N.O.A.A. did get the predominant weather correct, but that was about all. The temperature went below freezing, but not by much. We woke to clouds and temperatures in the mid-twenties. All in all the overnight was fairly pleasant.
For today the N.W.S. forecasts light snow this morning with snow this afternoon. There is not supposed to be much change in the temperature, and the cloud cover should stay in place (87%/93%/98%/99%). That would support a forecast of precipitation. There is one storm showing up on the NEXRAD radar that appears to be staying just off shore. There is a second one in Eastern Ohio/Western Pennsylvania that may give us more grief this afternoon. The Weather Underground model forecast maps do indicate that we will have some snow later this afternoon and into tomorrow. As I mentioned yesterday we will need to wait and see what happens with that.
My Weather Stick is frowning at the 85% relative humidity. That may portend some precipitation later today. The La Crosse Weather Station currently forecasts fair skies with rising barometric pressure. ()I do not quite believe that.) The other two electronic instruments forecast unsettled conditions with falling barometric pressure. My own forecast is for no precipitation this morning, but clouds and snow moving in later this afternoon. That should be just in time for the late afternoon commute. The low temperatures this morning were 21.7°F, 25.7°F and 29.5°F recorded by the LaCrosse Weather Station, the Min/Max Thermometer and the remote weather station respectively.
Low Temperature (°F): 21.7
Current Temperature (°F): 25.3
Relative Humidity: 85%
Dew Point (°F): 21.4
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.17
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 25.3
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Overcast
Cloud Type: Stratus
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature33°F/26.6°F//29°F/23.1°F//26°F/23.3°F//23°F/24.0°F
Relative Humidity: 58%/74%//64%/79%//74%/83%//83%/86%
The N.W.S. missed the first two temperature points overnight, and they also missed the first two relative humidity data points. Once again this was not one of their better efforts forecasting either of these parameters.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 25°F/27°F/29°F/29°F.
Relative Humidity: 74%/74%/75%/78%

I did not open the sill cock for my water for the barn last night, and it was frozen this morning. I did not have to thaw it with hot water though, because it thawed out by itself by the time I needed the water for the critters. I did not forget it this evening. The hose has been drained too. N.O.A.A. forecast no precipitation today, and they were correct in that assessment. It warmed up to over 40°F today, and that made it a good day to be outside. Tomorrow afternoon may be an equus of a different hue however.
For the overnight the N.W.S. forecasts no precipitation in the vicinity of Wilton, Maine. There is a storm well south of us, but it appears to be hugging the coastline, and the center is well out to sea. There may be some snow along the coast, but, at least overnight, it does not look like any snow here. The Weather Underground model forecast maps indicate the same thing for the overnight. It does appear that they are forecasting a storm tomorrow evening into Friday, so we will need to keep an eye on that.
My Weather Stick was expressionless in response to the 76% relative humidity. None of the electronic instruments can agree. The La Crosse Weather Station forecasts fair skies with rising barometric pressure. The Min/Max Thermometer forecasts falling barometric pressure with unsettled weather. The remote weather station forecasts unsettled weather with steady barometric pressure. I think we will see cloudy conditions, but we will not see any precipitation until sometime late tomorrow. Then we may have snow lasting into the noon hour on Friday.
High Temperature (°F): 42.9
Current Temperature (°F): 24.4
Relative Humidity 76%
Dew Point (°F): 18.5
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.24
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 24.4
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Mostly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cirrus/Altostratus
Weather Stick: Straight
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:22°F/15.6°F//31°F/26.7°F//39°F/42.6°F//38°F/35.7°F
Relative Humidity: 65%/81%//61%/77%//42%/53%//46%/60%
The N.W.S. missed only the 07:00 hour temperature recorded by my La Crosse Weather Station. However they could not hit the broad side of a barn from the inside with a shotgun when it came to forecasting the relative humidity. That was terrible. They were not even close. I do not feel that I got a fair return on my tax money with this set of data.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 33°F/29°F/26°F/23°F.
Relative Humidity: 58%/64%/74%/83%

