N.O.A.A. and I forecast light scattered showers overnight, and with 0.04" they certainly were light here in Wilton, Maine. I have heard that there are other areas that had more. The sky was in the process of clearing when I took Ike out at 05:30 this morning, and at over fifty degrees it was delightful. The sky still has a bit of a milky cast to it, but the temperature is still continuing to climb as is the barometric pressure at 30.08 in Hg.
The N.W.S. forecasts no precipitation today and dissipating cloud cover (32%/15%/16%/10%). The NEXRAD regional composite radar shows the front exiting Eastern Maine as indicated by the movement of the line of showers. There is supposed to be some cooler air behind this front, but as long as it does not go below freezing it should not be bad. The Weather Underground model forecast maps continue to indicate that today and tomorrow should be pretty decent. I am not sure the same can be said for Sunday and Monday. They are too far in the future fore me to speculate on.
My Weather Stick is frowning at the 79% relative humidity. All three of my electronic instruments are calling for unsettled conditions. Two of them are calling for the barometric pressure to rise while the remote weather station sees it as falling. I think it will catch up with the other two later. Our low temperatures overnight were quite pleasant (48.9°F/50.2°F/58.3°F), and for this time of year even better than that. My daffodils are up and will be blooming soon. Mud season is rapidly drawing to a close, and the black flies will soon be out to feast upon any exposed body parts. In a word they suck. Oh, I lived with the results of my bike ride and wood cutting overnight, the leg cramps were exquisite, OUCH). I am glad I have the next four days to recuperate. I will be out of service at the Grand York Rite Sessions until Monday evening. I should be able to do my reports tonight and tomorrow morning. I do not have anyone to cover this, although I do have someone that will be house sitting and taking care of my critters for the time we are gone.
Low Temperature (°F): 48.9
Current Temperature (°F): 51.4
Relative Humidity (%): 79%
Dew Point (°F): 45.3
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.05
Wind Direction: North Northeast
Wind Speed (mph): 1.5
Wind-Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): Rain
Amount (Inches): 0.04
Cloud Cover (AM): Partly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cirrus
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature: 67°F/68.7°F//56°F/57.9°F//50°F/55.0°F//47°F/49.6*F
Relative Humidity: 49%/43%//56%/74%//77%/81%//100%/83%
The N.W.S. correctly forecast the temperature overnight. They missed the recorded relative humidity at 23:00 and 05:00 hours overnight. This still was not a bad job of prognostication.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 52°F/63°F/67°F/77°F.
Relative Humidity: 66%/41%/29%/27%

It was such a nice day that N.O.A.A. forecast that I went for an 11+ mile bicycle ride to go into town to transact some business. It was an absolutely beautiful day for it too. It was not too hot, and the wind was light and gentle. After the ride and lunch we started to work on next winter's wood. We did get quite a bit cut to size for splitting. Inkspot and Brownspot finally came home and are now safely lodged in their new homes. We tried a couple of tenderloin steaks last night, and they are certainly worth the effort that was put in to bring them to size. They were delicious and very, very tender. Just to note, as I was getting them out of the back of the truck there was a brief passing shower that went through.
The N.W.S. forecast light scattered showers for the overnight and enough cloud cover to support that (87%/92%/84%/61%). I did not get to look at the NEXRAD radar or Weather Underground model forecast maps, but t I would not expect a great deal of change in them from this morning. They forecast some precipitation for the overnight hours.
My Weather Stick was frowning a little. I missed the remote weather station forecast and high temperature, but the other two called for foul weather with falling barometric pressure. The high temperature touched eighty degrees (83.6°F/78.5°F/?.?°F). We seem to have gone from wither to summer in a flash this year. I think we will have some unsettled weather with some showers overnight, but we will see what happens.
High Temperature (°F): 83.6
Current Temperature (°F): 58.8
Relative Humidity (%): 70%
Dew Point (°F): 49.0
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.99
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): Trace
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Overcast
Cloud Type: Stratus
Weather Stick: Slightly Down
Comparative data for today.
Temperature: 51°F/49.8°F//70°F/71.2°F//78°F/83.5°F//77°F/81.1*F
Relative Humidity: 80%/74%//44%/45%//29%/28%//33%/27%
The N.W.S. correctly forecast the temperature and relative humidity at all four points today. Nothing more needs to be said about that.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 67°F/56°F/50°F/47°F.
Relative Humidity: 49%/66%/77%/100%

N.O.A.A. forecast the overnight weather correctly, as we did not have any precipitation. The cloud cover also appears to have diminished. For the past couple of mornings I have been able to take out for his morning constitutional without a coat or hat, it has been that warm. I guess that spring has arrived, and all of a sudden too.,
For today the N.W.S. forecasts no precipitation with gradually increasing cloud cover (9%/15%/51%/70%). This is in apparent preparation for the showers that we are supposed to have tonight. There are some echoes on the NEXRAD regional composite radar, but they do not seem to be associated with the system for tonight. They are just localized showers. The Weather Underground model forecast maps still indicate that we will have some significant activity overnight, starting around 18:00 hours.
My Weather Stick indicates the 81% relative humidity by frowning, but just a little. All three of the electronic instruments indicate that the barometric pressure has or will continue to fall. Two of them forecast foul weather, while the remote weather station just indicates unsettled weather. I think we are moving into a period of unsettled weather, and there is a chance of showers overnight. We did have low temperatures that remained above freezing again overnight (40.2°F/41.4°F/50.0°F). Looking to my west the maple tree is turning green, so we may be able to get a photo later today showing the leaves coming out.
Low Temperature (°F): 40.2
Current Temperature (°F): 40.2
Relative Humidity (%): 81%
Dew Point (°F): 34.8
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.11
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 40.2
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: 61°F/61.1°F//52°F/50.7°F//46°F/43.5°F//42°F/40.6*F
Relative Humidity: 49%/43%//69%/59%//89%/71%//100%/80%
The N.W.S. correctly forecast the temperature overnight. They did miss the 02:00 and 05:00 hour forecasts for the relative humidity. Still it was not a bad job of prognostication.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 51°F/70°F/78°F/77°F.
Relative Humidity: 80%/44%/29%/33%

I had suggested, as did N.O.A.A. that there might be some light scattered showers around the area. I had a report from a friend of mine that he had a trace of rain during the afternoon at Farmington, about 6 miles from here. I did not have any here that I noticed. He said there was not even enough to get the pavement wet. So, light scattered showers were around, just not here.
The N.W.S. forecast no precipitation for the overnight, and the cloud cover was expected to decrease somewhat (64%/47%/41%/32%). The NEXRAD regional
composite radar still shows some showers in Northern Maine, but none here. There is still some precipitation showing up on the Weather Underground model forecast maps for tomorrow afternoon and evening. Those are expected to start after 18:00 hours and last into sometime Friday morning.
My Weather Stick is smiling due to the 66% relative humidity. Two of my electronic instruments forecast foul weather with falling barometric pressure, while the remote weather station calls for unsettled conditions with steady barometric pressure. The high temperatures recorded by the La Crosse and Min/Max Thermometer were 79.5°F and 73.1°F. Because the remote weather station temperature was taken after midnight it only showed 55.9°F, so that would have been the high for this morning at that point. It was also the low at that point. I think we will see variable cloudiness for the rest of the overnight and fairly moderate temperatures.
High Temperature (°F): 79.5
Current Temperature (°F): 46.2
Relative Humidity (%): 66%
Dew Point (°F): 35.4
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.16
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Mostly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cumulus
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for today.
Temperature: 47°F/40.8°F//64°F/60.9°F//72°F/75.5°F//71°F/73.2*F
Relative Humidity: 71%/87%//39%/62%//29%/38%//30%/38%
The N.W.S. only missed the 08:00 hour forecast for the temperature today. They did miss the Relative humidity at both 08:00 and 11:00 hours.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 61°F/52°F/46°F/42°F.
Relative Humidity: 49%/69%/89%/100%

Upon arising this morning it almost looked like the season had slipped backward. On closer inspection I found that it was just some fog obscuring the sun. This was not forecast by N.O.A.A., but this is the time of year when it can happen. We had no precipitation overnight other than the fog, which did not add anything to our total for the month. The grass on the west side of the house is beginning to turn green. That means that I need to get my electric fence up and running quickly, so that the ruminants can start to work on it. It also means I need to get the snowblowers put away and the lawnmower into position because it will soon be needed. The garden needs a treatment with the torch weeder followed by the tiller. The season is starting to take shape. Let us hope that the rain comes at the right time, and the garden produces as it should.
For today we have been forecast to start with fog according to the N.W.S. Once the fog burns off we should have no precipitation until around noon, after which they have forecast light scattered showers for the rest of the day. The only echoes I saw on the NEXRAD regional composite radar were above the crown of Maine in Canada, and they were small. The clouds seem to be building in, and they may produce some showers later on. That cloud cover forecast would support that (47%/46%/48%/55%).
My Weather Stick has responded to the 87% relative humidity this morning by frowning again. The La Crosse Weather Station recorded 37.7°F with a forecast for fair skies and rising barometric pressure. The Min/Max Thermometer disagrees with a forecast of unsettled conditions and a recorded low temperature of 35.6°F and falling barometric pressure. The remote weather station sees fair skies with steady barometric pressure and a recorded low of 46.9°F. I think the weather will degrade, and that we can expect some light scattered showers today, and if the weather underground model forecast maps are right we will see some unsettled weather right through tomorrow. It should clear out for Friday though.
Low Temperature (°F): 37.7
Current Temperature (°F): 40.4
Relative Humidity (%): 87%
Dew Point (°F): 36.8
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.31
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 40.4
Precipitation (Type): Fog
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Overcast
Cloud Type: Stratus
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature: 55°F/58.1°F//47°F/46.2°F//41°F/40.2°F//38°F/38.3*F
Relative Humidity: 47%/52%//68%/62%//82%/78%//92%/85%
The N.W.S. made their best guess overnight, and they got all their forecasts within the limits set for the temperature and relative humidity. Once again they did a very
good job of prognostication.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 47°F/64°F/72°F/71°F.
Relative Humidity: 71%/39%/29%/30%

The Birds Are Returning
This has been a very pretty day, once the clouds of this morning dissipated. The birds as noted below are coming back, and that is good. N.O.A.A. said we would have no precipitation today, and they were right Their estimate of the high temperature was a little low, and their estimate of the cloud cover was a little high by my estimate. There were a few high thin Cirrus clouds during the day.

