this morning has a pink cast to it, and that could mean nothing or it could mean some foul weather in our near future. N.O.A.A. did have the predominant weather correct (we had no precipitation), but their prediction of the temperature was much lower than it actually got. They predicted that the cloud cover would dissipate, and it did so, but much sooner than they forecast.
For today the N.W.S. forecasts no precipitation and very low cloud cover (3%/4%/4%/44). The increase in the cloud cover late this afternoon may herald the arrival of a storm system around midnight tonight. That storm is expected to last until around noon tomorrow, and with the temperatures where they are and are expected to be it will not be rain. This appears to be our first real snowstorm of the season. The Weather Underground model forecast maps do indicate that to be the case. Right now the NEXRAD regional radar does not show any precipitation anywhere in the region, so we will just have to wait until this afternoon to see what develops.
My Weather Stick is responding to the 64% relative humidity by frowning just a little. That is to be expected. All three of my electronic instruments currently forecast fair weather with rising barometric pressure. The low temperatures recorded this morning were 24.8°F, 24.1°F and 31.5°F on the La Crosse Weather Station, the Min/Max Thermometer and the remote weather station in the barn. At 101°F the critters to keep things a little warmer out there. My sense for today is that it will be a pretty, but cold day, just the kind of day in Wilton, Maine that the firewood will keep me warm as I cut it and prepare it for splitting. As I do this I consider it my patriotic duty to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. I do wish the American Lung Association and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection would stop interfering in our lives. If there are people using their Outdoor Wood Boilers as incinerators then make them follow the rules for incinerators. Do not make the rest of us pay for the few bad apples in the barrel. That is my opinion. This one size fits all style of government is counter to the concept of our forefathers. As I have said many times "We keep electing the same people and expect a different result." That is the definition of insanity. Again, that is my opinion, and I am still entitled to it. I will now stand down from my soapbox.
Low Temperature (°F): 24.9
Current Temperature (°F): 26.4
Relative Humidity (%): 64%
Dew Point (°F): 15.8
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.22
Wind Direction: West
Wind Speed (mph): 5.8
Wind-Chill (°F): 19.6
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Clear
Cloud Type: None
Weather Stick: Slightly Down
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:31°F/36.3°F//26°F/33.8°F//24°F/30.9°F//21°F/29.6°F
Relative Humidity: 70%/74%//78%/72%//77%/77%//77%/66%
Well, this is a real switch. The 19:00 hour forecast temperature was close, but still no cigar. The N.W.S. missed all four of the actual temperature readings by more than 5°F. They did a little better with the relative humidity missing only the 04:00 hour point by 1%.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 26°F/32°F/36°F/34°F
Relative Humidity: 65%/45%/33%/36%

As I noted this morning, N.O.A.A. had us in for some interesting weather. Well, none of it came to pass. It did remain cloudy to partly cloudy all day, and the wind kept things a bit interesting. If there had been black flies they would have been unable to light. I did see a couple of mosquitoes this morning when I filled the tub for the critters. This afternoon I started cutting some of the 5 loads of wood that are sitting in my side yard. I want to try to get that all cut and split before the snow is too deep to get to it. It has gotten windy this afternoon, and as the temperature has gone down we can really feel it. The wind has fangs let alone teeth. What a bite.
For the overnight the N.W.S. forecasts light scattered snow showers for the first half of the night and no precipitation for the second half. I looked at the NEXRAD regional radar, and they show no echoes for our area, so I do not believe we will get those showers. The Weather Underground model forecast maps also do not show any precipitation for the overnight. They do show a pretty good storm affecting us with some frozen precipitation from 12:00 hours Thursday through 09:00 hours Friday. If it happens, and with the track record so far I have doubts, it would be our first significant storm of the season.
My Weather stick is frowning some as a result of the 74% relative humidity. All three of my electronic instruments indicate that high pressure is moving in, and indeed I see that the barometric pressure has risen. Two of them now predict fair skies overnight while the remote weather station forecasts cloudy skies. The high temperatures have reached into the mid-forties with the La Crosse Weather Station ;recording 44.4°F, the Min/Max Thermometer recording 45.4°F and the remote weather station seeing a high of 41.2°F in the barn. I think we will see the clouds continue to move off to the east, and the temperature plummeting into the low to mid-twenties. I do not think we will see any precipitation overnight.
High Temperature (°F): 44.4
Current Temperature (°F): 38.8
Relative Humidity (%): 74%
Dew Point (°F): 31.2
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.80
Wind Direction: Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 6.7
Wind-Chill (°F): 31.6
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Mostly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cumulus
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:40°F/34.7°F//43°F/40.6°F//42°F/40.8°F//38°F/38.8°F
Relative Humidity: 70%/90%//62%/91%//65%/71%//64%/73%
For the third period in a row the N.W.S. had the temperature correctly forecast with 52°F. They did not do as well with the relative humidity. They only had the last two points for the period forecast correctly, still they had 6 out of eight forecast points within limits.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 31°F/26°F/24°F/21°F
Relative Humidity: 70%/78%/77%/77%

N.O.A.A. predicted a wild ride overnight, but it did not reach the proportions predicted. When I first took Ike out for his morning constitutional the fog was so thick you could almost cut it with a knife. Currently it is lifting, and the stratus clouds are in evidence. We did have rain, but it ended around 03:00 hours. In checking the Weather Underground model forecast maps there appears to have been a significant shift in the high pressure system that was moving our way. It ran into the low that was bringing us the rain and pushed it offshore much more quickly than it was expected to. For that reason the rain ended much sooner than it was expected to. As I peer out of my west facing window the clouds appear to be breaking up, so we may have a much brighter day than we were supposed to according to last night's forecast.
For today the N.W.S. has us in for some interesting weather. We are supposed to start with light scattered rain showers for the first half of the day. Around noon it is supposed to get cold enough for that rain to turn to ice, and then late in the afternoon they expect some snow to develop. The predicted cloud cover does support that possibility (87%/60%/57%/99%), but I am not so sure that the prediction is correct. The NEXRAD regional radar shows most of the echoes from this system have moved off to the east. There are a few small ones remaining over central main, but the bulk of the storm seems to be over. The Weather Underground model forecast maps show the system pushed out to sea, and high pressure moving into the area over Wilton, Maine. Their prediction for the next storm system currently is sometime Thursday.
My Weather Stick is frowning at the 90% relative humidity. All three of my electronic instruments are still forecasting falling barometric pressure. The La Crosse Weather Station indicates a storm warning and a low temperature of 34.3°F. The Min/Max Thermometer forecasts rain and the low was 35.2°F. In the barn the prediction was for foul weather with a low of 37.6°F. For today I think the clouds are going to continue to dissipate, and we will have some sunshine. As the clouds move out I think we can expect to see the temperature fall later this afternoon.

