SPRING STORM SPOTTER TRAINING SCHEDULE

The National Weather Service offices in and around Wisconsin have announced their Skywarn Spotter training schedules for 2008.

Skywarn spotters are referred to as the "eyes and ears" of the National Weather Service (NWS), in that before and during severe weather events the spotters are deployed across the area to watch and listen
for the signs and actual occurrence of severe thunderstorms, including damaging winds, large hail, tornadoes, dangerous lightning, and heavy rain. Such weather conditions certainly are dangerous and can be life-threatening, which is why the NWS conducts training for the spotters.

Anyone can be a spotter, as long as the idea of being "out" in potential or actual severe weather situations is acceptible.

To find out about the spotter training schedule for your area, follow this guide:

If you live in Vilas, Oneida, Forest, Lincoln, Langlade, Marathon, Shawano, Menominee, Wood, Portage, Waupaca, or Waushara Counties, go to the website of the NWS office in Green Bay:
www.weather.gov/grb/?n=spotterschedule

If you live in Taylor, Clark, Juneau, and Adams Counties, go to the website of the NWS office in La Crosse:
www.weather.gov/arx/?n=skywarn

If you live in Price County, go to the webiste of the NWS office in Duluth:
www.weather.gov/dlh/?n=skywarn2008

Can you hear lightning?

Congratulations Mike on being named "BEST WEATHERCAST" fOR 2007. You do a great job. Keep it up.

Hello Mr. Bruenling, so do you think we will EVER get a summer? and if so how much longer do we have to wait? april showers bring may flowers. but hello! its still snowing outside! :(
thanks, amanda lang

Dear

MIke, WE JUST DO NOT LIKE YOUR WEATHER FORCASTS AT ALL. COULD YOU PLEASE JUST NOT GIVE ANY WEATHER FORCAST UNTIL IT SAYS IT WILL BE 80 AND SUNNY, NOT A CLOUD IN THE SKY, A LIGHT BREEZE AND NO END TO THIS WEATHER IN SIGHT. IF YOU CANT GIVE US WEATHER LIKE THIS, COULD YOU JUST NOT SAY ANYTHING OR GET UP AND LIE THROUGH YOUR TEETH. MAYBE YOU COULD WEAR SHORTS, A TANK TOP, FLIP FLOPS AND SUNGLASSES, AND HAVE SUNLAMPS NEAR BY, AND FAKE GRASS AND FLOWERS. WE WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE THIS. IN OTHERWORDS, FOLLOW THE OLD RULE...IF YOU CANT SAY ANYTHING NICE, DONT SAY ANYTHING AT ALL, OR BE LIKE A POLITITIAN AND JUST TELL ME WHAT I WANT TO HEAR. THanks...long time viewers...LENORE AND ESTHER

i'm a new storm spotter and am attending a class this spring but was wondering how to join a spotter network if i won't be using a ham radio and will be using my cell to call the hotline directly

congratulations on the "Best Weathercast" You sure do deserve it. The whole channel 7 deserves an award for personality! keep up the great work!!Esther from medford

Where can I find out more information related to the trip you and your wife are going to take to Banff national Park via the railroad system? Is there a link?

We have brochures for the trip at the front entrance to the station, or you can call Holiday Vacations direct at 800-826-2266. Request information for the "Railroading in the Rockies" trip August 9-18 with WSAW-TV.

Mike,
Enjoy uour forecasts, however it's FEWER clouds not less clouds.

A fan in Irma

Thank you!

Is there any way to tell where the particulate matter in the air here originates?

I think your best chance for getting an answer to this question is to contact the Wisconsin DNR... I'm not sure if the National Weather Service could help here, but you might try contacting the office in Green Bay...920-494-5845.

Thanks for the great job that you are doing. I think that a severe weather report is more inportant than anything else on TV. People that complain about your updates must not realize what Mother Nature can do in a quick hurry. Thanks again. Larry Salzwedel

I appreciate your comments Larry...we always do try to balance how much we use our various technologies to bring the weather updates to air, but our goal is to provide the most information for the least amount of interruption...

I have been trying to analyze this past winter, which has been one of the most severe winters in a long time.

Another point is that we have had larger snowfalls and colder temperatures. After all we did not have any 20 inch blizzards or -25 or -35 temperatures. However, I do not think I have seen a winter where cold and snowy weather was so persistant with few breaks.
Mike Fountain

Thanks Mike...it just may be that our more strenuous winters will be linked to La Nina occurrences, but I think more time will be needed to make that determination...

Mike Could you please tell me how many inches of total snowfall Adams county has recieved for this season to date? Thanks Cindy

Good question Cindy...the best way for you to get the answer you desire is to either contact the National Weather Service is La Crosse
at 608-784-8275, or try the State Climatology Office in Madison, via email at stclim@aos.wisc.edu

Mike - any long range weather predictions as to what kind of summer we can expect ?. Hopefully all our snow will be gone before NEXT winter starts ! .............

Thanks for the inquiry... there are long-range forecasts available from a variety of sources...I prefer to consult those from the "Climate Prediction Center" (CPC-a part of the National Weather Service).
The current CPC forecast for the period June-August puts Wisconsin in an area with an equal chance of below, at, or above-average temperatures; and with below-average precipitation.
You can access these and other products on the CPC website
via www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/

I'm hoping you can help me, even though I live in Southcentral Wisconsin.

Thank you,
Interested Reader

Hello interested...
I appreciate how the weather can affect your physical situation.
The best source for the weather information you have requested is
the Wisconsin State Climmtology Office in Madison:
1225 West Dayton Street
Madison, 53706-1695
stclim@aos.wisc.edu (email-prefered contact)
608-263-7679 (phone)

WHERE TO FIND LOCAL WEATHER INFORMATION

I want to devote this blog to review where you can find local weather information on our main weather webpage...

Of course by now you know the main weather page on our webchannel (www.wsaw.com/weather) provides access to plenty of local weather updates, including the Detailed Forecast, which includes the updated forecast for the area, snowfall updates for central and northern Wisconsin during and after winter storms, as well as all advisories, watches, and warnings in effect for the NewsChannel 7 broadcast area; access to radar images for the individual counties across the area through the exclusive My Local Titan link; and streaming video updates which allow you to watch and listen to our reports.