Even Though There Is Still Snow On The Ground
The warm temperatures are forcing the snow to retreat except in those shady areas where the sun cannot act for long periods. The N.W.S. is forecasting temperatures remaining above freezing overnight, with no precipitation. They are predicting some fairly heavy cloud cover though (25%/59%/70%/64%). There is nothing showing up on the NEXRAD regional composite radar. There are some questionable areas of rain indicated on the Weather Underground model forecast maps for some time tomorrow afternoon. These should not last very long, and appear to be quite light. We are approaching the point where a little bit of rain would be of some benefit. Of course, as I understand it, we are behind on our precipitation for the month of April. That does not seem to have slowed the trees down very much at all. With the weather we have had until now, the Maple Syrup producers should have had a pretty good run. The high temperatures for today were 75.7°F, 69.5°F and 63.3°F). It is really beginning to feel a lot like spring, and it is looking like it too.

The Buds On The Maples Are Swelling!
That part of the season should be almost done with the temperature staying above freezing overnight, and the buds getting ready to burst open. It will be nice to see green again instead of brown.

The Relative Humidity Is Only 52%
My Weather Stick is smiling very broadly as a result of the 52% relative humidity. Two of my electronic instruments forecast fair weather with rising barometric pressure. The remote weather station calls for unsettled weather with steady barometric pressure. The pressure in the barn has remained steady all day. The high temperatures for today were 75.7°F, 69.5°Fand 63.3°F. It is really beginning to feel a lot like spring, and it is looking like it too. I think we will have a pleasant night with no precipitation and temperatures above freezing. Because this house holds the heat fairly well it is time to shut the heat down, first because we do not need it, and second to conserve fuel. With my outdoor wood boiler I have used less than $700.00 worth of wood for the past year. I am impressed, and I have helped reduce our dependence on foreign oil, therefore my "Carbon Footprint" has been reduced. It is more labor intensive, but almost anyone can do it. Outdoor Wood Boilers (and other wood burning appliances) are environmentally neutral.
High Temperature (°F): 75.7
Current Temperature (°F): 50.2
Relative Humidity (%): 52%
Dew Point (°F): 40.7
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.32
Wind Direction: South Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 2.0
Wind-Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Mostly Fair
Cloud Type: Cirrus
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for today.
Temperature: 44°F/42.6°F//57°F/57.0°F//66°F/72.1°F//65°F/70.8*F
Relative Humidity: 77%/83%//45%/60%//33%/40%//34%/39%
The N.W.S. made their best guess today, and their temperature forecasts were wrong for 50% of the day. They only missed the 11:00 hour forecast of the relative humidity. This was not one of their better days.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 55°F/47°F/41°F/38°F.
Relative Humidity: 47%/68%/82%/92%

N.O.A.A. forecast no precipitation for the overnight, and more in the way of cloud cover. They were right on both counts. The cloud cover may be a bit heavier than they predicted, but it is there nonetheless. They also had it right that the temperature would not fall below freezing. It got down to 39.0°F, probably because of the significant cloud cover.
For today the N.W.S. is still calling for no precipitation, and the cloud cover to slowly dissipate (71%/59%/47%/48%). The temperature is also expected to rise to the same levels it was at yesterday. There appear to be some echoes on the NEXRAD regional composite radar, but I am not sure if they are real or ground clutter. The Weather Underground model forecast maps currently indicate the chance of some rain developing tomorrow afternoon, and it will arrive as rain, if the forecast maps can be believed. They usually do pretty well.
My Weather Stick is slightly down and the relative humidity is 85%, so that should be no surprise. All three of my electronic instruments currently see the barometric pressure rising, and the weather remaining fair. Fair in this case may just mean that we will not have any precipitation. We had our highest low temperatures this season (39.0°F/38.9°F/46.8°F). That was a nice change. It is humid this morning, but at least we were not freezing our imagination off when I took Ike out for his morning constitutional. I think the day will be reasonably warm although overcast. The threat of rain does not seem to arrive until tomorrow afternoon.
Low Temperature (°F): 39.0
Current Temperature (°F): 39.3
Relative Humidity (%): 85%
Dew Point (°F): 35.2
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.35
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 39.3
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Overcast
Cloud Type: Stratus
Weather Stick: Slightly Down
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature: 52°F/51.6°F//44°F/44.4°F//39°F/40.2°F//36°F/39.9*F
Relative Humidity: 46%/47%//55%/64%//79%/81%//92%/83%
When the N.W.S. makes its best guess, and is right at each of the selected times there really is nothing more that can be said. Good job!
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 44°F/59°F/66°F/65°F.
Relative Humidity: 77%/45%/33%/34%

Ghost Rider Rides Again
Once again we have had a very nice day. We had no precipitation (as N.O.A.A. predicted), a bit more wind than yesterday, and for most of the day it was cloudless. There was some haze in the sky that became cloudy by the end of the day. The photo above shows the kinds of things that goats can get into when left to their own devices with a couple of sheep. Ghost Rider has been doing this for several days, and will even jump from Ivan to Howard (the sheep). It is quite amusing to watch them when they get at it. This is a circus act without the circus.
The N.W.S. forecast no precipitation overnight, but more in the way of cloudiness (62%/66%/69%/69%). There is even the threat of some fog close by, but I am not sure if it will get here. This is the time of year that we can get some real pea soup style fogs. The NEXRAD regional composite radar still shows that storm well to our south, and the Weather Underground still contends that it will not affect us. Those model forecast maps are now showing some unsettled weather that may get into our general area sometime Tuesday or Wednesday. It will bear watching.
My Weather Stick likes the 51% relative humidity and continues to smile at it. All three of my electronic instruments call for fair weather with rising barometric pressure, and that pressure has indeed continued to rise. After the weather we have had over the past week I am not surprised to see some clouds working their way into our skies. It has been too quiet too long. We did have high temperatures, but again, with the cool front having passed through they were not as high as Friday's (66.9°F/63.0°F/60.6°F). I think our nice weather will continue for one more day anyway before we get into any systems that will produce any inclement weather. We will see who is correct, ultimately.
High Temperature (°F): 66.9
Current Temperature (°F): 49.6
Relative Humidity (%): 51%
Dew Point (°F): 32.2
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.32
Wind Direction: West Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 3.3
Wind-Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Mostly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Altostratus
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:43°F/44.2°F//55°F/57.0°F//60°F/66.5°F//59°F/62.4*F
Relative Humidity: 65%/73%//44%/48%//36%/33%//36%/37%
The N.W.S. temperature forecast was correct for all but the 14:00 hour forecast. They missed that one by 1°F over the limit. They did much better with the relative
humidity, getting all four forecast points within 10% of the recorded data. Not a bad job at all. Except for the time this was the same report I was able to give this
morning. That was amazing.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 52°F/44°F/39°F/36°F.
Relative Humidity: 46%/65%/79%/92%

This seems to be getting redundant, but this redundancy is most welcome after the winter we have had. N.O.A.A. forecast no precipitation overnight, and they were right. They still have not quite got the temperature figured out, since it is still falling just below freezing almost every night. It is not down there quite long enough to freeze my hose, but it is down there long enough to form some frost on exposed surfaces like grass and vehicles. As I look out my west window I can see no clouds, and the snow in my side yard continues to retreat.
The N.W.S. still says there will be no precipitation today, but the cloud cover is forecast to be a bit heavier than it has been (39%/30%/13%/35%). There should still be plenty of sunshine to keep us happy and the snow retreating. I will probably work on the ruts in my driveway again today to try to get that done before the end of mud season. It may be cooler today, but that is all right, it should still be pleasant. The NEXRAD regional composite radar still shows that storm well south of us, and suggest that it will continue out to sea. The Weather Underground model forecast maps also indicate that the storm will be blocked from coming north to affect our weather.
My Weather Stick is expressionless due to the 81% relative humidity. That is all right too. Now you know why we had the thick frost this morning. There is finally agreement among the three electronic instruments. They are all prediction fair skies with rising barometric pressure. The low temperatures this morning (except in the barn) were at or just below freezing (30.7°F/32.8°F/43.3°F). I think we will have another great day to work outside and continue with the winter cleanup. It certainly feels good to exit our caves and dance, once again, in the sunshine. Welcome to spring.
Low Temperature (°F): 30.5
Current Temperature (°F): 31.1
Relative Humidity (%): 81%
Dew Point (°F): 25.9
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.29
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 31.1
Precipitation (Type): Dry
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Clear
Cloud Type: None
Weather Stick: Straight
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:54°F/57.0°F//46°F/46.5°F//40°F/36.1°F//37°F/31.2*F
Relative Humidity: 50%/44%//60%/55%//73%/67%//85%/78%
The N.W.S. temperature forecast was correct for all but the 05:00 hour forecast. They missed that one by 1°F over the limit. They did much better with the relative humidity, getting all four forecast points within 10% of the recorded data. Not a bad job at all.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 43°F/55°F/60°F/59°F.
Relative Humidity: 65%/44%/36%/36%