The Fog Is Lifting And The Clouds Are Breaking Up
Low Temperature (°F): 34.3
Current Temperature (°F): 34.3
Relative Humidity (%): 90%
Dew Point (°F): 31.6
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.57
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 34.3
Precipitation (Type): Rain
Amount (Inches): 0.47
Cloud Cover (AM): Overcast
Cloud Type: Stratus
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:34°F/35.9°F//35°F/34.8°F//36°F/34.3°F//36°F/34.3°F
Relative Humidity: 96%/86%//92%/88%//89%/89%//85%/90%
All I can say is Wow. The N.W,S. had the temperature forecast correctly (within 5 degrees) for all four points. They also had the relative humidity forecast correctly within10% for all four points. That is quite an accomplishment, and now for twenty four hours they have been correct.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 40°F/43°F/42°F/38°F
Relative Humidity: 70%/62%/65%/64%

For all the predictions by N.O.A.A. that we would have ice or rain during the day today they did not come true. The clouds broke for a while during the early afternoon allowing the sun to shine. There was no precipitation until after 16:00 hours. I did take the data at that point, but I waited until after supper to put the report together. Right now it is raining, not icy precipitation as predicted. In fact since in started to rain we have had 0.10 inches of rain over the last three hours. Not quite what was predicted.
For the overnight, as I have already intimated, we are supposed to start with icy precipitation, and that is supposed to change to rain by 01:00 hours. The fact that we are already having rain should say something about the position of the temperature. The cloud cover is expected to remain at or near 100% all night (100%/100%/100%/99%). The NEXRAD regional radar shows a considerable amount of precipitation still moving in our direction for the overnight. The Weather Underground model forecast maps also indicate precipitation moving in our direction and lasting until around noon tomorrow. North of our area in Wilton, Maine frozen precipitation can be expected, while south of us, and in our area, we can expect mostly rain. There are predictions from the N.W.S. that we may get up to 3-5 inches of snow overnight.
My Weather Stick is expressionless due to the 66% relative humidity. Two of the three electronic instruments forecast foul weather, while the remote weather station forecasts cloudy conditions. All three of them forecast falling barometric pressure, an harbinger of foul weather on the way usually. The high temperatures recorded for the La Crosse Weather Station, the Min/Max Thermometer and the remote weather station were 44.0°F, 43.7°F and 38.5°F respectively. From the maps and regional radar, as well as my own limited experience, I think we can expect to see rain overnight and into tomorrow morning with some significant addition to the monthly total.
High Temperature (°F): 44.0
Current Temperature (°F): 40.8
Relative Humidity (%): 66%
Dew Point (°F): 30.3
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.02
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 40.8
Precipitation (Type): None (16:00 hours)
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Overcast
Cloud Type: Stratus
Weather Stick: Straight
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:31°F/30.0°F//36°F/37.0°F//43°F/43.8°F//40°F/41.0°F
Relative Humidity: 69%/78%//67%/66%//57%/60%//67%/66%
All I can say is Wow. The N.W,S. had the temperature forecast correctly (within 5 degrees) for all four points. They also had the relative humidity forecast correctly within10% for all four points. That is quite an accomplishment.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 34°F/35°F/36°F/36°F
Relative Humidity: 96%/92%/89%/85%

We had no precipitation overnight, and that made the N.O.A.A. forecast of the predominant weather correct. The clouds have built in overnight, and the sky is now overcast with stratus clouds. It is about 15 degrees warmer this morning than it was yesterday, and the temperature did not fall as far as it did yesterday morning. Further, there is not as much wind as there was yesterday, at least not right now.
For today the N.W.S. forecasts quite a variety of weather. We are supposed to start with light scattered ice (sleet or freezing rain), then a period of no precipitation, that followed by light scattered rain showers and finishing with another period of ice. All of this will, I suspect, be dependant on the temperature. The ground, right now, is cold, so any rain that does fall as liquid stands a very good chance of freezing on contact with the ground or roads. It might be a good idea to be very careful on the roads this evening. The NEXRAD regional radar currently shows a storm system just south of Portland, Maine, and it appears to be moving away from the coast. There is a larger and broader system behind that one, and it appears to be moving toward the coast, and the inland areas seem to be destined for some precipitation. What that precipitation will be remains to be seen yet. I guess we will know when it is all over, sometime around noon tomorrow.
My Weather Stick, in response to the 78% relative humidity, is frowning a little bit. Two of my electronic instruments forecast foul weather with falling barometric pressure, while the remote weather station forecasts clouds with falling barometric pressure. The cloud cover is forecast by the N.W.S. to remain close to 90% (90%/90%/85%/83%) until late this afternoon. My La Crosse Weather station recorded a low temperature of 24.0°F, the Min/Max recorded a low of 24.7 and the temperature in the barn reached a low of 31.1. It does appear that we will have some precipitation today, just what that will be is still a question. If the temperature rises as predicted it may fall as rain for some period, and then as frozen precipitation. Once it reaches the ground there is no telling what will happen to it. In could freeze making walking and driving treacherous or it could run off .leaving the surfaces just wet. If the temperature does not rise into the low forties as it is predicted to it could all fall as snow, and that would be significant. We will find out tomorrow exactly what we will have.
Low Temperature (°F): 24
Current Temperature (°F): 29.8
Relative Humidity (%): 78%
Dew Point (°F): 23.7
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.08
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 29.8
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Overcast
Cloud Type: Stratus
Weather Stick: Slightly Down
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:32°F/32.3°F//30°F/29.6°F//29°F/24.6°F//28°F/27.3°F
Relative Humidity: 60%/64%//63%/69%//69%/75%//76%/80%
The N.W.S. had the temperature and relative humidity forecast correctly at all four of the forecast points today, within the limits that I had set as acceptable. That is a very commendable job that the N.W.S. did yesterday.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 31°F/36°F/43°F/40°F
Relative Humidity: 69%/67%/57%/67%

Last Night's Moon
Last night I saw the moon through the altostratus clouds, and I thought it might make an interesting photograph. The one thing I was unable to include in the field of view was the ring around the moon. It covered over half the sky, and it was impossible to include the moon and any part of the ring. That is usually an harbinger of foul weather on the way. We have not had any of that yet, but the longer it takes to get here the longer it will remain with us. Today we had some mixed sun and clouds as the La Crosse and remote weather stations forecast. The barometric pressure has continued to fall slowly, although, as you can see from the sunset photo of this evening there are very few clouds in evidence. The high temperature was quite a surprise reaching just over 40°F this afternoon. N.O.A.A. had predicted no precipitation, and the cloud cover falling to around 55%. I think it was a bit less than that.
For the overnight the N.W.S. again forecasts no precipitation, and the cloud cover dissipating until around 04:00 hours tomorrow morning (43%/39%/35%/63%). The NEXRAD regional radar shows the start of a storm at the far western edge of the reporting area. The Weather Underground model forecast maps still indicate a significant storm moving our way for late Monday into Tuesday. It does not appear to be snow however, but that could change depending on the temperatures at that time. We are due, no overdue, for some significant snowfall.
My Weather Stick is expressionless again as a result of the 61% relative humidity. The sunset was the type that the sailors look for when headed out to sea.