There is also plenty of other interesting and relevant weather information available on the page. Here's a quick review of the what and where:
...the Hourly Observations link in the "Additional Forecast Info." box provides an update of the latest hourly weather observations for our area and the rest of the state.
...the Daily Almanac link in the "Weather Features" box provides a review of the previous and current day's weather statistics for Wausau, including seasonal and yearly precipitation updates.
...the Wausau Weather Records link in the same box provides a month-by-month review of the monthly temperatures and precipiation for the current year, precipitation totals for previous years, and how to access this information for other locales in our area.
...the Weather Links link also in the "Weather Features" box provides a list of many other sources of current, forecast and climate-related weather information.
... as mentioned above, snow totals for our area during and after significant snow storms will be listed in the Detailed Forecast section on the main weather page.
...the Winter Weather Info. box contains links to plenty of winter weather information and safety tips, including Winter Road Conditions reports updated by the Wisconsin D.O.T.; the revised National Weather Service Wind Chill Chart which shows the wind chill values for given air temperatures and winds; the weekly Wisconsin Dept. of Tourism statewide snow conditions reports via the link.
...although the thunderstorm and torndao season seems a long way away, be sure to check the information and safety tips for these dangerous weather conditions in the Severe Weather Info. box.

Finally, with the vigorous winter season we have experienced this year, there have been numerous requests for updated snow information for locales across the area. The best way to get this information is to go directly to the website of the National Weather Service (NWS) office that has jurisdiction for the area...
...the NWS office in Green Bay will have data for Vilas, Oneida, Forest, Lincoln, Langlade, Marathon, Shawano, Menominee, Wood, Portage, Waupaca, and Waushara Counties via the website www.weather.gov/grb
...the NWS office in La Crosse will have data for Taylor, CLark, Juneau, and Adams Counties via the website www.weather.gov/arx
...the NWS office in Duluth will have data for northwestern Wisconsin via the website www.weather.gov/dlh
From the main page on each website, look down the left-hand column and choose the Local link under the "Climate" header... on the next page, click-on the NOWData tab... on the next page choose the locale and type of information format of your choice.

If you still need additional historical information, try the website for the State Climatology Office in Madison: www.aos.wisc.edu/~sco

**WINTER SEASON SNOW UPDATES**
Here is information on winter season snow for locales in our area. The information is from the National Weather Service and the State Climatology Office. PLEASE NOTE: The convention is to consider the "seasonal snowfall" as that which occurs from the calendar period July 1 through June 30. I will complete the chart as data is made available...The 2007-08 Totals listed are valid through March 6...

Location---Avg. Snowfall---Record Snowfall---2007-08 Total
Wausau..............58.6"..........103.8"(1908-09).........61.6"
Marshfield...........49.8"...........88.5"(1961-62)..........68.0"
Stevens Point......44.5"...........79.5"(1921-22)..........65.1"
Wisc. Rapids.......46.6"............80"(1976-77)............61.1"
Merrill...................55.4"...........98.8"(1921-22)..........44.3" (through 2/29)
Antigo..................59.9".................NA yet..................42.2"
Rhinelander..........66.7"...........106"(1938-39)..........56.6"

Current winter season snow totals from other locales in the area:
Lac Vieux Desert...94.0"(through March 1)
Green Bay...79.6"
Hancock...78.1"
Appleton...77.1"
Phelps...76.0"
Waupaca...65.7"
Sturgeon Bay...65.0"
Oconto...64.5"
Laona...62.8"
Shawano...60.2"
Crivitz...57.4"
Clintonville...56.9"
Pehtigo...56.1"
Rosholt...56.0"
Washington Island...55.8"
St. Germain...54.8"
Eagle River...47.9"
Marinette...45.4"
Merrill...44.3" (through 2/29)
Minocqua...42.1"
White Lake...40.7"

I was wondering why there is so much difference in seasonal averages in
Wausau, vs Stevens Point and Marshfield. Also, it shows that Wausau has not even reached their average snowfall this season which is hard to believe. Stevens Point seems more realistic. Why is this so
Mike F

Hi Mike...you ask a very good question. There are several possible explanations for the difference in the current winter season average snowfalls as well as record seasonal snowfall for Wausau, Marshfield, and Stevens Point. First, it is possible (if not likely) the data is correct and there simply are significant differences from one city to another. On the other hand, the measuring of snowfall through the years is done by humans, and there may be questions as to the consistency of the measurements if there have been changes in the persons doing the measuring or the locations of the measurements. For example, beginning in November 2000, the official snow measuring location for the city of Wausau was changed from the Wausau Downtown Airport to the Channel 7. As the supervisor of these measurements, I can vouch for the fact that we are very careful to be as precise as possible in the process (measuring, recording, and reporting the info. to the National Weather Service).
Also, not counting today's (March 5) snowfall, the current winter season total for Wausau is 61", which is already above the current
30-year sliding seasonal average of 58.6" as noted above...

Mike I am hoping you can settle an ongoing arguement I have with my husband. He swears that in 1982 or 1983 we had 30 plus days with both the high and low in Wisconsin Rapids below 0. I say it was below freezing. Who's right

Very good question! I don't have the data readily accessible but my recollection is there was a prolonged period of below zero weather conditions...

Hi
On Frist Warn on line couls you put the seven day forecst on there?
I have dial-up and it take for ever to down load to get this information it sure would help

Thanks for the comments...we're looking into this...

you are good on tv

Thank you!

Hi Mike,
Where can I find the total annual record snowfall for Tomahawk WI?
Thanks,
Lisa E

Hi Lisa...try accessing the information from the National Weather Service in Green Bay as listed above in my blog...

hi

Hi to you as well...

Mike, Just wondering how many inches of snow so far in the Wausau area for this winter of 07/08
Jean Krause

Hi Jean... as listed above, to date Wausau's snow total is 54.3"...how about that record total of nearly 104"--that must have been something!

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS UPDATE

The annual Bowl for Kids' Sake fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of NorthCentral Wisconsin was held last weekend at Dale's Weston Lanes. There was a tremendous turn-out of bowlers both
Friday night and Saturday...thanks to all of you for your support of this fine organization!

The Bowl for Kids' Sake event provides up to 30% of the annual budget of BBBS. All proceeds from the event remain local and directly support the matches of quality adult and adolescent mentors (the Bigs) with the many children (the Littles) in our community who need a positive relationship with someone older.

Once the final fundraising tally is completed I'll include the amount here...

For more information about BBBS in general, call Big Brothers Big Sisters at 842-7207 or email via mail@bbbsncw.org.

It's Captain Stormy for Bowl for Kids' Sake 2008!

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the information,
Dawn in Medford

Hi Dawn... Your son owes you some extra chores, because for the most part you are correct!

Hi Mike, we have a question that we can not find an answer to. What is the average coldest day of the year? Any help would be great. Thanks Colleen

Hi Colleen... According to the current 30-year averaging period (1971-2000), the lowest average temperatures occur in January, specifically the period of the 9th through the 23rd, when the daily average low and high are 3 and 22 degrees respectively.