Overnight N.O.A.A. forecast no precipitation, and they were right. The sky, when I took Ike out for his morning walk, was clear and the moon was shining brightly. It was cold though, but without the wind it did not feel too bad. Yesterday was a pleasant family get-together with our daughter and son-in-law. We had a nice time.
For today the N.W.S. forecasts no precipitation with slowly increasing cloud cover (17%/25%/37%/50%). I checked the NEXRAD composite regional radar, and could not find any storms moving our way. The Weather Underground model forecast maps do show a storm moving our way for tomorrow afternoon, but today should be a pleasant day with moderate temperatures. I do see some clouds on the western horizon, but they do not look like they are imminent storm clouds. Those may come later.
My Weather Stick is frowning slightly in response to the 80% relative humidity. All three f the electronic instruments foresee the barometric pressure rising. Two of they forecast fair skies, while the remote weather station sees unsettled weather. The low temperatures were 15.6°F on the La Crosse Weather Station, 18.4 on the Min/Max Thermometer and 28.4 in the barn on the remote weather station. The way things look right now I suspect that clouds will continue to move in, thicken and lower. We will have the threat of some more snow (or rain) tomorrow afternoon, but I cannot be sure of that. We will just have to wait to see what tomorrow brings.
Low Temperature (°F): 15.6
Current Temperature (°F): 15.9
Relative Humidity 80%
Dew Point (°F): 10.9
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.22
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 15.9
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Clear
Cloud Type: None
Weather Stick: Slightly Down
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:29°F/28.4°F//24°F/30.0°F//21°F/25.5°F//22°F/19.4°F
Relative Humidity: 53%/55%//54%/59%//59%/67%//80%/75%
The N.W.S. missed only the 20:00 temperature forecast overnight. They were within 10% of the relative humidity readings recorded by my La Crosse Weather Station. That was a good result.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 22°F/31°F/39°F/38°F.
Relative Humidity: 65%/61%/42%/46%

I gathered the data this morning since I was able to. Yesterday evening, after all the turkey, stuffing and other food I took the evening off. The data from yesterday, during the day is presented here for those who keep track. Thankfully I have a computer that (when all is working right) will keep the records for me, and I can report them here.
High Temperature (°F): 40.8
Current Temperature (°F): 30.7
Relative Humidity 56%
Dew Point (°F): 16.8
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.16
Wind Direction: North Northeast
Wind Speed (mph): 5.1
Wind-Chill (°F): 16.8
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Partly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cirrus
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:23°F/34.8°F//30°F/37.2°F//37°F/39.9°F//35°F/35.7°F
Relative Humidity: 77%/67%//62%/58%//48%/47%//48%/43%
The N.W.S. missed the first two temperature readings this morning, but they got the rest correct along with the four relative humidity forecasts. Not too bad a job.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 29°F/24°F/21°F/22°F.
Relative Humidity: 53%/54%/59%/80%

For the overnight N.O.A.A. forecast light scattered snow showers for the first half of the period, but we did not have any here in Wilton, Maine. We still have a white Christmas though because of all the snow we had earlier this month, and we did have in excess of two feet of the white stuff. (My measurements show 25 inches with a couple of trace amounts in between the larger storms.)
For today (Christmas Day) the N.W.S. forecasts us starting with no precipitation, a light snow shower around mid-morning, and ending the day with no precipitation. The NEXRAD regional composite radar is clear. The Weather Underground model forecast maps do not forecast any storms for our area through Friday. That should be a nice stretch of weather. It does not even look like we will have the kind of low temperatures we have been having for most of this month.
My Weather Stick is expressionless, responding to the 63% relative humidity. All three of the electronic instruments forecast fair skies with rising barometric pressure. Indeed, the pressure is on the rise. The low temperatures recorded were just below freezing, and by the time I recorded them they had all risen above freezing. In fact the low temperature out on the west side of the house was 28.2°F and occurred at 19:00 hours last evening according to the La Crosse Weather Station. The Min/Max recorded a low of 29.9°F, and the remote weather station had a low of 32.7°F. I am seeing plenty of large puffy cumulus clouds, and the sky is mostly cloudy. I think that condition will persist with very gradually clearing skies. It will be warm, for this time of year, making this a very pleasant holiday for those of you that have it off. Have a very Merry Christmas from Wilton, Maine.
Low Temperature (°F): 28.2
Current Temperature (°F): 35.4
Relative Humidity: 63%
Dew Point (°F): 24.0
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.95
Wind Direction: West Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 6.9
Wind-Chill (°F): 27.3
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Mostly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cumulus
Weather Stick: Straight
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:31°F/28.2°F//28°F/32.5°F//26°F/33.2°F//24°F/34.3°F
Relative Humidity: 81%/72%//63%/64%//89%/66%//77%/67%
The N.W.S. fell down on the job yesterday. They missed the 01:00 and 04:00 temperature forecasts as well as the 19:00 and 01:00 hour relative humidity forecasts. They were just barely within the 10% limits of the actual recorded data for the 04:00 point. The 22:00 hour point was the only one they were really close on. I would have expected better on Christmas.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 23°F/30°F/37°F/35°F.
Relative Humidity: 77%/62%/48%/48%