N.O.A.A. predicted no precipitation and moderately clear skies, with temperatures in the seventies. They were right. The sky at 17:00 hours was quite strange. To our east there were some cirrus clouds, but there was a hazy appearance to the rest of the sky. There were not what we would consider discrete clouds, but there was a haze. I so not think it portends any precipitation, it was just there.
The N.W.S. continues to call for no precipitation into the next dark period. The do see some increase in the cloud cover over that period (16%/31%/26%/42%). There is a storm of some sort in Western Pennsylvania, but it is moving in a direction that should not impinge on our weather. The Weather Underground model forecast maps show that storm trying to move in our direction, but the front that came through overnight is blocking that storm, and it will ultimately move east without affecting us. There are no other storms on the maps that will affect our weather until at least the end of the week. That being the case I may actually try to go fishing this coming week.
My Weather Stick continues to smile broadly at the 36% relative humidity. Two of my electronic instruments forecast fair skies, while the remote weather station forecasts unsettled weather. The two forecasting fair skies also forecast rising barometric pressure while the remote weather station sees it a remaining steady. I think we have high pressure slowly morning in, which will lead to more pleasant weather with moderate temperatures. We did have high temperatures in the sixties and seventies (76.4°F/64.8°F/66.4°F) which is fantastic.
High Temperature (°F): 76.4
Current Temperature (°F): 71.2
Relative Humidity (%): 32%
Dew Point (°F): 39.8
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.11
Wind Direction: South
Wind Speed (mph): 8.3
Wind-Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Strange
Cloud Type: Cirrus
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for today.
Temperature: 45°F/47.1°F//50°F/58.8°F//65°F/69.9°F//64°F/74.8*F
Relative Humidity: 70%/70%//45%/46%//38%/34%//40%/30%
The N.W.S. temperature forecast was correct for the 08:00 and 14:00 hour forecasts. Then they had all four of the relative humidity forecasts correct. I do not have an explanation for that, so I will leave it at that.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 54°F/46°F/40°F/37°F.
Relative Humidity: 50%/60%/73%/85%

Once again N.O.A.A. and I predicted no precipitation overnight, and not only did that condition persist, but also the temperature actually did not get below freezing. It was close, but close only counts in horseshoes, hand grenades and atomic bombs. We had none of those either overnight. When I took Ike out for his morning walk the only clouds that I could see were some jet engine con trails, and they do not portend any precipitation. The storm we were supposed to see start today apparently will not happen today, tomorrow or well into next week.
The N.W.S. forecasts no precipitation today, temperatures not quite as warm as yesterday, but still pleasant, and very light winds. The cloud cover is supposed to be quite low as well (41%/34%/26%/27%). The NEXRAD regional composite radar is clear of echoes, so we have no storms moving in our direction. The Weather Underground model forecast maps also indicate that any storms will be making their way around us at least until after Tuesday.
My Weather Stick is smiling broadly at the current 50% (09:45) relative humidity. There is agreement among the electronic instruments for the type of weather we can expect today, and that is unsettled. They do not agree on the direction of the barometric pressure with the La Crosse calling for increasing pressure, the Min/Max Thermometer calling for falling pressure and the remote weather station forecasting rising barometric pressure. They all remained above freezing for the low temperatures overnight (32.7°F/34.7°F/44.6°F), My best guess is that high pressure will gradually move in to control our weather, we will still see temperatures in the mid to upper sixties and we will have no precipitation.
Low Temperature (°F): 32.7
Current Temperature (°F): 33.4
Relative Humidity (%): 77%
Dew Point (°F): 26.9
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.11
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 33.4
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Clear
Cloud Type: None
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature: 64°F/62.2°F//56°F/45.6°F//47°F/37.9°F//47°F/33.8*F
Relative Humidity: 32%/29%//45%/49%//63%/65%//65%/73%
The N.W.S. temperature forecast was correct only for the 20:00 hour point. I guess the skies were clearer and allowed for more rapid radiational cooling than they expected. The temperature did not stay as high as they predicted and that again was probably the result of the clear skies. The front may have moved more quickly than they expected as well. They did all right with the relative humidity though, since they were within 10% of the recorded humidity at each of the four points.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 45°F/59°F/65°F/64°F.
Relative Humidity: 70%/45%/38%/40%

N.O.A.A. had this one forecast right down to the numbers. I just cannot add anything to it. The only thing I can say is that mud season is moving on very quickly, and I have started to take care of the ruts that have been made in my driveway with a cultivator and roller to smooth things out.
The overnight appears to be another pleasant one according to the N.W.S. No precipitation, no wind, and low temperatures near 50°F. If that happens it will be a first since last summer. The NEXRAD regional composite radar is clear. The Weather Underground model forecast maps are now suggesting that we will have no storms until sometime after mid-week. Once the snow is gone we will need some precipitation to keep the fire danger down, and we can expect to start hearing about that soon.
My Weather Stick was smiling to the point that it was starting to recurve on itself. We are again having some disagreement among the electronic instruments. The La Crosse Weather Station now calls for conditions to be unsettled, but the barometric pressure starting to rise. The Min/Max Thermometer calls for foul weather with falling barometric pressure. The remote weather station forecasts cloudy conditions with falling pressure also. I think the La Crosse Station is closer to the truth, and the others are feeling the effects of the offshore storm. We had a high temperature recorded of 78.2°F, so this is almost summertime temperatures. The other two were in the mid to high sixties (69.3°F/64.0°F). I think we can expect a pleasant night with another great day tomorrow. I cannot believe that I am predicting this for a Saturday after the winter we have had. Woo-Hoo again!!
High Temperature (°F): 78.2
Current Temperature (°F): 45.1
Relative Humidity (%): 50%
Dew Point (°F): 27.6
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.03
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): Dry
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Clear
Cloud Type: None
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for today.
Temperature: 44°F/43.1°F//65°F/67.1°F//74°F/75.2°F//72°F/77.7*F
Relative Humidity: 65%/64%//31%/32%//25%/25%//27%/22%
I do not know how they did it, but this is about the closest I have seen the N.W.S. forecast the temperature and relative humidity to the actual recorded data at this site. This was an incredible job, and I am very proud of their effort.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 64°F/56°F/47°F/47°F.
Relative Humidity: 32%/45%/63%/65%

N.O.A.A. promised us no precipitation in their forecast for last night, and they were right. They did however miss the point that the temperature would not fall below freezing. They missed that point by quite a bit. I suspect that my hose did not freeze, just as it did not freeze the night before last. This is good since It speeds the chores up by quite a bit. I like to finish the chores quickly, because it allows me to do other things.
The N.W.S. forecasts no precipitation again today, along with temperatures in the seventies, light winds and quite a bit of sunshine. The only thing showing up on the NEXRAD regional composite radar is the extreme western edge of that ocean storm. That storm will probably not have much of an effect on us, other than to send us some high thin cirrus clouds early today. The Weather Underground model forecast maps continue to be updated, and show the storm scheduled for Saturday into Monday continues to break apart, either going West of us or part of it joining with that ocean storm. This does bode well for our weekend weather, and maybe into the first part of next week. Wow!
My Weather Stick is smiling despite the 75% relative humidity. Maybe it is beginning to take on the responsibility for forecasting the weather, but I doubt it. All three of my electronic instruments indicate that the barometric pressure will continue to fall, as it has already done. Two of them call for foul weather, while the remote weather station sees clouds in our future. They recorded low temperatures overnight of 30.0°F, 31.9°F and 41.7°F. As I noted earlier we dropped just a little below freezing, but it is already moving above freezing. I do not think we will have any precipitation today, and the sky may remain much clearer than the N.W.S. predicted. The only thing we can do now is wait for the cold front to pass, and temperatures to moderate again. Ah Spring, do we not love it!
Low Temperature (°F): 30.0
Current Temperature (°F): 31.1
Relative Humidity (%): 75%
Dew Point (°F): 24.0
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.04
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 31.1
Precipitation (Type): Dry
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Partly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cirrus
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature: 58°F/57.0°F//56°F/44.9°F//40°F/35.2°F//42°F/30.9*F
Relative Humidity: 29%/31%//33%/41%//64%/64%//67%/71%
The N.W.S. forecast the temperature correctly only at 20:00 and 020:00 hours. I guess the very clear skies were not expected allowing the temperature to fall more rapidly and farther than they forecast. They did better with the relative humidity getting all four forecast points correct. It is interesting how they can get one parameter correct and the other either partly or totally incorrect. Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 44°F/65°F/74°F/72°F.
Relative Humidity: 65%/31%/25%/27%

N.O.A.A. had it absolutely correct. We had no precipitation, no clouds, some wind and temperatures that were to die for. Ike and I worked a bit this morning, and with all the chickens out and about he had plenty of distractions, but he did very well anyway. He just might make a hunting dog before this year is out. From the two photos above you can tell, first that there was not a cloud in the sky, and second that the willow trees are very close to starting to leaf out.

When spring comes it comes all at once for sure.
The N.W,.S has again predicted not precipitation overnight, no clouds and moderate relative humidity. They have also predicted that the temperature will not fall below freezing, but unlike last night their prediction for the low temperature is in the forties. I will be surprised if we have any freezing temperatures tomorrow morning. Woo-Hoo!