Sunset This Evening Sailors Delight!
My La Crosse Weather Station recorded a high temperature of 40.8°F, falling barometric pressure and foul weather in our future. My Min/Max Thermometer recorded 39.6°F for the high and it also sees foul weather with falling barometric pressure. The remote weather station recorded 36.0°F as the high in the barn, and it forecasts fair skies with steady barometric pressure. I have quite a bit to pick from here, but I suspect we will see clouds moving in overnight with no precipitation, and temperatures once again in the mid to upper twenties. The clouds may hold the heat in at least a little bit.
High Temperature (°F): 40.8
Current Temperature (°F): 33.9
Relative Humidity (%): 60%
Dew Point (°F): 21.5
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.14
Wind Direction: South Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 1.3
Wind-Chill (°F): 33.9
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Mostly Fair
Cloud Type: Cirrus
Weather Stick: Straight
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:20°F/14.9°F//31°F/30.0°F//38°F/40.2°F//36°F/39.0°F
Relative Humidity: 71%/75%//56%/70%//46%/53%//50%/54%
The N.W.S. had the temperature forecast correctly at all four of the forecast points today. (The 07:00 hour point was right if you round up to 15°F. The relative humidity was forecast correctly at the start and end of the day, but was incorrectly forecast for the middle two periods. This was neither good nor bad, it was just sort of there.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 32°F/30°F/29°F/28°F
Relative Humidity: 60%/63%/69%/76%

The low temperature reached 14.7, and that was about a half a degree colder than last night. N.O.A.A. did have the predominant weather correct, in that we had no precipitation overnight. There was very little wind as well. The cloud cover this morning is in the moderate range with cirrus clouds. Ike certainly did not want to stay outside any longer than necessary this morning, and neither did I.
The N.W.S. forecasts no precipitation today with slowly decreasing cloud cover (65%/60%/55%/44%). The NEXRAD regional radar shows some frozen precipitation near Millinocket, but nothing else. That may be lake effect snow from Moosehead Lake. The Weather Underground model forecast maps still show a significant storm on Tuesday, but nothing before that.
My Weather Stick is frowning slightly due to the 74% relative humidity. My electronic instruments do not agree very well this morning. The La Crosse Weather Station calls for partly cloudy skies with falling barometric pressure and a low temperature of 14.9°F. The Min/Max Thermometer calls for foul weather, falling barometric pressure and a low temperature of 16.0°F. The remote weather station forecasts partly cloudy skies, falling barometric pressure and a low temperature of 23.0°F. My own feeling is that we will see partly cloudy skies and cool temperatures throughout the day.
Low Temperature (°F): 14.9
Current Temperature (°F): 14.9
Relative Humidity (%): 74%
Dew Point (°F): 8.2
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.18
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 14.9
Precipitation (Type): Dry
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Partly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cirrus
Weather Stick: Slightly Down
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:25°F/22.4°F//23°F/21.7°F//22°F/21.3°F//21°F/16.3°F
Relative Humidity: 48%/57%//54%/61%//57%/66%//47%/72%
The N.W.S. had the temperature forecast correctly at all four of the forecast points overnight. They only missed the 04:00 hour point with the relative humidity. That was not a bad job.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 20°F/31°F/38°F/36°F
Relative Humidity: 71%/56%/46%/50%

N.O.A.A. predicted no precipitation today, and they were right. The temperature never made it out of the twenties today, and with the wind it felt colder than that. I spent some time in my tree stand this morning about 12 feet off the ground, and by the time I came down I thought my feet were blocks of ice. In the next few days I will get it down, so it will be available for next year. Oh, as to the wildlife, I saw one count it one ground squirrel in the time I was out. I could see the trails they had followed, but I did not see one deer, buck or doe. Oh well, now that the season is over they will all be in my pasture.
The N.W.S. forecasts no precipitation for Wilton, Maine for the overnight, but they do suggest that the cloud cover will be on the increase (81%/87%/92%/59%) until it gets close to dawn. The NEXRAD regional radar shows no storms on our immediate horizon. The Weather Underground model forecast maps indicate the possibility of some clouds and showers early tomorrow, and a bigger storm system for Tuesday. We will know more as that gets closer.
My Weather Stick points slightly up in response to the 54% relative humidity. My LaCrosse Weather Station calls for fair skies with rising barometric pressure and a high temperature of 28.4°F. The Min/Max Thermometer calls for a mix of fair and cloudy conditions, falling barometric pressure and a high temperature of 27.2°F. Finally the remote weather station forecasts fair skies with rising barometric pressure and a high temperature in the barn of 30.7°F. All three are very close with the temperature reports. I think it is going to get colder than the Weather Service predicts, although the clouds may serve to hold onto some of the heat developed during the day. I do not think we will see any precipitation, but there are already some clouds in place.
High Temperature (°F): 28.4
Current Temperature (°F): 23.1
Relative Humidity (%): 54%
Dew Point (°F): 8.9
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.30
Wind Direction: West Northwest
Wind Speed (mph): 3.1
Wind-Chill (°F): 23.1
Precipitation (Type): Dry
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Mostly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Altostratus
Weather Stick: Slightly Up
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:14°F/15.6°F//24°F/21.3°F//31°F/28.0°F//29°F/25.5°F
Relative Humidity: 64%/64%//41%/59%//32%/47%//37%/49%
The N.W.S. had the temperature forecast correctly at all four of the forecast points today. They had the 07:00 hour forecast point correct, but were not within 10% of the actual relative humidity for the rest of the day. Once again half a loaf is better than none. They will try their hand at prognostication again tonight.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 14°F/24°F/31°F/29°F
Relative Humidity: 64%/41%/32%/37%