N.O.A.A. forecast no precipitation during the day today. We did have a flurry late this afternoon, but it did not amount to anything. It has remained windy, but relatively warm, and much of the snow and ice in my dooryard is now gone. Hooray. It is still slippery, but, if one is careful, it is possible to find places to walk and not wind up falling.
For tonight there is apparently a chance of some light scattered snow showers, but I have not seen any yet. For the second half of the period the N.W.S. says we will not have any precipitation. The NEXRAD composite regional radar does not show any echoes in our area. So we have no precipitation. The Weather Underground model forecast maps also indicate that we are to be storm free for the next couple of days at least.
My Weather Stick is expressionless again as a result of the 61% relative humidity. All three of the electronic instruments indicate rising barometric pressure. Only the remote weather station is calling for cloudy conditions. The other two see fair skies in our future. High temperatures were in the upper thirties and low forties here at CW5246. The wind continues to blow and the temperature is now near the freezing mark or jus t below.
Once again, Marry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
High Temperature (°F): 37.9
Current Temperature (°F): 31.8
Relative Humidity 61%
Dew Point (°F): 19.9
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.78
Wind Direction: West Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 7.8
Wind-Chill (°F): 21.6
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Mostly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Stratocumulus
Weather Stick: Straight
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:30°F/33.4°F//33°F/33.4°F//36°F/37.7°F//35°F/33.2°F
Relative Humidity: 81%/73%//66%/61%//54%/44%//56%/52%
The N.W.S. did a good job of forecasting the temperature again today. They had them all within five degrees. They did equally well with the relative humidity getting all four points within 10% of the actual recorded data.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 31°F/28°F/26°F/24°F.
Relative Humidity: 81%/63%/89%/77%

N.O.A.A. predicted rain through 01:00 hours followed by some snow. It did rain until around 03:00 hours, but then it stopped altogether. There are places in my dooryard that one can see the ground, but where the snow has not been organized there is no ground showing. It is also possible to see the path that the water takes from my outdoor wood boiler to the house, but that is all right and expected. A little after 01:00 hours we had our highest gust of wind for the month at 60.1 mph, and my anemometer is still standing. This must have been a wild night, but I slept right through it.
The N.W.S. forecasts no precipitation today, but the cloud cover is forecast to increase (59%/70%/81%/57%), and then fall by the end of the day. The NEXRAD composite regional radar shows the storm of last night gone from all by easternmost Maine. All we have right now are a few cumulus clouds moving through the area around Wilton, Maine. Even the Weather Underground model forecast maps indicate that most of the storm is gone, but we may see some clouds left over this afternoon.
My Weather Stick is really frowning this morning with the 79% relative humidity. Of course that is down from 81% before the wind started to blow out of the Northwest at 14.3 mph. The La Cross Weather Station currently predicts unsettled weather, rising barometric pressure and a low temperature of 32.9°F. The Min/Max Thermometer also forecasts unsettled conditions, rising barometric pressure and a low temperature of 30.4°F. Finally the remote weather station has not gotten the message and forecasts foul weather with falling barometric pressure and a low temperature of 40.6°F. I do not quite believe that last instrument. Conditions may have changed too rapidly for it to keep up with. We will need to see what it says later. I think the sky will gradually clear, and we may actually see some sunshine today. I do not think it will be particularly warm, although it will be warmer than it has been for most of this month. Anything above freezing will be an improvement over the low to mid twenties we have seen since the start of December. For the children this is the day of anticipation. May they get the significance of tomorrow along with their gifts. Have a Merry Christmas!
Low Temperature (°F): 32
Current Temperature (°F): 34.3
Relative Humidity: 79%
Dew Point (°F): 28.4
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.64
Wind Direction: Northwest
Wind Speed (mph): 14.3
Wind-Chill (°F): 28.3
Precipitation (Type): Rain
Amount (Inches): 0.90
Cloud Cover (AM): Partly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cumulus
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:39°F/38.8°F//39°F/43.8°F//36°F/46.0°F//34°F/36.3°F
Relative Humidity: 92%/92%//89%/92%//89%/93%//82%/92%
The N.W.S. did a good job of forecasting the temperature overnight. The only point they missed was at 01:00 hours, and that was because the temperature remained elevated. They did get the relative humidity at all four points within 10% of the actual readings. Overall a very good job.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 30°F/33°F/36°F/35°F.
Relative Humidity: 81%/66%/54%/56%