The Snow Is Almost Gone From The Lower Pasture
From the photo above you can see one small area of snow at the upper right hand corner of the field. The rest of the field is clear, but probably quite soggy. I will not let the animals out yet. My Weather Stick was smiling broadly at 17:00 hours due to the 25%, yes 25%, relative humidity. All three of my electronic instruments forecast falling barometric pressure, and indeed the pressure has fallen significantly since this morning. All these readings were taken at just after 17:00 hours. The La Crosse Weather Station forecasts unsettled conditions as does the remote weather station. The Min/Max Thermometer forecasts foul weather. The NEXRAD regional composite radar does not show anything but ground clutter around the radar stations. There seems to have been a small change in the track of the storm system that was coming in for the weekend. Unless I am reading it wrong or there is a later change we may not be in for anything more than some clouds on Sunday with a slight chance for widely scattered showers, and maybe not even that. It may be cooler though as a result of some cooler air behind the frontal boundary. Wow, that certainly would be a change over what we have seen for the last three and a half months. We did have real high temperatures today of 74.1°F, 62.5°F and 63.5°F. The latter two were on the north side of the house (shady all afternoon) and inside the barn.
High Temperature (°F): 74.1
Current Temperature (°F): 73.9
Relative Humidity (%): 25%
Dew Point (°F): 35.5
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.09
Wind Direction: East Southeast
Wind Speed (mph): 9.1
Wind-Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Clear
Cloud Type: None
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for today.
Temperature: 38°F/40.8°F//56°F/58.1°F//55°F/72.3°F//68°F/73.5*F
Relative Humidity: 61%/62%//33%/36%//18%/24%//19%/25%
The N.W.S. forecast the temperature correctly at 08:00 and 110:00 hours, but they were very low for the rest of the day. They had the relative humidity correct at the same time, but were just a little low on the predictions at 14:00 and 17:00 hours. This air mass just did some things they did not expect. Nonetheless it was dry, the sky was clear and the temperatures warmer than they have been since last year.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 58°F/56°F/40°F/42°F.
Relative Humidity: 29%/33%/64%/67%

This seems to be getting redundant, but N.O.A.A. correctly forecast no precipitation for the overnight and clearing skies. They were right on both counts. The did however miss the point that we would not fall below freezing by morning, but my hose did not freeze anyway. The flow was reduced, but it was not completely occluded. That was good, or maybe it was just lucky. As I have often said "I would rather be lucky than good." I overslept, and when I got up the sun was not quite up, and the red sky was impressive. I did not have time to get the camera and get a shot of it before the sun came over the hill.
For today the N.W.S. has forecast another picture perfect day with clear skies almost all day (0%/0%/0%/3%), no precipitation and low humidity. Temperatures are supposed to reach into the sixties again, so much more of the snowpack should disappear. This has turned out to be a very orderly melt of the snowpack, and we seem to have dodged the bullet of flooding this spring. We were fortunate that our usual pattern of Wednesday/Saturday did not continue during this period. Whew!
My Weather Stick was smiling when I checked it, and the recorded relative humidity at that time was 71%. There is no agreement among my electronic instruments. My La Crosse Weather Station forecasts fair skies with the barometric pressure continuing to rise. My Min/Max Thermometer forecasts unsettled weather with falling barometric pressure. The remote weather station forecasts unsettled weather with steady barometric pressure. I suspect a combination of the three is likely to be the case, with fair skies for the bulk of the day and the pressure remaining steady. There may be some clouds late this afternoon, but we will not see any precipitation. At least that is what the NEXRAD Regional Composite radar and Weather Underground model forecast maps are calling for. We did have low temperatures outside that fell below freezing, and the temperature in the barn remained above freezing (27.5°F/29.0°F/39.4°F). Anyway, enjoy today, since we may start to see some changes tomorrow.
Low Temperature (°F): 27.5
Current Temperature (°F): 32.9
Relative Humidity (%): 74%
Dew Point (°F): 25.4
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.23
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 32.9
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Clear
Cloud Type: None
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature: 54°F/49.1°F//45°F/39.7°F//35°F/33.2°F//36°F/29.1*F
Relative Humidity: 26%/35%//38%/45%//59%/58%//61%/68%
The N.W.S. forecast the temperature correctly at 20:00 and 02:00 overnight. They had all four forecasts for the relative humidity within 10% of the recorded data. This
was not one of their better showing, but it was not bad either. They still need to work on their accuracy.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 38°F/56°F/55°F/68°F.
Relative Humidity: 61%/33%/18%/19%

How much longer can this stretch of weather last? N.O.A.A. forecast no precipitation and only 3% cloud cover this afternoon. They got the first half of it right, but my estimate of the cloud cover this afternoon around 17:00 hours was about 50%. It was a gorgeous day though with the temperature all the way up into the sixties. I keep seeing the snow retreat near my weather station. This is great.
The N.W.S. has forecast something they have not done in quite a while. They are saying that the low temperature will get to 35°F by about 02:00, and then it will start to rise to 36°F by 05:00 tomorrow morning. That would mean that the temperature may not go below freezing here in Wilton, Maine for the fist time (I think) since last fall. They are also predicting no precipitation and no cloud cover. No cloud cover and temperatures remaining above freezing. That is a real stretch. The NEXRAD regional composite radar currently shows some ground clutter around the Portland area, but nothing here. There are no storms moving in our direction on the Weather Underground model forecast maps for tomorrow. We may have a little something in store for Saturday afternoon or Sunday showing up on those maps.
My Weather Stick is smiling, and that should not be a surprise with the relative humidity at 37%. My La Crosse Weather Station forecasts fair skies with rising barometric pressure, although that pressure is down 00.02 in Hg since this morning. The other two electronic instruments forecast unsettled conditions with falling barometric pressure. My Weather Station recorded 64.5°F as the high and the remote weather station reached 60.4°F. My Min/Max Thermometer registered a high of 54.5°F, but that was after it went offline (OFL). That unit may be about to get new batteries since I lost the sticky note that I had on the back with the date that they were last changed. My feeling is that we will see one more really good day and probably night, but things will become a bit more unsettled for the weekend. I suppose though that we cannot complain about the weather we have had this week. You will note that there is no wind-chill because the temperature is above 45*F.
High Temperature (°F): 64.5
Current Temperature (°F): 45.6
Relative Humidity (%): 37%
Dew Point (°F): 20.7
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.22
Wind Direction: Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 2.2
Wind-Chill (°F): N/A
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Cloud Cover (PM): Partly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cirrus
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for today.
Temperature: 38°F/38.8°F//56°F/54.6°F//65°F/63.3°F//64°F/64.2*F
Relative Humidity: 56%/63%//26%/34%//17%/28%//18%/36%
The N.W.S. forecast the temperature correctly all day. The second half of the day they did not get the relative humidity correct. The 14:00 hour point was 11% out and the 17:00 hour point was 18% out. This was not a bad showing, just not as good as they have been doing lately.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 54°F/45°F/35°F/36°F.
Relative Humidity: 26%/38%/59%/61%

And The Sun Is Coming Up Like Fire
N.O.A.A. has gotten another one right! We had no precipitation, the sky cleared completely, and the temperature dipped into the mid-twenties, just as they said it would. The chickens' strike is finally over, and we are receiving 7-8 eggs per day. That is plenty for us and enough to sell a few. Likewise my milk production is nearly two gallons per day, and that too gives me enough for my use and some cheese along with the ability to sell a bit of it. Hey, don't we just love spring?
The N.W.S. forecasts clear skies (0%/0%/0%/3%), no precipitation, and for the first time since fall temperatures in the sixties. Wow, can we ask for any more than that. With these temperatures I cannot believe that we will have mud season for very long. That means that I will have to fill my roller with water and get the driveway and lawn rolled where the frost has heaved it up or it has been driven on while it was soft. A springtime ritual that must be played out in order to have a lawn that can be mowed.
My Weather Stick is smiling just a little as a result of the 73% relative humidity. If the forecast is correct I would expect it to be smiling broadly by this evening at 18 or 19% relative humidity. Finally all three of my electronic instruments are calling for fair skies with rising barometric pressure. If you follow these reports you can see that it is still continuing to rise. The high pressure system that is influencing our weather still has not gotten to its center. That is all right, it can continue to influence our weather for a while yet. As I noted earlier the temperatures did bottom out in the mid-twenties outside, and mid-thirties in the barn (25.5°F/25.7°F/35.2°F). I think we will have a fantastic day today, and the result should be very little snow left in the open areas. There may yet be some in the woods for a while.
Low Temperature (°F): 25.5
Current Temperature (°F): 26.4
Relative Humidity (%): 73%
Dew Point (°F): 18.6
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.24
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 26.4
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Clear-Red
Cloud Type: None
Weather Stick: Slightly Up
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature: 46°F/42.9°F//31°F/33.4°F//31°F/28.5°F//27°F/26.2*F
Relative Humidity: 34%/34%//48%/47%//61%/65%//78%/72%
The N.W.S. forecast the temperature and relative humidity correctly at all four points during the overnight. So, kudos on the temperature and relative humidity. Nice work folks. This makes two periods in a row.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 38°F/56°F/65°F/64°F.
Relative Humidity: 56%/26%/17%/18%