Ike did not want to stay out very long this morning. N.O.A.A. had the predominant feature of the weather correct, there was no rain, and it was cold. This was the coldest night of the season so far. When I first stepped out at 05:30 hours there were only a few clouds on the western horizon, and now there are none. The sun is just starting to come up (06:30, the sky is red and the temperature has gone back down to 15.6. All the rest of the readings remain the same as when I first took them about 45 minutes ago.
For today the N.W.S. forecasts no precipitation and clod cover decreasing until 14:00 hours, after which it is expected to increase (60%/46%/62%/59%). The NEXRAD regional radar is showing no echoes, hence no storms on the immediate horizon for Wilton, Maine. The Weather Underground model forecast maps also show no storms today, and nothing until late Monday night into Tuesday, and that is expected to be a rain event.
My Weather Stick is still expressionless due to the 65% relative humidity. All three of my electronic instruments forecast fair skies today with rising barometric pressure. I think it will be quite cool today, with the temperature barely getting out of the twenties. I hope the deer will be on the move today because I will be in my tree stand trying to bring home a bit of meat. This is the first, and only time I have been able to get out to do a bit of hunting this season. It has been both a busy month, and with 5.85 inches of precipitation plus an inch and a half of snow not very conducive to outside activities. My recorded low temperatures for the La Crosse Weather Station, Min/Max Thermometer and remote weather station were 15.6°F15.1°F and 22.5°F respectively. Remember the remote weather station sensing unit is in the barn with the critters, so it is expected to be a bit higher.
Low Temperature (°F): 15.6
Current Temperature (°F): 15.8
Relative Humidity (%): 65%
Dew Point (°F): 5.9
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.31
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 15.6
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Mostly Fair
Cloud Type: Cumulus
Weather Stick: Straight
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:25°F/21.3°F//20°F/20.4°F//18°F/18.1°F//15°F/16.7°F
Relative Humidity: 50%/62%//59%/63%//61%/60%//69%/63%
The N.W.S. had the temperature forecast correctly at all four of the forecast points overnight. They did miss the relative humidity at 19:00 hours, but had the rest within 10% of the actual reading on my La Cross Weather Station. They had seven out of the eight forecast points correct. That was not a bad job.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 14°F/24°F/31°F/29°F
Relative Humidity: 64%/41%/32%/37%

It was a pretty day, although we did not have any of the light scattered snow showers that N.O.A.A. predicted. It did warm up, but not as much as was predicted. The clouds continued to move through the sky over Wilton, Maine on a brisk west to west northwest wind.
For the overnight the N.W.S. forecasts no precipitation, decreasing cloud cover (40%/28%/16%/12%) and temperatures in the teens. The NEXRAD regional radar currently shows no echoes from storms anywhere in our vicinity. Even the Weather Underground model forecast maps indicate we are under the influence of high pressure, and that does not seem likely to change until Tuesday now. I guess we are in for a stretch of good weather.
My Weather Stick is still expressionless due to the 64% relative humidity. All three of my electronic instruments currently forecast fair skies with rising barometric pressure. This is another indication that we will have some fine weather tomorrow, although I would expect it to be a bit cool, maybe even cold. I do not believe the Min/Max thermometer's high temperature reading of 51°F, The La Cross Weather Station recorded 33.6°F and the remote weather station recorded 35.2, and those are believable. The temperature is now (07:41 hours) 21.0°F and on its way down. This may well be the coldest night of the season so far, and seems to be right on time. The weather today was much the same as it was last year on this date.
Comparative data for today.
High Temperature (°F): 33.6
Current Temperature (°F): 22.2
Relative Humidity (%): 64%
Dew Point (°F): 11.8
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.08
Wind Direction: West Northwest
Wind Speed (mph): 5.8
Wind-Chill (°F): 15.0
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Mostly Fair
Cloud Type: Cumulus
Weather Stick: Straight
Temperature:30°F/27.1°F//34°F/28.7°F//36°F/31.2°F//34°F/25.3°F
Relative Humidity: 66%/72%//54%/65%//47%/57%//43%/61%
The N.W.S. had the temperature forecast a bit high at all four of the recast points. Some of them, as you can see, were within the five degree limit that I set, and some were not. The same seems to be true of the relative humidity and the (now) 10% limit that I have set for determining if the forecast is correct.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 25°F/20°F/18°F/15°F
Relative Humidity: 50%/59%/61%/69%

Even though N.O.A.A. predicted light rain for most of the overnight, the sky continued to clear, and now, when I took Ike outside All we had were some puffy cumulus clouds moving through our area of Wilton, Maine. The wind has been quite active as shown by the bare branches on the trees. The temperature did fall a bit overnight as the sky cleared.
For today the N.W.S. forecasts scattered light snow showers all day. With the way the wind is blowing and the clouds are moving to the east I highly doubt that part of their forecast. There may be some of those showers around, but I cannot see anything developing as I look west from my location. The cloud cover prediction does not seem to support it either (77%/76%/74%/51%). The NEXRAD regional radar is clear at the present time. The Weather Underground model forecast maps do not show any storms on the horizon until sometime Monday.
My Weather Stick currently is straight with no expression. All three of my electronic instruments forecast rising barometric pressure. Only the remote weather station forecasts cloudy conditions, the rest call for fair skies. With the wind we are experiencing I do not expect to see very much change in the temperature, other than it will be basically steady today, and fall precipitously tonight. The low temperatures shown by the La Crosse Weather Station, Min/Max Thermometer and remote weather station were 27.1°F,26.3°F and 35.2°F respectively. My prediction is for temperature in the mid to upper thirties, windy conditions, partly cloudy skies and very little chance for precipitation.
Low Temperature (°F): 27.1
Current Temperature (°F): 28.7
Relative Humidity (%): 65%
Dew Point (°F): 18.4
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.92
Wind Direction: West
Wind Speed (mph): 4.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 28.7
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Partly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cumulus
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:35°F/33.6°F//34°F/32.5°F//31°F/32.9°F//29°F/28.5°F
Relative Humidity: 82%/92%//78%/92%//85%/91%//76%/79%
The N.W.S. had the temperature forecast within 5°F at each of the 4 forecast points. Their forecast for the relative humidity based on the +/-10% limit was correct for three of the four forecast point. The only one outside the limits was at 01:00 hours. That is a little better than the results with the +/-5% limits.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 30°F/34°F/36°F/34°F
Relative Humidity: 66%/54%/47%/43%

