February Thaw
Water pours off the ice on the weather lab roof Tuesday.
You could almost taste spring in the air today. Almost.
A bright and powerful February sun combined with a dry air mass and good mixing breeze to boost temperatures today. The warmest readings are in eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Thermometers shot up to 36 degrees at several locations including Duluth Harbor, Princeton and Blaine.
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This is good weather for melting ice from sidewalks and roads in the state. It's also excellent weather for ice dams and icicles. Check out the impressive 3" to 4" ice dam on the weather lab roof today.
Ice dam grips the weather lab gutter. No roof leaks...yet.
The weather lab yardstick measures a solid 20" of snow on the ground in the west metro today. In the 6 years at the current Huttner weather lab, this is the deepest snow cover so far. It's amazing to see the sun dial, a goodbye gift from my former colleagues at WGN TV in Chicago, nearly buried in snow. I think "ice dial" might be a better name these days.
"Ice dial" at the Huttner Weather Lab nearly buried in snow.
Our fair weather pattern will hold this week. Look for plenty of sun, less wind and afternoon highs in the low 30s through Thursday. It's going to feel mighty nice out there the next few days.
Enjoy the finest that late winter has to offer in Minnesota!
PH