The wind was cool and the air sparkled, just as N.O.A.A. said it would. We had no precipitation, and the wind was much gentler than it has been lately. The temperature almost made it to 60°F. There just is not much to say about perfection.
For the overnight the N.W.S. says we can expect another cloudless period with radiational cooling to drop the temperature into the mid-twenties again. At least there is a suggestion that we may reach 60°F or higher tomorrow. The NEXRAD regional composite radar is still clear, and the Weather Underground model forecast maps call for no storms into Friday. How about that? We may have a week without any storms. That will be the first time since December.
My Weather Stick is grinning broadly at the 32% relative humidity. That helps to make it feel colder due to the evaporation of perspiration from our skin. All three of my electronic instruments call for the barometric pressure to continue to rise. The only one not forecasting fair skies is the remote weather station, and it is forecasting unsettled weather (a mix of clear and cloudy skies). Only tow of my instruments recorded high temperatures (57.9°F/OFL°F/51.4°F). The Min/Max Thermometer went off line for some reason, quite unknown to me. I think the weather will remain clear for a while yet, and we can enjoy it. It will be even nicer when the overnight temperature remains above freezing consistently.
High Temperature (°F): 57.9
Current Temperature (°F): 45.6
Relative Humidity (%): 32%
Dew Point (°F): 17.3
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.12
Wind Direction: West
Wind Speed (mph): 0.8
Wind-Chill (°F): 45.6
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Clear
Cloud Type: None
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for today.
Temperature: 31°F/35.2°F//43°F/48.3°F//55°F/55.2°F//54°F/55.7*F
Relative Humidity: 58%/64%//35%/36%//19%/29%//21%/26%
The N.W.S. forecast the temperature and relative humidity correctly at all four points during the day today. So, kudos on the temperature and relative humidity. Nice work folks.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 46°F/31°F/31°F/27°F.
Relative Humidity: 34%/48%/61%/78%

According to N.O.A.A. we were not supposed to have any precipitation overnight, and they did get that correct. They also predicted that the clouds would continue to dissipate, and they did that also. So, this morning we were faced with clear skies and cold temperatures. Believe it or not Ike and I did not spend very long outside, since neither one of us like to be cold for very long. The sky to the east, just along the horizon was red, and I should have gotten a photo of it, but I did not.
The N.W.S. forecasts clear skies today (0%/4%/6%/12%) with no precipitation, and I believe that.. Usually if there are going to be any clouds they will show up on the western horizon by now. On the NEXRAD regional composite radar there are no echoes at all. The Weather Underground model forecast maps are still suggesting that we will have no precipitation through Friday. They do not go out beyond that. What a stretch of great weather to help eliminate the snowpack without flooding.
My Weather Stick is smirking this morning as a result of the 72% relative humidity. I suspect it will broaden its smile as the temperature warms up and the relative humidity falls. All three of my electronic instruments currently see the barometric pressure rising. Two of them call for fair skies while the remote weather station calls for unsettled conditions. I think the latter is wrong, and we will see another gorgeous day with clear skies and temperatures approaching 50°F. As I noted last night our temperatures did dip into the mid to lower twenties (22.8°F/24.59°F/33.8°F), and that is where we start from this morning.
Low Temperature (°F): 22.8
Current Temperature (°F): 22.8
Relative Humidity (%): 72%
Dew Point (°F): 15.1
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.08
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 22.8
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Clear
Cloud Type: None
Weather Stick: Slightly Up
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:38°F/38.8°F//31°F/31.2°F//27°F/26.9°F//26°F/24.4*F
Relative Humidity: 52%/41%//66%/51%//71%/61%//84%/70%
The N.W.S. forecast the temperature even closer than the +/- 5°F that I had set as the limits. They did not do as well with the relative humidity, missing all four forecast points by more than 10%, which I had set as the limit for accuracy. So, kudos on the temperature and demerits on the relative humidity.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 31°F/43°F/55°F/54°F.
Relative Humidity: 58%/35%/19%/21%

N.O.A.A. predicted no precipitation for today and they got that right. I think they forecast more clouds than we actually had, but we did have some. Between the clouds we also had some sunshine, and the temperature did rise into the upper forties. In fact on the north side of the house it did make it a little over 50°F. Even with the wind it was a nice day.
The N.W.S. forecast no precipitation overnight, and the cloud cover forecast supports that (58%/8%/1%/1%). The NEXRAD regional composite radar also shows no precipitation in the region. The Weather Underground model forecast maps predict a fine week of weather or is that a week of fine weather. We are certainly due for that.
My Weather Stick is literally smiling so much that it is curling back on itself. All this due to the 24% relative humidity. Two of the electronic instruments forecast fair skies, while the remote weather station sees some clouds. They are all forecasting rising barometric pressure though. There were some cumulus clouds earlier, but they are all gone now. We reached our high temperature around 05:00, and it would have been even higher if the sun had been out more fully earlier. Our high temperatures were as I mentioned in the high forties and low fifties (48.0°F/51.3°F/45.0°F). I think we can expect some temperatures in the low twenties overnight, but it should warm up quickly in the morning. It will be a nice night although a little cooler than it should be. It should get better.
High Temperature (°F): 48.0
Current Temperature (°F): 31.6
Relative Humidity (%): 24%
Dew Point (°F): 15.1
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.01
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 31.6
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Cloud Cover (PM): Mostly Fair
Cloud Type: Cumulus
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:33°F/39.3°F//41°F/43.5°F//44°F/44.9°F//43°F/47.6*F
Relative Humidity: 61%/62%//46%/51%//39%/43%//35%/33%
The N.W.S. forecast the temperature and relative humidity correctly for all four points. All I can say here is great job folks. See, I do give kudos when they are earned.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 38°F/31°F/27°F/26°F.
Relative Humidity: 52%/66%/71%/84%

N.O.A.A. did predict snow showers overnight, but I did not feel that their forecast for the cloud cover supported that. It does appear that I was right, at least for Wilton, Maine. It does seem like the clouds parted, and that allowed the temperature to drop just a little below freezing, but we only had some frost overnight.
For today the N.W.S. forecasts no precipitation, but their cloud cover seems a bit high for this morning (52%/66%/55%/32%). One of the prognosticators that I heard this morning is calling for clouds to increase this afternoon. I do believe they may be mistaken. I checked the NEXRAD regional composite radar, and it does not show any echoes anywhere in the region. Further, I looked at the Weather Underground model forecast maps, which are not operating at 100%, and they do not show any storms for our area of the country at least until Thursday. There is a storm that appears to be off the coast on Thursday, and it probably will not affect us. It does look like a stretch of fantastic spring weather at least until then.
My Weather Stick is expressionless as a result of the 68% relative humidity. I think it is just expressing consternation at the overall change in the tone of the weather. All three of my electronic instruments forecast rising barometric pressure. That is good, since it portends fair weather ahead. Two of them are forecasting fair weather, while the remote weather station forecasts cloudy conditions. I think we are going to have a typical springtime sky with some cumulus clouds passing over, and some sunshine in between. It will probably be a bit windy, but it should be pleasant. I keep seeing the snowpack on the west side of the house retreating, and I begin to think about my garden. I do hope for a better year than we have had for the last three. Our low temperatures dipped just below freezing as I noted earlier (29.1°F/32.9°F/35.8°F), and that is not bad.
Low Temperature (°F): 29.1
Current Temperature (°F): 37.9
Relative Humidity (%): 68%
Dew Point (°F): 28.3
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.80
Wind Direction: Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 4.6
Wind-Chill (°F): 34.7
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Clear
Cloud Type: None
Weather Stick: Straight
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:38°F/37.5°F//32°F/33.4°F//28°F/32.7°F//26°F/29.5*F
Relative Humidity: 57%/54%//69%/66%//77%/68%//80%/73%
The N.W.S. forecast the temperature correctly (within 5*F) for the four times overnight. They did equally well for the relative humidity, forecasting it within 10% for all four of the forecast points (20:00, 23:00, 02:00 and 05:00 hours. Once again they do get kudos for their efforts.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 33°F/41°F/44°F/43°F.
Relative Humidity: 61%/46%/39%/35%

I had my doubts about the N.O.A.A. forecast this morning. From what I saw outside I could not determine where we were going to get light scattered rain showers from. The clouds were pretty well broken up, but there were still quite a few of them. With the wind averaging out of the west I had further doubts about the possibility of any showers. Indeed we did not record any rain at all today. In point of fact during the afternoon the sun made an appearance, making this a delightful day.
For tonight the N.W.S. forecasts light scattered snow showers all night long. So far I have not seen the first flake, let alone the last one. Checking the NEXRAD regional composite radar there are no echoes that would indicate any precipitation, let alone snow. Further I checked the Weather Underground model forecast maps, and they do not indicate storms overnight for our area, and if the maps are to be believed we may be in for a stretch of very nice weather through the middle of the week. Even the forecast cloud cover does not seem willing to support any precipitation overnight (58%/56+%/54%/57). I think they have missed on this one completely.
My Weather Stick is smiling at the 60% relative humidity recorded here. My Three electronic instruments are at least calling for the barometric pressure to be on the rise. The do not agree on the forecast however. The La Crosse Weather Station forecasts unsettled weather. The Min/Max Thermometer forecasts fair skies. The remote weather station forecasts cloudy conditions. I think they may all be right after a fashion. There may be some wind and clouds making things a bit unsettled, and with the clouds parting from time to time we may have some moonlight, if moon there be (and there should be). We did have high temperatures, but I am not sure about the Min/Max Thermometers recorded high (45.1°F/54.4°F/43.2°F), and that was not left over from yesterday. I think the ice built up in the area of the drier vent may be acting like a chimney and sending the warm air from that vent toward the sensor for the thermometer. I may need to move it to reduce the impact.
High Temperature (°F): 45.1
Current Temperature (°F): 35.9
Relative Humidity (%): 60%
Dew Point (°F): 23.4
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.72
Wind Direction: West Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 2.2
Wind-Chill (°F): 35.9
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Mostly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Nimbostratus
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for today.
Temperature: 38°F/40.6°F//44°F/44.0°F//47°F/42.0°F//46°F/43.1*F
Relative Humidity: 73%/65%//55%/51%//45%/42%//49%/48%
The N.W.S. forecast the temperature correctly for the four times today. They did equally well for the relative humidity forecasting it within 10% at all four of the appointed hours. This was an excellent job by the folks in Gray
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 38°F/32°F/28°F/26°F.
Relative Humidity: 57%/69%/77%/80%