Today turned out to be just what N.O.A.A. and I said it would be, cool, damp, dank, cloudy and wet day. The only warmth was inside our homes where there was food and fun. The precipitation finally stopped this evening, and the sky has started to clear. The temperature never did get out of the thirties.
For the overnight the N.W.S. continues to predict light scattered rain showers through 04:00 when the chance for rain is to decrease to none. The NEXRAD regional radar and Weather Underground model forecast maps already show the storm has moved into the Canadian Maritime provinces. That is a good place for it.
My Weather Stick is steadfastly frowning at the 92% relative humidity. All three of my electronic instruments forecast foul weather with falling barometric pressure. Right now the sky is clearing, the moon is shining and conditions seem to be improving. The high temperatures recorded by the La Crosse Weather Station, Min/Max Thermometer and remote weather station were 34.8°F, 35.5°F and36.3°F respectively. You may notice that this is being posted on the morning of the twenty-third. That is because I collected my data checked the web-sites and went to bed. I took a brief holiday. All the data is here though.
High Temperature (°F): 34.8
Current Temperature (°F): 32.7
Relative Humidity (%): 92%
Dew Point (°F): 30.6
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.63
Wind Direction: Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 4.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 31.0
Precipitation (Type): Rain
Amount (Inches): 0.17
Cloud Cover (PM): Mostly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cumulus
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:33°F/32.1°F//35°F/33.4°F//36°F/34.7°F//37°F/34.3°F
Relative Humidity: 100%/91%//96%/92%//92%/92%//81%/91%
The N.W.S. had the temperature forecast within 5°F at each of the 4 forecast points. Their forecast of the relative humidity was within 10% of the actual relative humidity recorded by my weather station. I guess that +/- 5% is too restrictive a tolerance for the relative humidity. We will try +/- 10% to see if they can come within those limits.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 35°F/34°F/31°F/29°F
Relative Humidity: 82%/78%/85%/76%

For the overnight N.O.A.A. does appear to have gotten the predominant weather correct. We have had precipitation all night, and from the temperatures and the precipitation on the ground I would suspect that we had some ice early, and rain or mixed precipitation for the rest of the overnight. When I stepped out with Ike for his morning walk we were having some mixed precipitation with rain and sleet. That should be no surprise with the temperature at 32.1°F in the middle of my side yard and 32.4°F on the north side of the house. The roads seem to be just wet here In Wilton, Maine, but as you get into higher elevations they could well be a bit slippery, so do be careful out there.
For today the N.W.S. forecasts icy precipitation for the first half of the day and rain for the second. A sky cover of 100% for the entire day certainly supports that forecast. The temperature is not supposed to change very much, but it is supposed to be above freezing for this area. The precipitation still stretches back to the Ohio River Valley, and it is sliding along that front according to the NEXRAD regional radar. The Weather Underground model forecast maps continue to show the precipitation moving along the front, and getting out of our area sometime around midnight tonight.
My Weather Stick is frowning still, and this is definitely getting old. Of course if this was summer we would be complaining about the high heat index. We seem to never be satisfied. All three of my electronic instruments are predicting and showing falling barometric pressure. Two of them are still calling for foul weather. The remote weather station is down to forecasting cloudy conditions. The low temperatures overnight recorded by the La Crosse Weather Station, the Min/Max Thermometer and remote weather station were 31.6°F, 32.6°F and 34.0°F respectively. I think we will have a dull, gray, dismal day, but that should be more than made up for by the food and fellowship shared by families on this Thanksgiving Holiday. Have a very happy day.
Low Temperature (°F): 31.6
Current Temperature (°F): 32.1
Relative Humidity (%):91%
Dew Point (°F): 29.8
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.88
Wind Direction: East Northeast
Wind Speed (mph): 7.3
Wind-Chill (°F): 22.8
Precipitation (Type): Rain & Sleet
Amount (Inches): 0.26
Cloud Cover (AM): Overcast
Cloud Type: Stratus
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:35°F/31.8°F//29°F/31.6°F//31°F/31.8°F//32°F/31.8°F
Relative Humidity: 96%/90%//100%/90%//96%/91%//96%/91%
The N.W.S. had the temperature forecast within 5°F at each of the 4 forecast points. I almost have to give them the relative humidity because my weather station becomes a bit inaccurate when it gets close to 100% relative humidity. Allowing them +/- 10% at that level would give them all four forecast points for the overnight. I would say that they did a good job on this one.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 33°F/35°F/36°F/37°F
Relative Humidity: 100%/96%/92%/81%

We have had snow, sleet, rain and freezing rain all day today. Those precipitation types were at different times of course, and dependant on the temperature at the time. Right now it is freezing rain, but during the day we added over a quarter of an inch to the monthly total of precipitation, bringing us to 5.42 inches. Looking back at it I would have to say that N.O.A.A. had the predominant forecast correct for the precipitation. The cloud cover remained at or near 100% all day as well. I am glad I filled my Outdoor Wood Boiler Yesterday. I should not have to do that again until Sunday or Monday. At this time of year I would expect to get 3-5 days out of a load of wood. It was nice during the summer to fill it every two or three weeks depending on how much hot water we used.
For the overnight the N.W.S. forecasts icy precipitation for the first half and rain for the second. They expect the temperature to rise to very near the freezing mark, so it may all be mixed precipitation in any event. The NEXRAD regional radar still shows quite a bit of precipitation stretching back to the Ohio River Valley, and it is moving along a frontal boundary stretching through Maine. It appears to be holding steady on the Weather Underground model forecast maps, so I do not think we will see the end of this weather until sometime Friday.
My Weather Stick is frowning again at the 90% relative humidity. If this were not such a happy holiday I would be frowning too, since the weather is supposed to be terrible until sometime Friday morning. All three of my electronic instruments forecast falling barometric pressure. The remote weather station is the only one forecasting a mix of fair and cloudy skies. The other two predict foul weather, or is that fowl weather. The high temperatures were all just a couple degrees above freezing at 34.5°F, 36.5°F and 34.2°F for the main weather station, Min/Max Thermometer and remote weather station respectively. Overnight I think we will continue to see mixed precipitation with very little accumulation. I think the roads will be hazardous early, but with some sand, salt and a little plowing in places they should be okay by mid-morning as long as the temperature climbs above the freezing mark. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy that golden brown bird, if that is what you are having.
High Temperature (°F): 34.5
Current Temperature (°F): 31.6
Relative Humidity (%): 90%
Dew Point (°F): 29.1
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.02
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 31.6
Precipitation (Type): Rain
Amount (Inches): 0.27
Cloud Cover (PM): Overcast
Cloud Type: Stratus
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:25°F/24.4°F//30°F/30.7°F//35°F/34.1°F//34°F/32.9°F
Relative Humidity: 92%/89%//88%/90%//82%/89%//85%/89%
Of the 8 possible forecast points for temperature and relative humidity the N.W.S. got seven of them right. The only one they missed was at 13:00 hours. I would say that is one of the best performances I have seen in a while. I hope there percentage of correct forecasts improves like this.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 35°F/29°F/31°F/32°F
Relative Humidity: 96%/100%/96%/96%

