We have just passed the mid point of November and having resided in North Central Wisconsin for the past 6 years now, seeing the mercury climb above the 50 degree mark is about to become few and far between.  This go around could be a minor exception as readings Monday afternoon got close to 50 and could climb has high as the lower 50s on Tuesday.  Beyond that point, it appears 40s will be the best we can muster for the rest of the week.  Considering the average highs are just under 40, that would make sense.  Before I get too far ahead of myself, this fall has featured some ups and downs.  September had nearly 2 weeks straight of sunshine and warm conditions , ending up 3 degrees above average and the driest on record in Wausau.  October then was almost the exact opposite with plenty of damp and cool days, leading to the 8th coolest & wettest we had in Central Wisconsin.  So it seems almost ironic that through November 15th, the average temps in Wausau are over 5.5 degrees on the mild side and precipitation has been scarce.  Only a couple hundredths altogether in the rain gauge.  October weather in November.

There are a lot of factors that have gone into the roller coaster ride of temperatures from September through now, including the positioning of the jet stream, the intensification of El Nino in the western Pacific, and slow moving highs or lows that have set up shop near the western Great Lakes.  Is this bumpy road going to continue through the winter?  Only time will tell, but I still believe that the forthcoming cold weather months will feature some mild periods, and a bit less snow than we have experienced in the past few winters.  Either way, next week the holiday travel season gets into full swing, and I'll try to break down what weather factors are on the horizon that could impact you.