While N.O.A.A. predicted that we would not fall below freezing overnight, at this location we dropped to a low of 30.0°F at my weather station west of the house. The one on the North side of the house dropped to 29.7°F, but the one in the barn remained above freezing. Hopefully the temperature will rise fast enough that the hose will remain unfrozen or at least will thaw by the time I need it to do my chores. The sky was mostly cloudy in agreement with the N.O.A.A. cloud cover forecast, but it is continuing to clear, and is currently partly cloudy. This does not agree with their forecast (87%/88%/88%/83%). It will certainly be interesting to see how the rest of the day goes.
The N.W.S. forecasts no precipitation early this morning, but light scattered showers for the rest of the day. Looking at the NEXRAD regional composite radar I do not see any echoes that would indicate that we will have any precipitation today. The Weather Underground model forecast maps do not seem to be working this morning, but from what I was able to discern we should not have any rain at all today scattered or otherwise. To my west the clouds continue to dissipate.
My Weather Stick continues to frown, but just a little in response to the 79% relative humidity. There is little agreement among my electronic instruments. My La Crosse weather station calls for foul weather with falling barometric pressure. My Min/Max Thermometer sees today as unsettled with rising barometric pressure. Finally, the remote weather station forecasts foul weather with falling barometric pressure. The three instruments recorded 30.0*F, 29.7*F and 36.3*F for the low temperatures overnight. Those temperatures are climbing quickly under the influence of the Spring Sun. I think we will have a pleasant day with further reduction in the snowpack and more crocuses coming up. Spring is definitely on the way.
Low Temperature (°F): 30.0
Current Temperature (°F): 31.8
Relative Humidity (%): 79%
Dew Point (°F): 26.0
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.58
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 31.8
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Mostly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cirrostratus
Weather Stick: Slightly Down
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature:44°F/38.8°F//40°F/35.2°F//37°F/33.4°F//35°F/31.2*F
Relative Humidity: 70%/82%//58%/89%//79%/79%//82%/79%
The N.W.S. forecast the temperature correctly for the entire overnight period. I fear they did not do as well with the relative humidity. They missed the 20:00 hour and 23:00 hour points, but were within 10% of the 02:00 and 05:00 hour points. This was not a great showing, but not a bad one either.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 44°F/40°F/37°F/35°F.
Relative Humidity: 70%/58%/79%/82%

For today N.O.A.A. predicted that we would have steady rain for the first half of the day and light scattered showers for the rest of it. Well, they did not get that one right at all. Once the rain stopped it did not start again here in Wilton, Maine. Further, by about 17:00 hours we actually did see the sun for a little while. There were still plenty of cumulus clouds around, but no rain.
The N.W.S. forecasts light scattered showers for the first half of the overnight with scattered light mixed frozen precipitation for the rest of it. They are not predicting that the temperature will fall below freezing, so I am not sure how we will get to the frozen precipitation. In addition, the NEXRAD regional composite radar indicates that the storm continues to move out of Maine, and into the Canadian Maritimes. The Weather Underground model forecast maps seem to indicate another stretch of decent weather for tomorrow and into the middle of next week. I for one do not have a problem with that. According to the N.W.S. the cloud cover is supposed to hang in there keeping us mostly cloudy (72%/76+%/80%/83%).
My Weather Stick is only frowning a little at the 76% relative humidity, and that is not too bad. All three of my electronic instruments are calling for foul weather with falling barometric pressure. I do not thing that is going to happen. I feel that the sky will continue to clear during the night leaving us with a nice day for tomorrow. We did have high temperatures in the mid to upper forties on those electronic instruments (44.9°F/48.6°F/43.9°F). Every hour above freezing is more of the snowpack that disappears.
High Temperature (°F): 44.9
Current Temperature (°F): 44.2
Relative Humidity (%): 76%
Dew Point (°F): 37.2
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.51
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 44.2
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Mostly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cumulus
Weather Stick: Slightly Down
Comparative data for today.
Temperature: 36°F/38.1°F//42°F/41.7°F//45°F/42.6°F//45°F/43.8*F
Relative Humidity: 89%/90%//73%/83%//65%/80%//65%/77%
The N.W.S. forecast the temperature correctly for the entire day. They did not do as well with the relative humidity, correctly forecasting only the first two points. Still, this was not a bad effort, just not as good as they have done recently.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 44°F/40°F/37°F/35°F.
Relative Humidity: 70%/58%/79%/82%

N.O.A.A. expected us to start with rain overnight, and they had that right. The temperature did not fall below freezing, so any precipitation that fell did so as rain not mixed frozen stuff. This morning dawned cloudy and foggy, and I slept in, rising quite late. That has delayed all my other activities for the day as you can tell from the time that this is posted. I will endeavor to do better tonight and tomorrow.
For today the N.W.S. forecast rain through noon and then light scattered showers for the rest of the day. I think they did not predict that one right since the rain appears to have stopped, but the clouds do remain in place and threatening. The NEXRAD regional composite radar indicates that the storm system is already departing Eastern Maine. The Weather Underground model forecast maps also indicate that the skies should be starting to clear, and we may even get a few peeks at the sun before the day is over. That would indeed be a nice change.
My Weather Stick is frowning, and with 89% relative humidity that is no surprise. All three of my electronic instruments still indicate foul weather with falling barometric pressure. That pressure is continuing to fall, and is currently at 29.54 in Hg. The Cloud Cover has also remained in place (100%/100%/100%/98%) making it quite dismal. I am not sure if the clouds will actually break before the end of the afternoon, but based on the NEXRAD radar and model forecast maps I think we can have some hope that it will happen. Our low temperatures remained above freezing overnight, so I may have gotten away with leaving my hose out and charged overnight. When I can do that regularly spring has really arrived. We live in hope.
Low Temperature (°F): 34.3
Current Temperature (°F): 39.9
Relative Humidity (%): 89%
Dew Point (°F): 36.9
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.60
Wind Direction: East Southeast
Wind Speed (mph): 2.4
Wind-Chill (°F): 39.9
Precipitation (Type): Rain
Amount (Inches): 0.35
Cloud Cover (AM): Overcast
Cloud Type: Stratus
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature: 44°F/38.1°F//40°F/36.5°F//37°F/35.4°F//35°F/34.7*F
Relative Humidity: 41%/76%//62%/84%//66%/86%//85%/88%
The N.W.S. forecast the temperature incorrectly only at 20:00 hours last night, and that was only one degree outside the limit. They did not do nearly as well with the relative humidity, missing all but the 05:00 hour forecast. I suspect that was due to the incursion of some fog along with the rain that we had overnight, which the N.W.S. did not expect.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 36°F/42°F/45°F/45°F.
Relative Humidity: 89%/73%/65%/65%

According to N.O.A.A. we were not supposed to have any rain prior to noon, with the possibility of light scattered rain showers during the afternoon. We did have exactly that. The clouds moved over us, and there were some light scattered showers during the afternoon. Despite the rain the temperatures did reach into the fifties, making it a relatively pleasant day. I was even able to get some errands done including my grain purchase and delivery. Now, I just need to get it into the bins in the barn.
For the overnight the N.W.S. forecasts rain for the first half of the night with light scattered mixed frozen precipitation after midnight. The NEXRAD regional composite radar shows a significant storm moving into the area with all kinds of pretty colors delineating the precipitation types that we can expect. Most of it appears to be rain, but at the northern edge of the storm they are predicting some frozen precipitation. The Weather Underground model forecast maps show the storm over us today and tomorrow, but it is expected to be gone sometime Sunday afternoon.
My Weather Stick frowns at the 84% relative humidity. Actually, when I first started taking the data for this report my Weather Stick was smiling broadly at 43% relative humidity. How quickly things changed in 6 hours. All three of my electronic instruments currently forecast foul weather with falling barometric pressure. We have had some rain, and there is more threatening. Our high temperatures today did reach into the fifties, with the exception of the inside of the barn (53.9°F/54.5°F/48.0°F). Every day now I see the snowpack disappearing, and that is appropriate.
High Temperature (°F): 53.9
Current Temperature (°F): 36.3
Relative Humidity (%): 84%
Dew Point (°F): 31.8
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.87
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 36.3
Precipitation (Type): Rain
Amount (Inches): 0.04
Cloud Cover (AM): Cloud Cover (PM): Overcast
Cloud Type: Stratus
Weather Stick: Down
Comparative data for today.
Temperature: 37°F/41.1°F//45°F/45.8°F//49°F/53.2°F//48°F/47.1*F
Relative Humidity: 56%/60%//41%/49%//47%/37%//53%/43%
The N.W.S. forecast the temperature and relative humidity correctly all day. This was another excellent job well done.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 44°F/40°F/37°F/35°F.
Relative Humidity: 41%/62%/66%/85%

The Ground Is Growing Up Through The Snow
Overnight N.O.A.A. predicted no precipitation, but they did forecast the temperature to drop below freezing again. From the look of the ditch above the snow continued to melt, and we now have a significant portion of it devoid of snow. The next photo does show that the Crocuses have decided it is spring, and are ready to burst into full bloom. We may yet have some more snow, if the forecast from the TV prognosticators is right about the impending storm. There will be rain at least, although it will be a cold, dank and miserable weekend.