N.O.A.A. forecast icy conditions for this morning with rain this afternoon. What we had was fog this morning with some light scattered showers this afternoon and evening. All day we wound up with about a quarter of an inch of rain or liquid precipitation as recorded by my digital rain gauge. This was not a pretty day at all, and we have had some wind. There is some promise of stronger winds overnight, but that remains to be seen. I think this spring, since I now have a satellite for television reception and internet that I will replace my old antenna with my anemometer, and move my station to the other side of the house where it will receive less solar heating and other problems. I will need to bury the cable from the rain gauge in order to get it to the thermo-hygro receiver. I should then be able to have the entire unit hard-wired to the computer. I will continue to keep the batteries on board in the event of power failures, which do occur here in rural Maine.
For the overnight the N.W.S. forecasts rain through around 01:00 hours. Between then and 04:00 hours it is expected to change to snow, but these should be light scattered snow showers as evidenced by the forecast cloud cover (92%/89%/89%/82%). The NEXRAD composite regional radar indicates that we still have a number of bands of precipitation (mostly mixed) yet to pass through this area of Wilton, Maine. The Weather Underground model forecast maps still predict that this system will be with us until at least noon tomorrow, and possibly as late as 15:00 hours. There should still be plenty of snow on the ground here for Santa Claus to make his annual trek on Christmas Eve.
My Weather Stick is really frowning tonight with the relative humidity above 90%. This is one time when the Weather Stick is in concert with the weather. My electronic instruments agree in some areas, but not in all. They all predict that the barometric pressure will continue to fall as it has all day. The La Cross Weather Station forecasts a storm and had a high temperature (so far) of 43.7°F. My Min/Max Thermometer forecasts foul weather and recorded a high temperature of 40.7°F. Finally the remote weather station says cloudy conditions will prevail and it recorded a high temperature of 38.5°F. I think we will see gusty winds with some rain overnight. I do not think we will see any snow unless the temperature does a rapid fall below freezing, and it is continuing to rise. Now, since many of you will not read my report tomorrow or Tuesday I wish each of you a Merry and Blessed Christmas. May the New Year be filled with good things and prosperity for all of us. Amen and Amen.
High Temperature (°F): 43.7
Current Temperature (°F): 44.0
Relative Humidity: 92%
Dew Point (°F): 41.9
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.82
Wind Direction: South
Wind Speed (mph): 9.6
Wind-Chill (°F): 37.6
Precipitation (Type): Rain/Fog
Amount (Inches): 0.26
Cloud Cover (PM): Overcast
Cloud Type: Stratus
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:30°F/33.0°F//33°F/33.9°F//35°F/36.1°F//37°F/35.2°F
Relative Humidity: 81%/87%//85%/87%//89%/90%//89%/90%
The N.W.S. did an exceptional job forecasting both the temperature and relative humidity today. The temperature was with 53° and the relative humidity was within 10% of the actual recorded data. A job well done deserves mentioning.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 39°F/38°F/36°F/34°F.
Relative Humidity: 92%/89%/89%/82%