Evan is a bigger fan

Thanks the same Evan!

Hi my nane is Joe and I am a big fan

Thanks very much Joe!

Captain Stormy your doing a great job with the BBBS in bringing sunshine to their lives. Now please bring sunshine to our area. It is just to cold out for us. Keep up the good work.

Thank you for the kind comments...I am pleased to be associated with BBBS...in the future I will front special news stories about the organization... as far as the winter conditions are concerned... we'll all have to wait until the big change kicks-in!

mike you are a good weather teller.

Thank you!

HAPPY NATIONAL WEATHER DAY MIKE LIKE WATCHING YOUR WEATHER BROADCAST, ENJOY THE DAY
DEB IN DANCY (TOWN OF BERGEN)

Thank you Deb...I eally appreciate that you watch!

My son loves the Captain Stormy commericals. He wants to be captain for Halloween. Job well done on the commericals.
smo, Stevens point

Thanks! Captain Stormy is a great Halloween costume idea!

Mike, I love your Captain Stormy character and images!!! What fun to see a local weatherman take part in something fun, worthwhile and entertaining! Keep up the great work and expand on your Captain Stormy character!
brk

Thanks for the kind comments... Big Brothers Big Sisters is a fine organization worthy of our support!

Hello Mr. Breunling, thank you for responding to my question about global warming. I read your comment and it was some what still confusing but I very much apprechiate your effort in letting me understand. I will be doing some of my own research in terms I will understand. And one thing, I don't think your oppionion is affected at ALL by your beliefs in GOD. However, I was born in a Catholic family and baptized as well. But I do not know what my beliefs are yet. I belive and I have my questions. Any way, I had one more wierd question I guess you could put it... how do you know where to point on the green screen when you are on the air?
Thanks again,
Amanda Lang
age-17

Thanks Amanda...sorry if my response to you was somewhat confusing...
But in a nutshell, here is my opinion on the issue:
Since the beginning of the earth and its atmosphere, there is evidence that the climate (or averaged weather conditions) has always fluctuated over various time periods, both up (warmer conditions) and down (cooler conditions). Currently, it appears we are in a period of slow warming. The question is whether human activities (specifically the burning of fossil fuels, including coal and petroleum products) will lead to a warming that will be irreversible. I do not think this is the case.
In regards to your question about the "green screen"... the green-painted wall which we stand in front of to present the weather information is called a "chroma-key" wall. It is true that while we are doing the actual weather presentation in the studio we only see the green wall behind us... but there are TV monitors on each side of the
wall in which we can see ourselves and the weather maps and other information inserted behind us (just as you see when watching us), so
we have to look to the side (at the monitors) while at same time pointing behind us at the wall. This takes a while to get used to but it the way all television weather presentations are done...

My apologies Mike for my rant on your comments in your blog response to a question on global warming. I didn't mean to denigrate your meteorological education and expertise. You did preface it though with your belief that the Earth was created by a god and that meant it had a purpose. That's what got me going, thought it was not relevant. Thank you.

Thank you... please read my comments above...
To me, the study of science and a belief in the God of the universe are completely compatible... in fact, my understanding of the former would not be nearly as complete without the relationship with the latter...

HAIL TO THE VICTORS January 1

Hail to the victors valiant
Hail to the conquering heroes
Hail Hail to Michigan, the leaders and best!
Hail to the victors valiant
Hail to the conquering heroes
Hail Hail to Michigan, the champions of the west!

Thank you coach Carr...

Welcome coach Rodriguez...

Let's go Blue!

hey there was lookin at f-4 damage in kenosha county today someone was amazed by the mid 60s temps in early jan in wis this is not normal tho it has some back history take dec 25 82 it got in the 60s all across southern wis to cut to the chase everyone should be aware that it can happin and keep gauard to the sky in extreame weather it can happin up in wausaw if the jetstram shoots up into canada far enough warm weather can be great but as i seen today it can be destuctive too!

Thanks for the comments...
Just to review... tornadoes have been documented in Wisconsin every month except February. While tornadoes during winter are certainly rare, the occurrence is not unprecedented...The previous January tornado occurred on January 24, 1967, affecting portions of Green and Rock Counties...

Mike - I feel your response to the young woman's question on global warming is skewed because of your obvious religious beliefs which are not shared by all. My advice for her would be to take what you said with a grain of salt, rent a DVD of 'An Inconvenient Truth', do some other research and reading - there's a lot out there and form her own judgement.Of course everyone is entitled to their opinion. Religion and global warming in the same context?, wow, I'm shaking my head. Thank you.

So let me get this straight... my belief in God skews my ability to use my mind to examine the issue of Global Warming?

I have as much right to comment on global climate change as Al Gore or anyone else...I do have a M.S. degree in Atmopsheric and Oceanic Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, certainly not an institution deeply submerged in "religious thought"...

By the way, what in my statement below is in error?

why did you guys let chad leave? this area won't be the same without him-again-like when he left us before and then came back.

Chad was on vacation for a few days...

Dear Mike I enjoy watching channel 7's
new cast ever night and have been for over 25 years! I have a couple of questions I wonder you could answer.
1.As much as I like the new Titan system,what happened to channel 7's local radar?If I'm not mistaken the radar tower is still in Marathon city?Did it just become part of the titan system or is it no longer used?
2.Does channel 7's weather department still have any involvement with Weau TV 13 and there weather department as I remember channel 7 would from time to time use there radar?They have a fine weather staff there as well! Thank you for your time!PS.I'm also the one who told you I had trouble with the close captioning on the weather segments and was able to fix that on my own and it works fine now for the entire news cast!Thanks again!Brian from Rothschild Wis.

Hi Brian...thanks for the comments...
Channel 7's First Warn Doppler radar is still operational...with the advent of the Titan system, we are mainly using the First Warn radar as part of the display of our on-air weather alert system...
For a while we did display the local radar from our sister station in Eau Claire (under the "Dual Doppler Radar" banner) but with the technological innovation of the Titan system we no longer felt the need to incur the expense of displaying the radar images from Eau Claire as well...

Hello Mr. Breunling. I was wondering if I could ask you a question. I recently watched a movie with my boyfriend called, The Day After Tomorrow. I really got interested. But then again it kind of made me a little nervous. It gave me a little preview about Global Warming and its effects. I am now so much more affraid of it coming in my life time or to one of my relatives. In your own words and opinion, do you think Global Warming is in the near future? I wanted to hear from some one with weather at their finger tips and a lot more knowledge. Well, I would apprechiate the comment back. Take care.
Amanda Lang
-age 17

Thanks for the question Amanda!