The Flowers Know When It Is Spring
The N.W.S. is forecasting our day to start out with no precipitation, but light scattered showers are expected to move in after noon. The NEXRAD regional composite rater is showing a significant storm system headed in our direction, and it is already at the Vermont/New York border. The sky that was mostly cloudy early is becoming more overcast as the morning wears on. The Weather Underground model forecast maps currently indicate that this system may be starting to move out of here sometime late Sunday afternoon. That is better than the Monday end predicted yesterday.
My Weather Stick has recorded the 65% relative humidity by smirking. The La Crosse Weather Station forecasts unsettled weather with rising barometric pressure. The Min/Max Thermometer sees it as a fair day with rising barometric pressure. Finally the remote weather station sensor in the barn is calling for cloudy conditions with steady barometric pressure. With the clouds moving in as fast as they are I expect to see some rain before nightfall. I also expect to see more snow disappear. I also believe in wizards, dragons and other mythical creatures. The snow will be gone eventually, and I expect that to occur before our summer on the fourth of July. We had low temperatures that stayed above freezing (33.0°F/32.4°F/40.5°F) and that is another good thing.
Low Temperature (°F): 33
Current Temperature (°F): 38.1
Relative Humidity (%): 65%
Dew Point (°F): 27.5
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.07
Wind Direction: North
Wind Speed (mph): 0.6
Wind-Chill (°F): 38.1
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Partly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cirrus
Weather Stick: Slightly Up
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature: 45°F/42.6°F//38°F/39.0°F//33°F/36.6°F//30°F/34.3*F
Relative Humidity: 47%/54%//57%/62%//66%/63%//72%/67%
The N.W.S. forecast the temperature and relative humidity correctly all night. This was another excellent job well done.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 37°F/45°F/49°F/48°F.
Relative Humidity: 56%/41%/47%/53%

Today N.O.A.A. forecast no precipitation, and they had that right. They also predicted that there would be some clouds moving in, and indeed late this afternoon we did have some cumulus clouds moving through the area. It was still warm with temperatures in the upper fifties. There actually was some water in the ditch in front of my garden and along the road. There is also a section of the ditch that has no snow. It is the first time I have seen ground there since December. This has certainly been a long winter, and if all the forecasts are right we are not rid of it yet.
The N.W.S. is still calling for no precipitation overnight and the cloud cover to remain quite low (20%/11%/17%/26%). There is a storm system at the western edge of the NEXRAD regional composite radar that appears to be moving in our direction. According to the Weather Underground model forecast maps that rain is going to take its own sweet time getting here. It should not be her until sometime late tomorrow night. The bad thing is that the longer it takes to get here the longer it will stick around. The current forecast maps indicate that it will be here through the weekend, and into next week.
My Weather Stick is smiling at the 61% relative humidity. All three of the electronic instruments indicate that the barometric pressure is rising. They do indicate on two of them that we are in for some unsettled weather. The remote weather station indicates a cloudy forecast. I think a period of foul weather is on its way for us, and it will arrive late tomorrow night. We had some decent temperatures today (57.7°F/61.9°F/53.1°F) and they are helping to get rid of the snow that we have been dealing with for four and a half months. Maybe tomorrow morning I can get a picture of some crocuses that I understand are finally blooming. That remains to be seen.
High Temperature (°F): 57.7
Current Temperature (°F): 39.3
Relative Humidity (%): 61%
Dew Point (°F): 26.9
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.08
Wind Direction: East
Wind Speed (mph): 2.6
Wind-Chill (°F): 39.3
Precipitation (Type): Dry
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Partly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cumulus
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for today.
Temperature: 38°F/39.5°F//45°F/52.3°F//52°F/56.3°F//50°F/51.8*F
Relative Humidity: 76%/79%//58%/49%//44%/39%//44%/43%
The N.W.S. forecast the temperature incorrectly for only the 11:00 hour period. They did have all four relative humidity forecasts correct for today. That was a pretty good job.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 45°F/38°F/33°F/30°F.
Relative Humidity: 47%/57%/66%/72%

When I took Ike out for his morning constitutional there was no fog, but by the time I fixed my breakfast and got up here to start this report the fog had developed. This should help to eat the snow as it usually does. N.O.A.A. had predicted some light scattered rain showers overnight, but I did not see any accumulation in my rain gauge overnight. For the first time in a long time the puddles (from yesterday) did not freeze over during the night. Between 05:00 and 16:30 the temperature did drop just below freezing at my Weather Station just west of the house, but it did not do so at the Min/Max sending unit or in the barn.
The N.W.S. forecasts no precipitation for today, although they do indicate that there will be variable cloudiness (59%/58%/33%/35%). The front that was on our doorstep last night has moved out of Eastern Maine this morning leaving us with clear skies. At least that is what the NEXRAD regional composite radar shows. The Weather Underground model forecast maps indicate a shift in the weather coming at us. Yesterday they predicted that Friday would not be a good day, yet today they show that the system has slowed considerably. Now they predict that it will arrive late Friday night or early Saturday morning. They are still calling for some significant rain though out of this system. We will need to wait to see if more changes are forthcoming.
My Weather Stick is only frowning a little in response to the 80% relative humidity. I would expect more expression with that much humidity. All three of my electronic instruments currently forecast foul weather with falling barometric pressure. The pressure has fallen, but I do not yet see the storm clouds gathering yet. They also recorded low temperatures of 31.2°F, 32.4°F and 40.5°F. We seem to be getting closer to having overnight low temperatures that are above freezing. Since we are approaching the middle of April that certainly is in order. I think we are finally going to see the temperatures continue to moderate today, but I do not hold out much hope for a nice weekend. It should not be long before I can get out to do some open water fishing. It is time!!
Low Temperature (°F): 31.2
Current Temperature (°F): 31.6
Relative Humidity (%): 82%
Dew Point (°F): 26.8
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 29.98
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 31.6
Precipitation (Type): Dry
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Clear
Cloud Type: None
Weather Stick: Slightly Down
Comparative data for the overnight
Temperature: 48°F/41.5°F//42°F/36.8°F//37°F/36.5°F//34°F/33.6*F
Relative Humidity: 42%/52%//55%/71%//70%/75%//87%/80%
The N.W.S. forecast the temperature incorrectly for the first half of the overnight. That was, I suspect, due to the presence of some clouds, because after they passed the radiational cooling kicked in and caught up with the forecast temperatures. They did a little better with the relative humidity, missing only the 23:00 hour forecast. Not a bad job, but not a great one either.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 38°F/45°F/52°F/50°F.
Relative Humidity: 76%/58%/44%/44%

I am so glad that I had some errands to run today. It forced me to get outside to enjoy this gorgeous spring day. N.O.A.A. forecast no precipitation, but cloud cover moving in and they were right on both counts. The temperature actually reached 60°F during the afternoon, and that is the first time since last fall that we reached that level. I was also able to work with Ike on his training table toward next fall's hunting season.
For the overnight the N.W.S. predicts that we will start out with no precipitation, but some light scattered rain will move in after midnight. There are some showers that might be headed our way in association with a frontal system that is showing up on the Weather Underground model forecast maps and the NEXRAD regional composite radar. The projected cloud cover agrees with that forecast (30%/79%/98%/93%).
My Weather Stick is smiling at the 60% relative humidity. All three of my electronic instruments call for falling barometric pressure. Two of them are forecasting foul weather while the remote weather station sees only cloudy conditions. We had high temperatures of 60.6°F, 54.7°F and 54.1°F today. With the pressure falling and the N.W.S. predicting as it is I think that we may see a scattered shower overnight, but we will just have to wait and see what happens there.
High Temperature (°F): 60.6
Current Temperature (°F): 39.7
Relative Humidity (%): 60%
Dew Point (°F): 27.0
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.13
Wind Direction: West Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 2.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 39.7
Precipitation (Type): Dry
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Mostly Cloudy
Cloud Type: Cirrostratus
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for today.
Temperature: 34°F/33.8°F//46°F/47.8°F//57°F/55.0°F//53°F/57.9*F
Relative Humidity: 66%/68%//43%/45%//29%/34%//35%/30%
The N.W.S. forecast the temperature and relative humidity correctly for all four times today. There just is nothing more to say about that, other than "Great Job".
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 48°F/42°F/37°F/34°F.
Relative Humidity: 42%/55%/70%/87%