The roads look wet, so be careful out there. N.O.A.A. predicted some form of ice for the last half of the overnight. It does appear that they have that part right. The temperature is now above freezing, so be careful of the black ice on the roads if you must travel.
For today the N.W.S. forecasts icy precipitation for the first half of the day and rain for the second half. The NEXRAD composite regional radar shows two sets of echoes, one moving toward us from the south and the other from the east. The do appear to be icy precipitation with rain behind them. This may well be a very messy weather day. The Weather Underground model forecast maps still call for this to be a rain event starting later this afternoon.
My Weather Stick continues to frown, and with 86% relative humidity I am frowning also. All three of the electronic instruments forecast falling barometric pressure. Two of them call for foul weather, while the remote weather station still has not gotten the word, and is calling for fair skies. The cloud cover right now is 100%, and it is forecast to remain there all day. This is not going to be a pretty day at all. The low temperatures recorded by the three electronic instruments were 24.6°F, 30.4°F and 23.5°F in the usual order. These were higher than our high temperatures for the last couple of weeks. Wow!
Low Temperature (°F): 24.6
Current Temperature (°F): 32.9
Relative Humidity: 87%
Dew Point (°F): 29.4
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.40
Wind Direction: South
Wind Speed (mph): 6.2
Wind-Chill (°F): 25.8
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Overcast
Cloud Type: Stratus
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:25°F/24.6°F//24°F/26.2°F//23°F/26.7°F//23°F/31.8°F
Relative Humidity: 74%/82%//88%/85%//88%/86%//84%/86%
The N.W.S. did do significantly better overnight than they did yesterday. They only missed the 04:00 hour temperature. They actually had all four relative humidity forecasts within 10% of the actual recorded data. Much better job done overnight.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 30°F/33°F/35°F/37°F.
Relative Humidity: 81%/85%/89%/89%

N.O.A.A. predicted that we would have high cloud cover today, but no precipitation, and they did get that right. Early this evening we did have a light flurry that was not predicted, but with the clouds and high relative humidity it should not have been a surprise. The clouds have thickened and lowered all day, making this first day of winter look like winter. The temperature has been warming up all day, although, once again not as quickly as N.O.A.A. expected it to.
The N.W.S. forecasts some icy precipitation overnight and temperatures that will remain in the twenties. Their estimate of the cloud cover certainly indicates that we may see some precipitation before the night is over (76%/88%/100%/100%). With the temperature forecast to be in the mid-twenties and the wind coming from the south southeast, I would expect any precipitation to fall as either sleet or freezing rain. Personally I would prefer the sleet since it is already frozen before it hits the ground. The freezing rain will coat everything with ice, making travel very difficult. The NEXRAD composite regional radar does see some echoes in far western Pennsylvania, so it will be quite a while before they get here. The Weather Underground model forecast maps also indicate that it will be late tomorrow afternoon before we see any "real" precipitation. They are still calling for this to be a rain event, but with the temperatures where they are I am not so sure.
My Weather Stick continues to frown at the 85% relative humidity. Two of my electronic instruments forecast unsettled conditions, while the remote weather station forecasts fair skies. All three of them call for the barometric pressure to fall. For tonight I expect to see any precipitation as light and very scattered. I suspect that we will see gradual degradation of the conditions until the system begins to move through, and then we may see precipitation (unknown variety) for 12 to 18 hours. It has taken quite a while to get this storm in here, and it will take quite a while to get rid of it.
High Temperature (°F): 27.1
Current Temperature (°F): 27.1
Relative Humidity: 85%
Dew Point (°F): 23.1
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.49
Wind Direction: South Southeast
Wind Speed (mph): 4.6
Wind-Chill (°F): 23.3
Precipitation (Type): Flurries
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Overcast
Cloud Type: Stratus
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:12°F/-2.3°F//24°F/9.3°F//29°F/20.8°F//30°F/23.5°F
Relative Humidity: 84%/80%//62%/81%//53%/79%//55%/80%
The N.W.S. did not do any better today than they did overnight with the temperature. Once again Mother Nature did not change the temperature to fit the forecast at any of the forecast points. They did get one of the forecast relative humidity points correct at 07:00 hours. This was a terrible outing in the world of prognostication.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 25°F/24°F/23°F/23°F.
Relative Humidity: 74%/88%/88%/81%