Certainly the issue of climate change is now very much in the forefront of our society...

In a nutshell, here's my stand on the issue:
First I believe this world was created by God, which means there is a "purpose" for it and us. While the earth-atmopshere system is "closed" (in the sense that there is little interaction between the gaseous content of the atmosphere and the rest of space), the earth and all other objects in the universe are not static, but are subject to change...

Here are some examples:
First, it has been shown the energy output of our sun is not constant, but is changing, and in fact is very slowly decreasing...
It is also a known fact that the geological framework of the earth continues to change, which is why earthquakes and vulcanism continue.

So, while the earth was created, it was not created in a static state, but is, was, and always will be undergoing change...

Through human scientific study, and the record of civilization the determination has been made that the climate (or averaged weather conditions around the earth) has and continues to undergo fluctuations-both up and down, warmer and cooler-on times scales including decades, centuries, millenia, etc. These fluctuations are due to changes in the energy output of the sun, as well as natural fluctuations in the earth and atmosphere.

Climate has changed before human civilization, and now continues with it. In fact some of the most extreme changes in the earth's climate occurred before the existence of the human race!

The current concern with global climate change focusses on the extent to which human activities (especially the burning of fossil fuels the past few hundred years) has and will continue to impact world weather conditions.

As a student of meteorology, I am convinced that while the activities of human civilization can have an impact on the earth and its climate, I do not believe in any way that our existence will lead to irreversible climate change...and this is the key!

The proponents of the climate change issue are confident that human activities over the past few hundred years will lead to non-stop warming, but the evidence we have gathered of the history of the planet and the universe stand in direct opposition to this...

Way to go Michigan ! The Wolverine's upheld the Big 10's honor against the SEC ! Michigan is now 6-1 against the SEC in the last 7 games. Hail to the Victors !!

Harump!

When does the average temperature start to riase in Wausau?

The average low and high for Wausau reach the minimum values during mid January, when during a 16 day period from the 10th to the 24th the values are 3 degrees and 22 degrees...

Mike,

We are wondering what largest 24 hour temperature change ever recorded in Wausau was.
Thanks,
Dave

Hi Dave... you ask a good question... I am working to get the answer for you...

SUPPORTING A GREAT CAUSE (December 21)

There are many people in need in our area, and many ways to address those needs. Channel 7's "Share Your Holidays" food drive was another huge success this year, and thanks to all of you who responded to Jeff Thelen's call for help.

I am pleased to announce my participitation in the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of NorthCentral Wisconsin, a program that has been around since 1976, locally serving Marathon County and nearby areas of central and northern Wisconsin.

BBBS is a non-profit agency that matches children with adults who like to help by simply being a friend. Big brothers and sisters provide companionship and mentoring to Littles-children of ages 6-14.

What is great about BBBS is that you don't have to have any special qualifications to be a Big, just a willingness to spend time with your Little. BBBS offers both a "Community-based" program, as well as a "School-based" program. In the Community-based program, Bigs spend about 6-8 hours per month with the Little. The School-based program is just that-a more focused time of about an hour per week where the Big and Little actually meet at the school.

In the weeks and months ahead, I will feature more information about this vital program, both on-air and in my blog. There are many children in our area who would benefit from a relationship with someone older, so please stay tuned for more information!

when a big storm comes why do you not work on televesion? that happened in june and we were stuck without you and chad.
are you afraid of storms?

Thanks for the comments...I think...

You don't seem to have much more than a short term memory...

I have been the Chief Meteorologist at channel 7 since February of 1997...during my tenure I have covered numerous severe weather outbreaks and winter storms.
I was in Alaska hosting a tour for channel 7 viewers during the June 2007 severe weather event.

can you please tell us that we are getting 6-10" of snow. please state on the 5:00 news. Thanks, Zach form plover

Thanks Zach... I was on vacation the weekend of December 22-23...I hope you received the snow you wanted!

THANKSGIVING WEATHER TRIVIA (November 20)

Just in time for your Thanksgiving get-together, here is some weather information that you can use to impress friends and family (courtesy of the National Weather Service).

---Thanksgiving was celebrated on the last Thursday of November until 1939. Beginning in 1941, the holiday was moved to the 4th Thursday of November...

---Records for Wausau:
warmest: 59, 1914
coolest: -10, 1950
lowest high temperature: 6, 1929
highest low temperature: 37, 1966
warmest average daily temperature: 50, 1914
coolest average daily temperature: -0.5, 1929
most rain: .95", 1896
most snow: 5.6", 1978
greatest snowdepth: 10", 1991

---Conditions over the last 10 years: (low and high)
2006: 28, 55
2005: 6, 16
2004: 15, 32
2003: 28, 36
2002: 19, 34
2001: 29, 50
2000: 16,26
1999: 27, 46
1998: 331, 56
1997: 28, 40

---Records for Rhinelander:
warmest: 61, 1914
coolest: -11, 1985, 1929
coolest high temperature: -2, 1930
warmest low tempeature: 38, 1914
warmest average daily temperature: 49.5, 1914
coolest average daily temperature: -6.5, 1929
most rain: .65", 1908
most snow: 3", 1978
greatest snowdepth: 12", 1985

Conditions over the last 10 years (low and high):
2006: 25, 54
2005: 4, 13
2004: 14, 31
2003: 28, 33
2002: 15, 29
2001: 28, 51
2000: 7, 22
1999: 29, 45
1998: 27, 51
1997: 26, 44

Hi mike during your forecast tonight at 10, can you please say "THE SNOW IS FALLING THE SNOW IS FALLING, SNOW FLAKES ALL OVER THE YARD." please say it tonight

Thanks for the idea...keep watching...maybe someday this will blurt-out!

Mike: I have a question i hope you can answer, After years of watching The weather on Ch.7. You are dead on, as to predicting snow, ie. time, amount ect..But predicting rain, Seems harder to do. Why it that? I have always been interested in weather.. Thank You B, Schoultz Wisconsin Rapids Wi...

Thanks for the favorable comments... forecasting rain can be very
difficult--especially during the spring, summer, and early fall--due to
the "convective" nature of the rainfall during these seasons. With more heat energy in the atmosphere, cloud formations can develop to much higher altitudes, leading to more showery rain, which can be produce widely varying amounts of rain even over short distances...

