It appeared there would be a some sort of thaw for our area this winter season and Tuesday looks like the first bit of one. The biggest question with our weather on Tuesday was how warm it would be. Sure enough the second scenario with mainly cloudy conditions resulted thanks to low pressure to our northwest, keeping the sky gray from roughly Wisconsin Rapids onto the northeast.  Those of you in Arkdale, Necedah, Wautoma and even Clintonville saw more in the way of sunshine and temperatures that were higher.  Record highs of 54 in Madison and 59 in Milwaukee were set, along with one record locally in Merrill where the mercury inched to 45, eclipsing the previous mark by a degree.

In case you are wondering my forecast was for partly sunny conditions from Wausau on south with the clouds lingering in the Northwoods, and highs in the low 40s north, mid 40s around Wausau and upper 40s to the south. Overall, I wasn't off by too much with our temperatures, although the cloud line stayed about 40 miles farther south than I was hoping.  Nevertheless, here's a breakdown of our actual highs along with what the records were.

                City                 Actual High       Record High (Year)
Wausau                  44                      47 (1977)
Stevens Pt.            46                      47 (1903)
Merrill                     45 (Rec'd)         44 (1999)
Antigo                     41                      46 (1918)
Marshfield              44                      48 (1999)
Rhinelander           44                      52 (1977)
Wis. Rapids            47                      55 (1977)

Meanwhile, Wednesday has come into better focus.  I does look promising that low pressure will track from the southern plains into central lower Michigan by Wednesday evening and spread some rain/snow as far north and west as southeast Wisconsin.  However, we will not stay completely dry, with a chance of flurries or snow showers.  Not really too much in the way of accumulation, which those wanting to get back on the snow mobile trails from Wausau on south won't be thrilled about.  Nevertheless, the melting that we experienced from Monday into Tuesday evening will slow down, keeping any potential for flooding to a minimum.

Following all of this, seasonal temperatures will return to the area with highs in the 20s and relatively dry conditions heading into the Valentines Day holiday.

Next week is when the big Digital Transition will finally take place! I'll talk more about our awesome 24/7 weather channel and how we make use of it during severe and other inclement weather.