According to the Calendar Winter starts today. Well, if you have looked outside recently in the State of Maine you would find that the winter weather has preceded the calendar. We have been in meteorological winter for about a month. Just think, only five more months to go. OUCH! With the probable exception of the cloud cover N.O.A.A. had the predominant weather correct last night. It still looks like it is going to snow as I look to the west. The eastern view does not look much better. I did not see a sunrise this morning because of the cloud cover. According to one of the prognosticators we have already gained one minute back toward the summer solstice. Like we can tell one minute of change. We ill not know about that until sometime in January.
For today the N.W.S. forecasts no precipitation but a cloud cover that will be variable (76%/65%/69%/81%). There is still no precipitation appearing on the NEXRAD composite regional radar or the local (Portland/Gray radar). The next storm system on the Weather Underground model forecast map does not arrive until about 15:00 hours tomorrow, and then it is expected to be a rain event until the end when we may have some ice (sleet or freezing rain) and snow to end it all. Driving will not be nice if that is the case.
My Weather Stick is frowning again as a result of the 80% relative humidity. No real shock there. All three of the electronic instruments forecast fair skies (they must be high on amperes). They also had interesting low temperatures -2.9°F on the La Crosse Weather Station, 0.4°F on the Min/Max Thermometer and 8.6°F on the remote weather station. No matter what that is very cold. Despite what the N.W.S. forecasts, I think we could have a chance of a snow shower this mooring by the look of the sky and the visibility. I cannot see the hills as I look west from my office. I am glad we have not had the wind to go along with the snow, with the resultant drifts that we have seen before. That would not be nice.
Low Temperature (°F): -2.9
Current Temperature (°F): -2.0
Relative Humidity: 80%
Dew Point (°F): -6.7
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.62
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): -2.0
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Overcast
Cloud Type: Stratus
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:12°F/18.3°F//15°F/9.6°F//12°F/3.0°F//9°F/1.5°F
Relative Humidity: 70%/75%//84%/79%//87%/79%//96%/80%
The N.W.S. did not do as well overnight as they did yesterday. They totally missed the temperature forecast at all four points. They did better with the relative humidity, missing only the 04:00 hours point. This was not one of their better outings.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 129°F/24°F/29°F/30°F.
Relative Humidity: 84%/62%/53%/55%

Today N.O.A.A. forecast no precipitation as the predominant weather. They also predicted that it would not get any warmer than 20°F. They got the former right and the latter wrong. That does not mean that it was warm out, it was not, although actively working at snow blowing the dooryard did keep me warm. It should be noted that around noon cirrus clouds started to move in, and by evening the sky was mostly cloudy.
For the overnight the N.W.S. continues to forecast no precipitation, and the cloud cover is supposed to remain static (38%/37%/35%/32%). The cloud cover that I saw at sunset was certainly much heavier than what was predicted by the N.W.S. There is no precipitation appearing on the NEXRAD composite regional radar. The Weather Underground model forecast maps also remain clear of storms for Wilton, Maine until Sunday. They are still calling for that to be a rain event with the warm air being pumped in from the south. We have been having winter during the fall, I wonder if we will now have spring since winter is here. No, I do not think so.
My Weather Stick is only frowning a little this evening, responding to the 70% relative humidity. All three of my electronic weather instruments concur. They say we will have fair skies, and continued rising barometric pressure. Like a balloon, maybe if it gets much higher the atmosphere will pop. Sorry, that is my feeble attempt at humor. I have not seen pressure like this in a very long time. We did have high temperatures of 26.0°F, 23.1°F and 21.2°F in the usual order of the instruments. I think we will continue to have "fair" weather for the time being, but once this system moves out we may be in for some more interesting weather.
High Temperature (°F): 26.0
Current Temperature (°F): 21.0
Relative Humidity: 70%
Dew Point (°F): 12.7
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.55
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 21.0
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Mostly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Altostratus
Weather Stick: Slightly Down
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:8°F/3.3°F//12°F/12.9°F//13°F/25.5°F//12°F/22.2°F
Relative Humidity: 100%/83%//75%/84%//53%/65%//54%/67%
The N.W.S. did not do as well today as they have been. They only correctly identified one of the temperature points (10:00 hours), and one of the relative humidity points (also 10:00 hours). This was definitely not one of their better outings.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 19°F/15°F/12°F/9°F.
Relative Humidity: 70%/84%/87%/96%