HIP HIP HORRAY! Snow is here! I heard the snowmobile trails are opening on the 12th at 8:00 am. Are you hitting the trails? I sure am ASAP! Have a good Christmas! Your my fav. weather guy!!! Be careful while driving!
Amanda Lang

Thanks for the comments Amanda...I am not a snowmobilier, but I do enjoy cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, and ice fishing. I hope you enjoy our winter wonderland!

Mike, We live in Westfield, and it would be great if you could include Marquette County in your forcasts! We would be very appreciative! We identify with upnorth and not with Madison stations. Thanks!

Hello Marquette...
Unfortunately your county is not considered part of the main channel 7 TV broadcast area...which is why we do not specifically mention weather advisories, watches and warnings issued for it...

Hi Mike,
Just a thank You for something small (?). By your putting Traverse City, Mi. on the weather map my wife and I are able to see what kind of weather our daughter is having.
She was born in Phillips, Wi.,educated at Michigan Tech., in Houghton, Mi. and is currently employed at Munson Hospital in Traverse City.
Something small, maybe, but kind of nice for us.
Again Thanks
Kevin

Thanks for your input! Send an email to me at mbreunling@wsaw.com and I'll tell you how to get more weather information for that area...

Hey Mike,We watch you Weather every night 5 and 6, and could you lower it one more county to Adams/Friendship for the Weather on the TV?? Thanks for the help Ray

We always include Juneau and Adams Counties in our weather coverage, and list all weather advsories, watches and warnings for the counties in our broadcasts on channel 7 and our digital 24/7 weather channel, as well as on our main weather page on our webchannel. Please also note I still provide weather updates and forecasts for the weekly Friendship/Adams County Reporter newspaper.

WINTER WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK
(November 8)

Governor Jim Doyle has declared November 12-16, 2007 as Wisconsin's Winter Weather Awareness Week.

For most people, "severe weather" means hail, damaging winds, or tornadoes. Yet winter storms, and the cold associated with them actually cause on average more fatalities and injuries in Wisconsin than the other types of severe weather combined.

During Winter Weather Awareness Week we will have important information and safety tips in our broadasts, and I will update my blog frequently with such information as well.

Facts about winter in Wisconsin

-on average there are about 17,000 vehicle accidents in Wisconsin...
-on average there are about 75 fatalities and 7,000 injuries in accidents when roads are covered with ice, snow or slush...
-road condition updates during winter provided by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation can be accessed via:
www.dot.wisconsin.gov or
1-800-ROADWIS (762-3947)

Cold weather affects people differently

The elderly, infants and very young children are most susceptible to health problems from exposure to cold... so it is important that people in these age groups as well as everyone else remember to keep outdoor exposure of bare skin to a minimum when it is very cold, or when the wind chill is low.

It is also important to remember to check on the eldery during prolonged cold periods to be sure they are eating well, keeping replenished with fluids, taking medication as needed, and their places of residence are being heated adequately...

Check our webpage for links to winter weather information and
safety

Look down the left side of the main weather page www.wsaw.com/weather for the box entitiled "Winter Weather Info."

NOAA Weather Radios can be a life-saver!

The National Weather Service (NWS) provides broadcasts of weather information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year across the U.S. through a network of transmitters. While we always want you to count on us to provide weather information through channel 7, our digital 24/7 weather channel, and our webchannel, you may not always have a TV or computer handy. Everyone should have a NOAA Weather Radio for their home, vehicle, or cabin. More information on these radios and the broadcast service provided by the NWS is available at this website: www.crh.noaa.gov/grb/?n=nwr

Keep pets and animals safe

It is very important to remember that animals can be affected by wind chill just as we humans are. So for any animals or pets kept outside please be sure to have a wind break or shelter available.

Also, keep a ready and fresh supply of water on hand at all times...

Experiences with winter weather

We have all been impacted by winter weather in some way, and many of us have colorful stories about dealing with the snow, ice, wind and cold that accompanies the season. I'll share some of my memories below...please feel free to add your comments as well!

One winter situation that really stands out in my mind was an encounter with lake effect snow many years ago. I was driving alone accompanied by my cat enroute to southwestern Michigan from northern Indiana. The trip was after dark, and although it was cold, the skies were clear. Based on the weather conditions, I knew there was the potential for lake-effect snow to the east and southeast of Lake Michigan, but the forecast I checked before leaving indicated the snow showers off the lake would be confined mainly to a several mile corridor inland from the lake.

The trip was going well. I was driving north on the by-pass highway around South Bend, with dry roads and very good visibility. As I approached the Indiana-Michigan state line, I could see ahead what appeared to be a wall of white. Within a short time I was enshrouded by snow. Of course I immediately slowed, but initially my thought was to keep driving, figuring I would drive out of the squall eventually. Being a native of southwestern Michigan I had dealt with lake-effect snow systems frequently through the years, and usually one squall would end with a break for a while before the next one would begin.

But there was no end to this squall-it just kept snowing and snowing. More importantly, the snow was also quickly accumulating, such that just a mile or two into the white there was already several inches on the ground.

So I had to make a decision---keep going and try to endure the next 25 miles, or turn around and drive back to South Bend where I could find lodging and wait for the morning daylight, and plowed and treated roads.

Then again, I had Quint with me. Although he travelled in the car reasonably welll for a cat (he actually liked to stick his nose out the window like a dog!), I also reasoned most hotels or motels would not be too interested in having a litter box in the room. So, with my youthful exuberence to buoy my feelings, I decided to press on.

What normally would have been a 30 minute trip from where I was turned into a seemingly endless hour and a half sojourn. Most of the time I could see no farther than 50-100 feet ahead of the car. I encountered few other vehicles and no snow plows the rest of the trip. And there was no practical way for me to call ahead---I didn't want to stop, and cell phones hadn't been invented yet. But in the end, after numerous prayers, some luck, and the wisdom of past experiences in dealing with such conditions I arrived.

After getting a snoot-full of snow when I cracked the window for him, Quint decided to spend the rest of the trip in the seat beside me. Thankfully we were safe, but I will never forget the horror of the thought of getting lost, or stuck, or losing control of the vehicle.

Please include your thoughts below!

Hey mike, I see your forcast is calling for snow on wed. Was wondering how much snow wisconsin rapids is expected to get?

It looks as though little in the way of accumulation is expected for Wisconsin Rapids...

what do you predict will be the weather for 11-29-07?

As of the date of this response (November 20) it is a bit far into the future to try to predict if there will be any precipitation on November 29, but the current forecast trend information indicates the projected weather pattern would support temperature readings that day at or slightly below the averages, which are are low of 18 and high 33.