It does appear that N.O.A.A. had the predominant weather wrong for the overnight. We had no rain, and the fog apparently did not develop here in Wilton, Maine. This is quite unusual, because they are correct most of the time. The clouds did move in sometime after 01:30 hours, when I shut things down here. Some snow started just before I took Ike out for his morning constitutional walk. He still has not quite figured out what snow is all about, but he will learn. I suspect he will have plenty of opportunity this winter to find out about snow and all that goes along with it before the winter is over.
For today Ice is the order of the day from the N.W.S. They again see the cloud cover starting out quite high (90% and 95 %) and increasing to 100% for the latter half of the day. With the temperature remaining close to the freezing point I would not be surprised to see a bit of ice and/or snow all day today. The NEXRAD regional radar is showing a storm system that stretches all the way back to the Ohio Valley. That system seems to be taking aim at northern New England. The Weather Underground model forecast maps also indicate the system will continue to move through Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. It may even have precipitation falling though tomorrow and into Friday. Whether we have snow or rain will depend on how far east the system moves. The further east it gets the more snow and frozen precipitation we will have.
My Weather Stick continues to frown at the 89% relative humidity. At least frowning will not crack my face this morning since the temperature is approaching the freezing mark. All three of my electronic instruments are currently calling for the barometric pressure to fall. Two of them see foul weather in our future, while the remote weather station calls for a mix of sun and clouds. The recorded low temperatures were 22.1°F on the main Weather Station, 23.0°F on the Min/Max Thermometer and 28.9°F in the barn. There seems to be a change from the snow I was seeing earlier to sleet right now (10:46 hours). We will probably see this change back and forth all day. Be careful driving because the roads are probably cold enough for the precipitation to freeze, making travel treacherous. One more day to Thanksgiving. Let us be thankful for what God has provided.
Low Temperature (°F): 22.1
Current Temperature (°F): 29.4
Relative Humidity (%): 89%
Dew Point (°F): 26.6
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.10
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 29.4
Precipitation (Type): Snow
Amount (Inches): 0.50
Cloud Cover (AM): Overcast
Cloud Type: Stratus
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:31°F/31.2°F//30°F/31.2°F//28°F/26.0°F//26°F/22.4°F
Relative Humidity: 85%/87%//81%/87%//88%/88%//96%/88%
The N.W.S. correctly forecast the temperature for all four time periods overnight. They had half of the forecasts correct for the relative humidity. I guess half a loaf is better than none. They just do not seem to be able to consistently get the relative humidity correct.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 25°F/30°F/35°F/34°F
Relative Humidity: 92%/88%/82%/85%

Snow Started Earlier And Ended Sooner!
Imagine my surprise when I took Ike out at 10:00 hours and found the grass and roads covered with snow, and the snow still falling. I thought it was coming, I just thought it would be later than it was, and I thought it would last longer than it did. It was over by about 13:00 hours. It did remain cloudy for the rest of the day, and into the evening. In fact during the last hour the sky went from overcast with stratocumulus clouds to sparkling clear with bright moonlight and all the stars. If you do not like the weather in Wilton, Maine wait a few minutes, and maybe it will change to your liking. It did that tonight.
For the overnight the N.W.S. forecasts rain for the first half and fog for the second. They are calling for the cloud cover to remain at 100% for the first three periods and 95% for the period from 04:00 to 07:00 hours. I doubt that since it is already clear. The N.W.S. has forecast rain for the first half of the overnight. Well, that just is not happening. Starting around 01:00 hours fog is supposed to roll in. I do not thing that will happen, but there is a greater likelihood of that than the rain. The temperature is already 27.8°°F, and it seems to be continuing to fall further and further below freezing. The NEXRAD regional radar shows today's storm is gone, and the next storm is already half way across New York. We should see that some time tomorrow morning.. The Weather Underground Model forecast maps indicate that a secondary low will develop giving us here in the mountains and foothills quite a shot of snow tomorrow and Thursday. Happy White Thanksgiving.
My Weather Stick is really frowning tonight as a result of the 87% relative humidity. All three of my electronic instruments forecast falling barometric pressure. The remote weather station steadfastly says that we will have fair skies overnight, and this time it may be right. The other two are forecasting foul weather. The high temperatures recorded today were 31.1°F by the main weather station, 32.4°F by the Min/Max Thermometer and 32.2°F in the barn by the remote weather station. I do not write them, I just read them. All I can say is that we seem to be headed into a real period of unsettled weather, and with the temperature that exists right now the precipitation that we get will not be liquid, so sharpen your driving skills. Again, Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
High Temperature (°F): 31.1
Current Temperature (°F): 30.9
Relative Humidity (%): 87%
Dew Point (°F): 27.5
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.06
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 30.9
Precipitation (Type): Snow
Amount (Inches): 1.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Clear
Cloud Type: None
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:23°F/24.0°F//27°F/28.7°F//32°F/30.7°F//31°F/30.9°F
Relative Humidity: 100%/82%//88%/80%//75%/83%//81%/85%
The N.W.S. correctly forecast the temperature for all four time periods today. Again they were not quite as accurate with the relative humidity. I guess I am being a bit facetious since they missed three of the four actual readings by more than 5%. With all the data available to them I still do not understand how their relative humidity forecasts can be so wrong.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 31°F/30°F/28°F/26°F
Relative Humidity: 85%/81%/88%/96%

At some point, around 01:00 hours, the clouds must have moved in as N.O.A.A. forecast yesterday afternoon. This morning there was no sunrise, rather it just became a bit lighter. The sky remains overcast and the temperature remains well below freezing. It does not look like it is going to be a pretty day. When I stepped out with Ike this morning it felt like we were going to have some precipitation, though, as N.O.A.A. predicted we did not have any overnight.
For today the N.W.S. forecasts that we will start with light scattered snow showers that will end, but precipitation is expected to begin again around noon as snow. That is supposed to be the situation for the rest of the day. The temperature may approach the freezing mark, but may not exceed it. Just as there was a storm moving though Pennsylvania and New Jersey yesterday there is one moving straight toward us today on the NEXRAD regional radar. It looks like the precipitation from this system will fall mainly as snow in the area around Wilton, Maine. The Weather Underground model forecast maps indicate that we will deal with this system this afternoon and tonight, another one tomorrow afternoon and evening, and a third during the day on Thursday. We are living in interesting times.
My Weather Stick is frowning again due to the 82% relative humidity. All three of the electronic instruments forecast falling barometric pressure, and indeed the pressure is continuing to fall. The low temperatures recorded by the instruments were 21.5°F by the Maine Weather Station, 21.9°F by the Min/Max Thermometer and 27.5°F in the barn. With all the animals in the barn
the higher temperature does not surprise me at all. My Weather Station is forecasting a storm, the Min/Max Thermometer forecasts foul weather while the remote weather station is steadfastly forecasting fair skies. I would believe the former two instruments, but, from what I see outside, I cannot believe the remote weather station's forecast of fair skies. I think the clouds will persist today, and we will see precipitation develop (probably snow) during the late forenoon, and that will continue into this evening. How much we get will depend mainly on how fast the system moves through. Travel this holiday may be a bid dicey here in the western mountains of Maine, so start early if you can and take care. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Low Temperature (°F): 221.5
Current Temperature (°F): 23.7
Relative Humidity (%): 82%
Dew Point (°F): 19.0
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.25
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 23.7
Precipitation (Type): Dry
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Overcast
Cloud Type: Stratus
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:25°F/22.2°F//24°F/20.8°F//22°F/21.9°F//21°F/22.8°F
Relative Humidity: 55%/67%//62%/79%//68%/81%//73%/82%
The N.W.S. correctly forecast the temperature for all four time periods overnight. They were not quite as accurate with the relative humidity. I guess I am being a bit facetious since they missed all four actual reading by more than 5%. With all the data available to them I do not understand how their relative humidity forecasts can be so wrong.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 23°F/27°F/32°F/31°F
Relative Humidity: 100%/88%/75%/81%