For the overnight N.O.A.A. predicted the chance of light scattered snow showers for the first half of the period with no precipitation for the second half. We did not see any snow showers here in Wilton, Maine, since the sky was mostly fair when I checked it around 23:00 hours. Since I compiled the data the temperature has continued to fall lending credence to the old saw "It is always coldest before the dawn."
For today the N.W.S. forecasts no precipitation, but moderate cloud cover (62%/57%/52%/44%). The NEXRAD composite regional radar is clear, and the Weather Underground maps also show us as clear today. We may have an interesting time on Sunday since the Weather Underground model forecast maps indicate a 12 to 18 hour rain event. That should make the first full day of winter a real challenge. At least it is not supposed to start until around mid-afternoon.
My Weather Stick is still frowning, and I still need to document the changes, correlating them with the relative humidity. All three of my electronic instruments now call for fair skies with rising barometric pressure. The La Crosse Weather Station recorded a low temperature of 3.0°F. The Min/Max recorded low was 4.9°F and the remote weather station only got down to 14.7°F. I think we will have a bright day, but it will remain quite cold. The same will probably be the case for tonight. Tomorrow will probably be a repeat of today. Sunday still remains a question mark, with the chance of some rain late, if all the prognostications are correct. We shall see.
Low Temperature (°F): 2.8
Current Temperature (°F): 3.5
Relative Humidity: 85%
Dew Point (°F): -0.5
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.52
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 3.5
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Mostly Fair
Cloud Type: Cirrus
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:18°F/18.3°F//16°F/12.9°F//15°F/8.4°F//14°F/8.7°F
Relative Humidity: 92%/82%//92%/83%//88%/84%//84%/84%
The N.W.S. only missed two of the forecast points. Those were the last two temperature points. Apparently the clouds moved out faster than they expected allowing for more radiational cooling.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 8°F/12°F/13°F/12°F.
Relative Humidity: 100%/75%/53%/54%

N.O.A.A. did have the predominant weather correct. We did have some snow through about 16:00 hours. It did get lighter as the day wore on, and there was very little accumulation in Wilton, Maine after noon. It has once again started to get colder (now 12.0°F) as the cloud cover has dissipated.
For tonight the N.W.S. forecasts light scattered snow showers for the first half of the period with no precipitation for the second half. The NEXRAD regional radar does show the storm having moved out, and it is gone. Tomorrow and Saturday on the Weather Underground model forecast maps look clear. Watch out for late Sunday into Monday though. I say again, can anyone see a pattern here?
My Weather Stick is frowning again at the 84% relative humidity. All three of the electronic instruments now call for rising barometric pressure with fair skies. The high temperatures recorded today were 24.6°F, 26.6°F and 23.2°F. The critters seem to be quite happy staying in the barn for the moment. My guess is that we will have a nice day tomorrow and maybe another one on Saturday. I will not go any farther than that.
High Temperature (°F): 24.6
Current Temperature (°F): 12.3
Relative Humidity: 84%
Dew Point (°F): 8.4
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.39
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 12.3
Precipitation (Type): Snow
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Mostly Fair
Cloud Type: Cumulus
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:18°F/19.9°F//20°F/22.8°F//22°F/24.6°F//21°F/21.9°F
Relative Humidity: 96%/85%//91%/84%//78%/81%//77%/80%
The N.W.S. only missed one of the forecast points. That was at 07:00 hours for the relative humidity. Once again this was quite good considering some of their recent attempts.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 18°F/16°F/15°F/14°F.
Relative Humidity: 92%/92%/88%/84%