Even though snow is dangerous i just don't think it is right to be so cold and have NO snow. I just hope it comes soon.
Katie

Thanks Katie... Actually, temperature readings today (Nov. 15) have returned to near the seasonal average...it seems to be rather chilly outside mainly because we have been experiencing mild conditions of late...

The weather story that sticks out in my mind was the winter of 1977-78 in Minnesota. We were living off Lake Jefferson and the wind brought in dirt from the Dakotas. The snow got so high that the girls could walk up the drifts and unto the roof of the house. Which of course they thought was great fun!
Sharon T

Thanks Sharon! I remember one lake-effect snow event in southwestern Michigan in which 18" of snow fell overnight...no wind with it, just a steady snowfall...

Dear Mike could you please tell me why most of the news channel 7 news is closed captioned but not the weather?At least it does not show up on our tv.Thank you for your time!
PS.We are all human and there fore no matter how hard we work at our job from day to day we will still make mistakes from time to time!Brian from Rothschild Wis.

Hi Brian...
We do provide closed-captioning for our weather presentations, and this is the first time I have heard of someone not receiving it...
please send an email to me on this at mbreunling@wsaw.com

UPDATE ON CLIMATE CHANGE (week of October 21)

While catching-up on some reading recently, I came across this statement in the July 2007 issue of the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society (which I'll quote verbatim):

"Earth hasn't cornered the planetary market on warming. A recent study in the journal "Nature" revealed that Mars is experiencing climate change that increased surface air temperatures on the Red Planet by 0.65 degrees C from the 1970s to the 1990s. According to the research, dust on the planet's surface reflects sunlight and keeps down temperatures, but violent storms disrupt the dust and stifle this albedo effect, causing the absorbtion of more heat and, subsequently, higher temperatures. The study noted this positive feedback is taking place on Mars, with a cyclical pattern of warmer temperatures causing stronger winds, which spreads more dust around, which leads to still warmer temperatures. According to the research, an increasing number of huge storms have been observed on Mars over the last 30 years, although the cause has yet to be determined."

First, some definitions:
Albedo is defined as "the percent of radiation returning (or reflected) from a surface as compared to that which strikes it". Different things reflect solar radiation differently. For example, snow or white-colored paint reflect solar energy very effectively, whereas most types of soil and other darker-colored objects do not.

"Feedback" is a concept which deals with the response of a system to a change. A positive feedback means that a system responds to a change by amplifying a certain factor or component of the system, while a negative feedback means that the system would respond to a change by reducing the effect on a factor or component.
One example of a negative feedback is a theory about lower atmospheric warming on the earth: the warming will lead to an increase in evaporation, which would contribute to more cloudcover, which would reflect more solar energy back to space, which would lead to cooler lower atmospheric temperatures.

What could be causing the increased amount of storminess and the associated warming on Mars? Could it be changes in the solar energy output, or possible changes in the orbit of the planet around the sun?
Could there be a link between what is occurring on Mars and the slight average warming experienced here on Earth during the past 50-100 years?

What do you think?

Mike,
I was just wondering what the barometric pressure was on 10/30/07 I need to know for a project

We do keep records of weather conditions for Wausau, but not the barometric pressure... to best answer your question, I suggest you contact the State Climatology Office in Madison:
608-263-2374 (phone)
stclim@aos.wisc.edu (email)

I am trying to find out how many 17 or below degree days we have in WI each year can you help me. DAB Plover

I want to answer your question, but I am a bit confused as to the wording: do you want to know how many "heating or cooling degree days" of 17 or lower occur each year, or how many days in which the air temperature reading is at or below 17 dregrees? Please send an email to me on this: mbreunling@wsaw.com

WINTER OUTLOOK, UPDATE ON STORM-BASED WARNINGS, and the 2007 TORNADO COUNT (week of October 8)

***Winter Outllok
Forecasters for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have announced updated temperature and precipitation outlooks for the period December 2007-February 2008.

The outlooks indicate Wisconsin to have a greater than 33% chance of a warmer than average period, and equal chances of above-, below- or average amounts of precipitation.

More information on these outlooks (including detailed maps) is available
from this website: www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2007/20071009_outlook.html

***Storm based warnings

Effective October 1, 2007 all local National Weather Service (NWS) offices in the U.S. began issuing severe thunderstorm, tornado, and flood-related warnings based on the specific area threatened, instead of the previous geographical-based format. This means the warnings will now emphasize the particular portions of counties to be affected by the storms, instead of including the entire county. The goal of this is to hopefully be more accurate in forecasting the severe weather, as well as to minimize unecessary warnings.

The local NWS offices serving counties in Wisconsin (Duluth, Minneapolis, La Crosse, Milwaukee/Sullivan, Green Bay) have already been using the new storm-based format for the past two years, and so far the new approach seems to be accurate and efficient.

You can find more information on this topic from this website:
www.weather.gov/sbwarnings/

***Update on Wisconsin Tornadoes in 2007

Through October 1, there have been 17 documented tornadoes in Wisconsin. The state averages about 21 tornadoes each year. In 2006, there were only 13 confirmed twisters in the state, while the year before a record 62 tornadoes were reported, including 27 on August 18.

Here's the preliminary listing of 2007 Wisconsin tornadoes
(courtesy of the National Weather Service):
1) March 31---Grant County, near Potosi; rated an EF0
2) May 26---Grant County, near Cuba City; rated an EF0
3) May 26---Polk County; EF rating not determined
4) June 1---Lafayette County, south of Shullsberg; rated an EFO
5) June 1---Lafayette County, east of Shullsberg; rated an EF0
6) June 2---Washington County, north of Richfield; rated an EF0
7) June 3---Washington County, east of Jackson; rated an EF1
8) June 3---Shawano County, 1.6 miles E/SE of Shawano; rated an EF0
9) June 3---Grant County, 2 miles SE of Potosi; rated an EF0
10) June 3---Grant County, Potosi; rated an EF0
11) June 3---Grant County, 2 miles south of Tennyson; rated an EF0
12) June 7---Marathon County, 9.4 miles east of Mosinee (near Pike Lake); rated an EF2
13) June 7---Wood County, 2.2 miles west of Wisconsin Rapids; rated an EF0
14) June 7---Shawano, Menominee, Langlade, and Oconto Counties (a long-track tornado of 40.1 miles); rated an EF3
15) June 7---Marinette County, near Cedarville; rated an EF1
16) June 17---Marinette County, northwest of Harmony; rated an EF1
17) September 27---Racine County, 3.5 miles east of North Cape; rated an EF)

I think Chad does a swell job on the morning tv. Hope you keep him!

Thank you... I agree!