N.O.A.A. forecast today's weather accurately. It stayed cold, just barely breaking the freezing mark this afternoon. We had no precipitation, though there was a brief period of clouds during the afternoon. The sky currently is clear with no clouds. This is allowing for the temperature to fall quickly since the heat is radiating right out of the atmosphere. It is already as cold as it is supposed to be at 04:00 tomorrow morning.
For the overnight, the N.W.S. forecast no precipitation for Wilton, Maine, but the cloud cover is supposed to increase as the night wears on (9%/25%/41%/60%) Right now the NEXRAD regional radar is showing no storms moving in our direction. There is some precipitation near Lake Erie, but nothing here. The Weather Underground model forecast maps continue to show us receiving precipitation tomorrow night, Wednesday and into Thursday. We will definitely know more tomorrow. (I do not expect rain with the temperatures we are supposed to have.)
My Weather Stick is smiling sickly as a result of the 68% relative humidity. All three of my electronic instruments "think" we have reached the highest barometric pressure we will out of this system. They forecast the fall of the barometric pressure. That fall may presage unsettled weather on the way. Two of them currently forecast a mix of fair and cloudy skies while the remote weather station forecasts fair skies yet. The high temperatures recorded today were 35.7°F, 31.0°F and 32..2°F on my Weather Station, the Min/Max Thermometer and the remote weather station respectively. I think the cloud cover will increase, although not before the temperature falls into the teens. I also think we will have some interesting winter-like weather before the weekend is over.
High Temperature (°F): 35.7
Current Temperature (°F): 21.7
Relative Humidity (%): 68%
Dew Point (°F): 12.7
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.48
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 21.7
Precipitation (Type): Dry
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Clear
Cloud Type: None
Weather Stick: Slightly Up
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:16°F/14.3°F//28°F/26.0°F//35°F/34.3°F//33°F/31.8°F
Relative Humidity: 80%/81%//50%/71%//40%/52%//43%/53%
The N.W.S. correctly forecast the temperature for all four time periods during the day today. They were not quite as accurate with the relative humidity. The only one they had correct was at 07:00. This was not one of their better efforts, particularly after this morning's report.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 25°F/24°F/22°F/21°F
Relative Humidity: 55%/62%/68%/73%

We are still in Autumn, but the temperature is saying that Old Man Winter is not far off. For the last few days we have not had our temperature rise above the upper thirties, and the morning lows keep getting lower. Right now we are at the low for the month at 14.1°F. The sky overnight was quite clear allowing for significant radiational cooling. Fortunately there has been very little wind, so the wind chill has remained equal to the temperature. N.O.A.A. did get the predominant weather forecast correct, and the cloud cover as well. I can only estimate the cloud cover because I did not actually see it, and I have no way to measure it at this point.
For today the N.W.S. forecasts no precipitation and very low cloud cover (13%/12%/10%/10%). The NEXRAD regional radar currently shows a system moving through Pennsylvania and New Jersey, but it does not look like it has a northern vector, and should not affect us at all. There might be a few clouds from it in southernmost Maine. The Weather Underground model forecast maps are another matter. They are becoming more difficult to interpret. The frontal system that a couple days ago was going to transfer its energy to an offshore storm now looks like it is taking direct aim at us. It may well provide this area with its first real snow of the season. It is expected to start around 21:00 on Tuesday and last until around 03:00 on Wednesday. A second frontal system looks like it will affect us starting around 21:00 Wednesday and lasting until around noon on Thanksgiving Day. It might not be a really good day to be on the road Thursday.
My Weather Stick is frowning again, but then the relative humidity is at 81%. All three of my electronic instruments forecast fair skies with rising barometric pressure. I do not know how high the pressure can rise, but the remote weather station is recording 20.97 in. Hg, and the La Crosse Weather Station read 30.63 in. Hg. My analog barometer has a reading of 30.49 in. Hg. I am not sure if that latter has been calibrated correctly, but it is still quite high. The recorded low temperatures were 14.1°F, 17.1°F and 25.5°F for the Weather Station, Min/Max Thermometer and remote weather station respectively. The latter is in the barn where all the animals are housed. My best guess for today's weather is that it will be clear and quite crisp during the day, but that
conditions will begin to deteriorate as we get into the overnight. Looking way ahead to the holiday, this may be the first time in several years that we will have a white Thanksgiving, at least that is what the Weather Underground model forecast maps seem to indicate. According to the predictions for the general weather from Tuesday through Thursday we can expect some light snow and or sleet for the entire period. Of course all the snow is light, it just becomes a problem when it gangs up on us.
Low Temperature (°F): 14.1
Current Temperature (°F): 14.9
Relative Humidity (%): 81%
Dew Point (°F): 10.1
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.63
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 14.9
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Clear
Cloud Type: None
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:21°F/25.1°F//20°F/20.4°F//17°F/18.3°F//14°F/17.4°F
Relative Humidity: 66%/64%//74%/71%//81%/77%//84%/80%
The N.W.S. had a handle on the forecast for the overnight temperature and relative humidity. There were within five degrees and five percent of the actual temperature and relative humidity readings at my location in Wilton, Maine. Nice job folks.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 16°F/28°F/35°F/33°F
Relative Humidity: 80%/50%/40%/43%