20:19 hours 12/19/2007

08:13 hours 12/20/2007

12:25 hours 12/20/2007

N.O.A.A. called for snow all night long, and they have that right. It was very fine and granular, so the amount was only about 4 inches by 12:25 hours. So, while it has been storming all this time the additional amount was not that great. Right now (14:45) it seems to have slowed down significantly. It is still not possible to see the mountains west of us, so we may still have some of this storm ahead of us.
The N.W.S. has forecast more stormy weather through the balance of the afternoon. The NEXRAD radar shows the storm winding down and now coming at us from the north. The Weather Underground model forecast maps indicate that this entire mess will be out of here by midnight tonight, but guess what we have something else headed toward us for Sunday night. Has everyone got the idea that this is winter?
My Weather Stick is frowning again as a result of the 81% relative humidity. (This data was taken earlier this morning). All three of the electronic instruments forecast falling barometric pressure. They do not quite agree on the type of weather we are going to have. The La Crosse Weather Station is calling for unsettled weather. The Min/Max Thermometer forecasts foul weather. The remote weather station is, like the La Crosse Station, calling for unsettled weather. The recorded low temperatures were, in order, 15.6°F, 14.4°F and 18.9°F. The rest of the data was taken at about 08:00 this morning. My wife's computer had issues, and I needed to work on it (software only) to get it to print though our network. It is now doing so, and I can finish this report up. Of course, the next report is almost due, and I need to do chores and snowblow the dooryard. As Rosanne Roseanna Danna used to say "It's always something."
Low Temperature (°F): 15.6
Current Temperature (°F): 24.4
Relative Humidity: 81%
Dew Point (°F): 19.4
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.22
Wind Direction: North Northwest
Wind Speed (mph): 2.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 24.4
Precipitation (Type): Snow
Amount (Inches): 5.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Overcast
Cloud Type: Stratus
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:19°F/16.3°F//18°F/15.6°F//18°F/16.5°F//18°F/18.3°F
Relative Humidity: 80%/78%//88%/81%//83%/83%//92%/84%
The N.W.S. did get it together overnight. Their forecast temperature and relative humidity readings were within the set limits for the recorded readings. That is the way to go.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 18°F/20°F/22°F/21°F.
Relative Humidity: 96%/91%/78%/77%

N.O.A.A. predicted light scattered showers all day today. We finally had one start at just about 15:45 here in Wilton, Maine. I took Ike out in the field where the pictures were taken with him before, and one would have thought he was a jackrabbit. He jumped, ran and tunneled in some 2 feet of snow on the ground. When we got back inside he was covered with little snowballs making the kitchen floor a bit wet. Right now he is asleep, and that is good. This is the first time I have been on snowshoes in several years. Orthopaedic surgeries have kept me off them for the last couple of years, but it felt good to be out and about on them again. Maybe I can get to go skijoring with Ike later in the winter when he gets a bit bigger and stronger. He is fun to work with, and he is so happy doing these things.
For tonight the N.W.S. forecasts snow all night. Like I said at the start, "Here we go again." There are some snow squalls beginning to show up on the NEXRAD radar, and the Weather Underground model forecast maps indicate storms on the way. The cloud cover is expected to remain at 100% overnight along with the snow. I have heard possible amounts of snow ranging from a couple of inches to over a foot, so I do not know what to believe. The flurries are beginning to make on the roads, so be careful out there.
My Weather Stick is frowning just a little at the 73% relative humidity. My La Crosse has not gotten the news yet that the barometer has started to fall, and it is snowing out. The other two instruments forecast falling barometric pressure with unsettled conditions. They all had high temperatures this afternoon in the usual order 20.1°F, 23.0°F and 19.8°F. On my land we did break 20°F, but not by much. I had to go out this afternoon and my truck thermometer registered a temperature of 21°F in Farmington, Maine. We are going to get some snow, and we will have every last flake of it. I will report on how much we get tomorrow when I can see the snow gauge.
High Temperature (°F): 20.1
Current Temperature (°F): 17.2
Relative Humidity: 73%
Dew Point (°F): 10.0
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.29
Wind Direction: North Northeast
Wind Speed (mph): 3.3
Wind-Chill (°F): 17.2
Precipitation (Type): Snow
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Overcast
Cloud Type: Stratocumulus
Weather Stick: Slightly Down
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:-3°F/12.9°F//11°F/17.4°F/23°F/18.6°F//22°F/17.7°F
Relative Humidity: 100%/72%//80%/67%//59%/67%//60%/71%
The N.W.S. missed the first two forecast temperatures this morning, but they got the last two. The only relative humidity forecast that was within 10% or the actual reading was at 13:00 hours. The weather was so unsettled today it is a wonder they had anything right. Maybe they can get it together for the overnight.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 19°F/18°F/18°F/18°F.
Relative Humidity: 80%/88%/92%/92%

Posted by Jeffrey Le Doux at 06:23 PM
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