I used to have the temp. come up an my screen without going on line everyday. Are you going back to that and if so, what do i need to click on?

Please send an email to me regarding this: mbreunling@wsaw.com

WHY r you apologizingin for saturdays' forcast? the weather is weather and you at least talked about rain while the other guy did not.

Thank you for your comments... I apologized for the incorrect forecast because I want the viewers to count on me for as accurate a forecast as possible...most people still get their weather information from the local media, so the forecasting is something I take very seriously.

What happened with Satudays forcast? I poured over $1,000 worth of cement today based on your forcast.

Please see my comments below...

Hi Mike
You have the latest in rader,and the titan is suppose to be the best.How come you can not forecast the weather from one day to the next. I am a farmer and I relay on your forecast to get my crops in,when you say the weather will be fine for two days I cut enough hay for two days to get it in and then the weather is nice one day and not the next you should be able to forecast this
as far as I am concerned you are not doing your job correctly

Thanks for your response. I think your comments and those above were in regards to the forecast for last weekend (Sept. 29-30) in which I said the chance of rain Saturday was mainly confined to the counties to the west and northwest of Marathon County, and the chance of rain Sunday would was focused on the late-afternoon and evening periods and applied to the entire channel 7 broadcast area. The forecast for Sunday was correct.

My forecast for Saturday was wrong...the timing was correct-the showers developed mainly during the afternoon-but the shower activity extended further to the east by a county or two moreso than what I expected.

This is the challenge of forecasting. I accept full responsibility for what I predict, and use each weather event to make ongoing changes to my upcoming forecasts.

Mike - any long range weather predictions as to what kind of a winter we might have?. Thanks.

Forecasters for NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) recently issued temperature and precipitation outlooks for the period December 2007-February 2008.
Please see my blog entry above for further information on this...

Hi Mike: You're right on -- coaches are under the gun too much these days. Winning is great, being obsessed with it isn't. Even the Badgers, lose a few games and some people would probably be calling for Bielema's head. Where is the sense of perspective? It's a game after all! May I switch gears a bit, I know you don't have a crystal ball, but any idea what might be a peak fall colors weekend this year? I'm thinking of either the Wausau area or possibly Door County. I know we'll past peak in late October, when my wife has off school -- trying to get some sort of feel for between now and then. I see on your site that colors may be early this year. Any help would be appreciated? Enjoy your forecasts!.......Mike Jacquart, Iola

Hi Mike...thanks for the comments! Regarding the fall colors, it does seem at least for central and northern Wisconsin the progress of the coloration is a bit ahead of the usual timing (this likely due to the continued overall dry conditions)... please check the weekly fall color report produced by the Wisconsin Dept. of Tourism, which is linked-to on our main weather webpage (just look down the left column for the "Fall Colors" link). The weekly fall color report is updated each Thursday.

I am lost by your last blog. do you like michigan or hate the media or do you hate football in general?
confused in rib lake?

Thanks for the response...I am a huge sports fan...and have participated in sports most of my life. The points of my blog were to lament the loss of civility that is occurring now in our society-even affecting sports and the way sports is reported; and to point out how the greed for the almighty dollar-even at the collegiate athletic level-is distorting the objective of what the sports are supposed to promote in the participants.

Mike - not that I'm wishing for it any time soon but am interested to know if you have any data as to when first frost occurs, on average. Thank you.

Usually the first frost for the Wausau area occurs around the third to fourth week of September...sooner to the north, and a bit later further
south in Wisconsin...

BACK TO THE BASICS, and an update on the DROUGHT SITUATION
(August 30)

The recent period of thunderstorms, tornadoes, damaging winds, hail, heavy rains and dangerous lightning across the Midwest not only caused millions of dollars of damage, but also some loss of life. As is always the case when there is severe weather, conditions may become so dangerous that injury or death may be unpreventable.
But there are also instances in which a bit of common sense and rational thinking can go a long way in avoiding a disaster. So let's review a few simple but very important rules:

LIGHTNING
The most important thing to remember about lightning is that any thunderstorm-even the most benign looking- can produce life-threatening cloud-to-ground strikes. So the best advice for lightning safety is to get to a grounded shelter if there is thunder. Cloud-to-ground strikes can occur several miles ahead of as well as behind the main storm. The National Weather Service slogan is, "When thunder roars, head indoors!" Never take shelter under or near a tree. This apparently is what a golfer did on a course in southeastern Wisconsin recently, and unfortunately the man was killed when lightning struck the tree. When Newschannel 7 broadcasted live from Sentry World Golf Course in Stevens Point earlier this summer as a part of Your Town Stevens Point I was impressed by the fact that each golf cart had a sticker on it reviewing lightning safety tips. Lightning tends to strike the tallest relative object in a given area, so this means boaters should immediately head to shore if thunder is heard or lightning is visible. An automobile can provide shelter from lightning provided the window remain closed and no contact is made with the metal frame of the car. If in the worst instance one is caught outside during a storm, it is best to "hunker-down" in a swale or ditch, or in the most extreme case when no shelter is available, research has shown it is best to keep the feet together and squat-down onto the balls of the feet, which will minimize the amount of contact the body has with the ground. Never lie flat, as this will increase the chance of current flow through the body if lightning strikes nearby and is conducted away from the point of contact by the ground.

FLOODING
Both severe and non-severe thunderstorms can produce enough rain to cause flooding. While it may be impossible to prevent surging waters from engulfing a home or building, some simple steps can help prevent other flood related dangers. Most importantly, it is best to never drive through water of unknown depth flowing across a road. Recently a vehicle was swept off a flooded road in northen Illinois as the driver attempted to pass through. It has been shown that even water of a depth of one foot can be deep enough if adequate current is present to wash away a car or truck. Fortunately the driver and his passengers in this instance were rescued. For all situations of water over the road, it is best to find another way to the destination, even if this will require more time for the trip. The National Weather Service slogan for flooded roads is, "Turn around, don't drown!"

It is true these are very simple safety tips, but they could be a life saver.

I'll try to add some additional safety information as time allows the next few days...

Drought Update
The drought continues across central and northern Wisconsin, but the recent period of wet weather has brought some improvement to the situation, especially in regards to replenishing topsoil moisture.

The latest update of the Weekly Drought Monitor indicates the southern half of Waushara County has been removed from any drought designation.

