Checking the climatological calendar, we have reached what is typically the coldest part of the winter season in North Central Wisconsin (mid-January through the early part of February). Just about on cue, the first invasion of truly frigid air settled in across not only the Wisconsin River Valley but much of the Midwest and Northeast. This go around temperatures only topped out locally in the single digits just above to about 5 degrees below zero Tuesday through Friday. The most brutal part where the mornings when readings tumbled as far the the mid 20s to around 30 below. Add to that some brisk winds at times and wind chills reached the -30 to -40 degree range. Frost bite in less than a half hour was the result on exposed skin.

These frosty conditions certainly come with the territory during the winter months in Wisconsin, but for me it just makes those warm late spring and summer days more enticing. Ahh, green grass, pleasant breezes and severe storms...only 5 more months to go :-) In the meantime, I'll look forward to those balmy winter days in the 20s and 30s.

Speaking of milder times, the Presidential Inauguration is this coming Tuesday in Washington DC. As you know, the swearing in of the new President and Vice President is held outdoors on a huge stage near the Capitol Building, and of course thousands, if not millions of people are also on hand to take in this historical day. How will the weather be for those attending the events in our nation's capitol?  The latest look at the weather details shows that skies will be partly to mostly cloudy and chilly.  Temperatures at midday of the swearing in of President Obama will be in the mid 20s with highs for the day in DC only hitting the upper 20s. So if you've got plans to be there, it looks like a safe bet you'd need the winter coat and related accessories. At least there isn't any precipitation expected to dampen the celebration.