N.O.A.A. predicted no precipitation for the overnight, but I think their estimate of the cloud cover was a bit high. The only cloud I saw this morning was on jet contrail on the eastern horizon. It was cool this morning when I took Ike out, but not unpleasant. The snow is currently gone from the ground over the septic tank. There are areas in the ditch in front of the house where the snow is gone. They are small areas, and there is still a lot of snow on my pasture, but the spring sun is definitely working on the snow. At my snow gauge there is only 5" of snow left on the ground. Obviously there is more where it either drifted or was snow blown off the driveway. The ruts in my driveway tell me that mud season is upon us.
The N.W.S. is again predicting no precipitation and temperatures climbing to within a couple of degrees of 60°F. The cloud cover is supposed to gradually increase through the day (36%/42%/48%/56%) in preparation for some showers tomorrow. There is a front at the edge of the NEXRAD regional composite radar that has some of those showers that are threatened for tomorrow. The Weather Underground model forecast maps indicate that we will have some showers tomorrow and more significant precipitation on Friday into Saturday. Right now it is not certain if it will be wt or white. That tale is yet to be told.
My Weather Stick is smiling at the 72% relative humidity. All three of my electronic instruments call for the barometric pressure to fall, and indeed it is moving down. Two of them call for foul weather, while the remote weather station sees it as unsettled weather. I do not think we will see any precipitation today, and I am not exactly sure when it will start tonight or tomorrow. With that precipitation it may not go below freezing overnight as it did last night (25.8°F/27.0°F/35.4.7°F). I guess we can finally say that we are on the doorstep of meteorological spring. It cannot come too soon for me at this point.
Low Temperature (°F): 25.8
Current Temperature (°F): 26.6
Relative Humidity (%): 72%
Dew Point (°F): 18.5
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.30
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 26.6
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Clear
Cloud Type: None
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature: 44°F/42.0°F//35°F/35.7°F//28°F/28.9°F//24°F/26.0*F
Relative Humidity: 41%/38%//51%/49%//71%/61%//87%/72%
The N.W.S. forecast the temperature correctly for all four times overnight. They only missed the relative humidity at 05:00 hours. All in all a pretty good record for the overnight, compared with other periods during the past week.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 34°F/46°F/57°F/53°F.
Relative Humidity: 66%/43%/29%/35%

Temperatures in the mid-fifties, nearly clear skies and light winds, who could ask for more to entice me to get outside and pick up with my training of Ike for his role as an obedient hunting dog. I know I could not ask for more. So as N.O.A.A. predicted the temperatures warmed up to springlike levels, and we did not have any precipitation. I was able to walk outside without the fear of getting wet or freezing, and Ike actually remembered some of his training. I think he will do all right.
For tonight it appears that we will have no precipitation again according to the N.W.S. The projected cloud cover, as well as what I see, would certainly support that (39%/46%/43%/45%). There was one small echo on the NEXRAD regional composite radar exiting the state from the crown of Maine. The Weather Underground model forecast maps currently indicate that we may have some showers on Thursday morning, with a more serious storm arriving on Saturday to wet us down.
My Weather Stick responds to the 47% relative humidity by smiling more broadly than I have seen it smile since last autumn. My electronic instruments do not seem to be so agreeable. They all call far falling barometric pressure this evening. The La Crosse Weather Station and remote weather station call for unsettled conditions. The Min/Max Thermometer calls for foul weather. Just because they respond to the movement of the barometric pressure does not always make them right. The pressure may be falling a bit, but the air mass is still part of a high pressure system, and that is the important part. I do not think wit will rain, and I further do not think that the cloud cover will be as extensive as the N.W.S. predicts. We did have some very nice high temperatures today
(55.7°F/52.2°F/41.9°F), and that is helping to destroy the snowpack.
High Temperature (°F): 55.7
Current Temperature (°F): 37.4
Relative Humidity (%): 47%
Dew Point (°F): 18.9
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.37
Wind Direction: West Southwest
Wind Speed (mph): 4.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 35.8
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Clear
Cloud Type: None
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for today.
Temperature:29°F/28.7°F//48°F/46.2°F//56°F/53.6°F//56°F/53.7*F
Relative Humidity: 66%/76%//34%/43%//26%/34%//27%/31%
The N.W.S. forecast the temperature and relative humidity correctly for all four times today. The temperatures were very close, and the relative humidity forecasts were within 10%. That was an excellent job of prognostication.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 44°F/35°F/28°F/24°F.
Relative Humidity: 41%/51%/71%/87%

N.O.A.A. suggested, as did I, that we would have no precipitation overnight. We both got that one right. We still had some cirrus clouds on the Eastern horizon, but they do seem to be moving out of the area. The temperatures did respond to the radiational cooling by dropping back into the low twenties. The cloud cover was higher than the 6% forecast. I would guess it was closer to the 32% forecast for early this morning.
The N.W.S. forecasts no precipitation today, but a heavier cloud cover than yesterday evening (32%/24%/15%/20%). I did note on the NEXRAD regional composite radar that there are some echoes for light scattered mixed precipitation around the area. I am not sure if that is ground clutter or real, but they are there. I have not seen any of them, so I suspect ground clutter. The Weather Underground model forecast maps currently show some possibility of showers on Thursday, but a more significant storm moving our way for the weekend. I am still glad I live on top of a hill. If the snow continues to melt at the prodigious rate, and we get a significant rainstorm over the weekend we could have some problems. If I have a "flooding problem" there will be a lot more folks that will have a much worse problem. We have a generator, and we live on top of a hill, so I do not see anything more than a little water in my dirt basement, and that happens every year around this time. Mud season has started, so there are areas of the driveway that cannot be used. Further, we do not go off the packed portion of the driveway unless we want to get stuck in the mud. That also happens every year. The only place that remained above freezing was in the barn (Low Temps: 20.83°F/22.9°F/32.7°F).
My Weather Stick is expressionless due to the 79% relative humidity. Confusion still reigns among my electronic instruments with the La Crosse Weather Station calls for fair skies with rising barometric pressure, the Min/Max Thermometer says foul weather with falling barometric pressure and the remote weather station sees cloudy conditions with steady barometric pressure. I have to disagree with the two latter instruments and go with the La Crosse Weather station based on what I see outside. I think we will have a nice spring day with more of the snowpack going away and the temperatures getting well into the fifties.
Low Temperature (°F): 20.8
Current Temperature (°F): 25.8
Relative Humidity (%): 79%
Dew Point (°F): 20.2
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.46
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 25.8
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (AM): Partly Fair
Comparative data for the overnight.
Temperature: 42°F/39.7°F//34°F/30.3°F//29°F/24.4°F//25°F/22.2*F
Relative Humidity: 41%/42%//51%/56%//63%/68%//68%/76%
The N.W.S. forecast the temperature correctly for all four times overnight. They were also within 10% for all four time for the relative humidity. This was an excellent job of prognostication.
Forecast data for today.
Temperature: 29°F/48°F/56°F/56°F.
Relative Humidity: 66%/34%/26%/27%

N.O.A.A. forecast no precipitation today, and they had that right, as well as the very low cloud cover. This allowed the sun to exert its effect on the snow. It is now possible to see to the bottom of the ditch alongside the road. I have noticed that there is a great deal of sand there, a testament to the number of storms and the amount of snow we have had this winter. To say the least we have had a lot, and we may not be out of the woods yet.
For tonight the N.W.S. again forecasts no precipitation and very low cloud cover (0%/0%/0%/6%). There are no echoes on the NEXRAD regional composite radar, so no storms. The Weather Underground model forecast maps still show no storms headed toward us until at least Thursday evening. Friday may be a different story.
My Weather Stick sees the 51% relative humidity and smiles broadly. My electronic instruments do not see things in concert. The La Crosse Weather Station calls for fair skies with rising barometric pressure. The Min/Max Thermometer forecasts foul weather with falling barometric pressure. My remote weather station sees unsettled weather with falling barometric pressure. If this leaves you confused, what do you think it does to me. The barometric pressure is the same as it was this morning, so I will suggest, with the clear skies outside right now, that we will not see any storms overnight, and the sky will remain relatively clear. Temperatures will probably dip back into the twenties, so drain the hose if you use an outside hose to fill animal buckets. It may be a while before we can leave it charged without fear of having a column of ice from the sillcock to the nozzle. The high temperatures are becoming promising at 50.1°F, 47.7°F and 44.1°F.
High Temperature (°F): 50.1
Current Temperature (°F): 32.5
Relative Humidity (%): 51%
Dew Point (°F): 16.3
Heat Index (°F): N/A
Barometric Pressure (in Hg): 30.49
Wind Direction: Calm
Wind Speed (mph): 0.0
Wind-Chill (°F): 32.5
Precipitation (Type): None
Amount (Inches): 0.00
Cloud Cover (PM): Clear
Cloud Type: None
Weather Stick: Up
Comparative data for today. Temperature: 31°F/33.6°F//46°F/42.0°F//53°F/49.2°F//52°F/49.2*F
Relative Humidity: 85%/88%//45%/59%//33%/38%//35%/35%
The N.W.S. forecast the temperature correctly for all four times today. They only missed the 11:00 hour forecast for the relative humidity. Once again, they have done a little better than they have been with their forecasting.
Forecast data for the overnight.
Temperature: 42°F/34°F/29°F/25°F.
Relative Humidity: 41%/51%/63%/68%

According to N.O.A.A. we were not supposed to have any precipitation overnight, and indeed that was the case. The sky was virtually clear as shown below. I discounted those few clouds since they were moving out of the area. Looking out my west window there are a few cirrus clouds that were not obvious at 05:30 hours when I took Ike out for his morning constitutional. The temperature is still starting out in the mid-twenties (26.2°F/27.0°F/34.0°F), and that should be good for the producers of maple syrup. We did have a red sky this morning, and that usually means that we are in for some foul weather, as do the mares' tails and mackerel scales seen in the west.

Supposed to be a nice day/Red sky says otherwise! The N.W.S. forecasts a couple of clear days in our future. The cloud cover is supposed to dissipate right down to nothing (26%/13%/0%/0%). If that is to be the case we should have a beautiful spring day, and see a large part of our snowpack disappear. Right now the Weather Underground model forecast maps do not see any storms on our horizon until at least Thursday, and maybe beyond. This may be the longest string of nice weather we have had since the first of the year. Hooray!!
My Weather Stick id frowning at the 88% relative humidity. My La Crosse Weather Station forecasts fair skies with rising barometric pressure. The Min/Max Thermometer seems to indicate unsettled weather with falling barometric pressure. Finally the remote weather station forecasts fair skies with rising barometric pressure. That is a switch since it usually is th