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Not Totally Clear, But Definitely Blue!
The photo above does exemplify the line from Cheryl Wheeler's song "When Fall Comes to New England". "The air's so clear you can almost hear the grapes grow on the vine." It was clear today, though there were some clouds that passed through from time to time. The temperature did not get out of the thirties and we had no precipitation, so N.O.A.A. had that part of the forecast correct for today. Not only that, but we are now at our low for the day, and it looks like it is going to keep going down.
For the overnight the N.W.S. forecasts no precipitation with decreasing cloud cover (34%/29%/24%/18%). That should allow the temperature to fall precipitously into the lower teens tonight. The NEXRAD regional radar still shows the storm system below Connecticut, moving east. I still do not think it will affect us. There has been a change in the Weather Underground model forecast maps. They are now indicating that Tuesday evening into Wednesday we may well see some snow, but that is expected to change to rain late Wednesday into Thursday. This does not look as pleasant as it did this morning. Again, we will need to wait and see what Mother Nature has in store for us.
My Weather Stick smiles at 66% relative humidity. I would smile too, but my face would surely shatter. All three of my electronic instruments forecast rising barometric pressure with fair skies. Indeed the barometric pressure has continued to rise all day. The Weather Station recorded a high temperature of 39.7°F, my Min/Max Thermometer registered a high of 37.3°F and my remote weather station recorded 36.0°F in the barn. It is interesting that sometime the temperature in the barn is lower and sometime it is higher than the outside temperature. It does not seem to matter if the animals are kept in or not. It seems to depend more on the circulation of the air than anything else.
High Temperature (°F): 39.7
Current Temperature (°F): 23.7
Relative Humidity (%): 66%
Dew Point (°F): 14.1
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.53
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 23.7
Precipitation (Type): Dry
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Partly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cirrus
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:21°F/21.9°F//32°F/32.3°F//38°F/37.5°F//36°F/34.1°F
Relative Humidity: 62%/78%//45%/63%//68%/50%//68%/50%
The N.W.S. correctly forecast the temperature for the four forecast points today. They missed all four forecast points for the relative humidity. I cannot make any excuse for that error, there just does not seem to be a reason to be as far off as they were today.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 21°F/20°F/17°F/14°F
Relative Humidity: 66%/74%/81%/84%

Overnight N.O.A.A. had the predominant forecast correct, and we had no precipitation. The cloud cover did dissipate rather than just holding steady. Oh, it did get cold, and the ground is starting to freeze. Temperatures around this area of Wilton, Maine were in the low twenties, and that is cold. I am glad I drained my hose, so I will be able to provide water to the critters this morning.
For today the N.W.S. again forecasts no precipitation, and I suspect that is correct. The low cloud cover (34%/9%/8%/19%) will allow for plenty of sunshine, but the wind will keep things mixed enough so the temperature will probably not get out of the thirties. The NEXRAD regional radar still shows some mixed precipitation well south of us, and it is moving due east, so it will probably not affect our area. The Weather Underground model forecast maps still show a frontal system moving in our direction for late Tuesday or early Wednesday. However, it is forecast to transfer its energy to an offshore storm that will be too far east of us to cause us any problems.
My Weather Stick is expressionless again due to the 78% relative humidity at about 08:00 hours. All three of my electronic instruments forecast fair skies and rising barometric pressure, and indeed the pressure has risen. The sky has some cumulus clouds, but they continue to be moved along rapidly by the wind. That wind is adding quite a bite to the air around here. My guess is that we will see some clouds passing through, but no precipitation. The wind will also be a major feature of the weather today..
Low Temperature (°F): 21.9
Current Temperature (°F): 24.4
Relative Humidity (%): 78%
Dew Point (°F): 18.5
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.34
Wind Direction: West Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 1.1
Wind-Chill (°F): 24.4
Precipitation (Type): Dry Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Mostly Fair
Cloud Type: Cumulus
Weather Stick: Straight
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:28°F/29.1°F//24°F/28.5°F//22°F/24.9°F//20°F/24.4°F
Relative Humidity: 52%/63%//62%/64%//68%/68%//68%/74%
The N.W.S. correctly forecast the temperature for the four forecast points overnight. They did not do as well with the relative humidity. They missed the 20:00 hour and 04:00 hour forecast by more than 5%. Still, that was not a terrible result.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 21°F/32°F/38°F/36°F
Relative Humidity: 62%/45%/68%/68%

Today I took Ike for an hour and a half of puppy playgroup. I met someone that has a puppy that was whelped within a few days of Ike, and we got them together for some socialization. It was quite a treat to see Ike and Bailey tearing around with more energy than I think I ever had. They tussled, rolled around on the ground and ran. Oh, how they ran. It was good to see them work off some of their extra energy. They also had some obedience work. Ike still impresses me with his intelligence. The one thing that I noticed while we were out with the dogs was that even though the sun was bright, save for the occasional passing cloud, it did not seem to get very warm and the wind was a dominant feature of the weather. It felt good to have a heavy shirt and a pair of gloves on.
For the overnight the N.W.S. forecasts temperatures in the low twenties, no precipitation and some increase in the cloud cover (52%/62%/68%/68%). There is a storm system showing up on the NEXRAD regional radar, but it is south of Connecticut, and moving due east. I do not believe it will affect us. Looking at the Weather Underground model forecast maps there is a frontal system that initially looks like it might bring us some significant precipitation around Tuesday, but then it seems to transfer its energy to an offshore system and dissipate. Our weather looks pretty clear through the mid week.
My Weather Stick is smiling just a little as a result of the 63% relative humidity. All three of my electronic instruments are forecasting fair skies with rising barometric pressure. My Weather Station had a high temperature of 36.1°F, my Min/Max thermometer recorded 36.5°F and the remote weather station had a high of 39.0°F inside the barn. Based on all the information I have available I think it will be cold tonight with more cumulus clouds moving through the area of Wilton, Maine. There will not be any precipitation, but the wind will feel particularly cold.
High Temperature (°F): 36.1
Current Temperature (°F): 28.9
Relative Humidity (%): 63%
Dew Point (°F): 17.9
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.00
Wind Direction: Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 6.9
Wind-Chill (°F): 19.9
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Partly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cumulus
Weather Stick: Slightly Up
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:22°F/28.2°F//31°F/31.8°F//36°F/35.4°F//34°F/31.8°F
Relative Humidity: 84%/67%//78%/57%//47%/51%//54%/54%
The N.W.S. correctly forecast the temperature for three of the four selected times today. They did miss the 08:00 hour forecast point. For the relative humidity they missed the 08:00 and 10:00 hour forecasts by more than 10%. Obviously this was not one of their better outings.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 28°F/24°F/22°F/20°F
Relative Humidity: 52%/62%/68%/68%

Posted by Jeffrey Le Doux at 08:46 PM
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