The following counties remain under severe drought conditions:
Vilas, Price, northeast two thirds of Oneida, Forest

The following counties are under moderate drought conditions:
Taylor, Lincoln, Langlade, Clark, Marathon, Shawano, Menominee, the northern half of Wood and Portage, the northern two thirds of Waupaca

The following counties are under abnormally dry conditions:
the southern half of Wood and Portage, northern half of Waushara,
northern portions of Juneau and Adams

You can find a link to the Weekly Drought Monitor, as well as updates on the weather record for Wausau and other locations in central and northern Wisconsin by choosing the link found on the left side of the main weather page on our webchannel
wsaw.com/weather

comments on LIVE EARTH and the live Earth(July 13)

As you are probably aware, "Live Earth" concerts were held last weekend at a number of locations around the world, with the purpose of raising awareness about the developing global climate crisis.

I saw only a few minutes of the activities, as much of my weekend time (as usual, and in spite of the heat) was spent trying to care for and maintain my lawn, gardens, and remnant Christmas tree stand in the back of my property. The portion of the concert I did see included
a rock band on-stage with a group of children in the backround, all singing and moving in rythm to a tune themed on saving the earth.

Saving the earth!?

This is the concept I just don't understand. The organizer of the weekend concerts as well as many of the proponents of the Global Warming movement are convinced the earth's climate is warming
irreversibly due mainly to human activities-and any opinion or viewpoint to the contrary semingly won't be tolerated.

I'm sorry, but I just don't buy the idea.

Before I go further, I want to point out I have degrees in both horticulture and atmospheric science-each from world-class universities. I include this not to try to impress, but to indicate I have experience in the sciences which are involved in the climate change issue. As such I should have as much authority to speak on this issue as the organizer of the weekend concerts or any of the musicians on-stage at the various venues.

Here are the reasons I cannot take the argument of irreversible climate change seriously:
First, regardless of what is said, there is no scientific "consensus"
that human activities are causing irreversible warming. More importantly, the evidence the proponents of the theory advance is based in large part on computer simulations of what will be happening
many years from now. But how can we consider these results and computations as fact, when the computer models used to forecast the more near-term weather events are far from being consistently reliable?
(If I had a nickel for each time someone told me how lousy and inaccurate the forecasts for the next day were I would be very wealthy!)

The truth is the earth's climate has always and will always fluctuate on various time scales. This is the way the "system" was set-up when it was created. But the proponents of the current climate change theory demand we accept the fact that the actions of us humans over the past two hundred years or so will forever alter the delicate balance
of the entire atmospheric system that has been in existence for million(s) of years...

I wonder how many of those kids on stage in the concert last weekend were frightenend. It is easy to see how they could be under the premise offered.

But then again, isn't the best way to "sell" something accomplished by instilling fear and panic?

Based on my scientific training and personal experience, these are the
steps I would urge going forward on this issue:
-conduct in-depth holistic-approach education about climate change and its causes-what is known and what needs ongoing research...
-a call for a cooperative relationship between environmental groups, business, and government leaders to develop effective energy policies which allow for continued promotion of decent standards of living, while at the same time determining the most effective and efficient usage of all available energy resources (including nuclear)...
-demand all nations of the world (including China and those in the Indian Ocean basin, which are consuming fossil fuels at an alarming rate with minimal environmental standards) be involved...
-finally, and most importantly, an invocation to the Creator of this wonderful planet for guidance and wisdom as to how to meet the needs of an ever-increasing world population with the resources available and the intellect we have been given for the resolution of such challenging issues.

None of the points in the "Seven Point Plan" put-forth by the Live Earth event organizer included any of these ideas.

Otherwise, I am not going to waste my time watching and listening to people whose motivation seems to be that of creating fear and chaos.

Instead, I would rather spend my free time out in the yard... which leads me to some mid-summer landscape reminders:
First and foremost...water...
The lawn, trees, shrubs and perennials need the equivalent of about an inch of water per week. If this is not provided by rainfall, then it is best to try to provide the water in a thorough, deep soaking, instead of more frequent but lighter amounts. The deep soaking strategy will help to promote deeper root growth, which will help the plants to survive dry periods when watering can't be done.
It is also important to mow the lawn at higher mower settings during the summer, following the principle the more grass there is above ground, the deeper the root system will be below.
Mulch is also critical for all landcaspe beds and young trees. A 2-3" cover will keep the soil moist and cool, which is more favorable for the best root growth. Maintaining a mulch ring around young trees will also save the more tender trunks from mower and other equipment damage.
Proper pruning of trees and shrubs is essential to maintaining good plant health. The best pruning is not accomplished by shears, but by carefully thinning and shaping to allow for good air movement through
the plant, which will minimize the potential of insect and disease damage.

Mike, You are right on the money about global warming. I just wish more professinals like yourself would speak up and send all the dume & glumers back to there caves to come up with the next world crisus.

My whole point about this global climate change issue is similar to many other issues...instead of being able to have a decent, rational discussion of the topic everything gets hyped so much that it becomes frightening to many people...but as I have pointed-out below, what gets attention in the news media and in poltical agendas are the bad, scary, more sensationalized events and issues...

Mike,
How does this year's rain totals or lack of rain compare to 1988? I moved to Wausau that year and it was also a dry year.

Here is the relevant weather data for 1988. Included is the
monthly precipitation total (all rain plus melted snow, ice, etc.)
and the departure from the average:
JAN 0.96" -0.13"
FEB 0.12" -0.78"
MAR 1.78" -0.14"
APR 1.74" -1.10"
MAY 2.04" -1.50"
JUN 1.78" -2.40'
JUL 4.86" +0.74"
AUG 3.70" -0.83"
SEP 3.38" -0.70"
OCT 1.72" -0.91"
NOV 3.67" +1.47'
DEC 1.09" -0.24"
ANNUAL TOTAL 26.84" -6.52"

Here's teh comparative data for 2007 to date:
JAN 0.47" -0.62"
FEB 0.80" -0.10"
MAR 2.38" 0.46"
APR 1.44" -1.40"
MAY 2.10" -1.44"
JUN 3.20" -0.98"
JUL 4.07" -0.05"
AUG 3.03" -0.30" (through 4 p.m. August 23)
ANNUAL TOTAL 17.49" -4.43"

So the precipitation deficit for 2007 year-to-date is slightly
less than the same period in 1988.

However, the current dry weather conditions are occurring
as an extension of a rather dry period of recent years:
2006 Total precip: 31.60" -1.76"
2005 25.53" -7.83"
2004 31.10" -2.26"
2003 24.43" -8.93"
The most recent year with above average precipitation was
2002, when the 37.23" was 3.87" above average...

Mike,
I like how you add not to drink alcohol on very hot days. Im sure people are aware of this but it is never harmful to remind us. Those who are offened must have a reason they dont need to keep hearing it! YOU and Chad are awesome. Keep up the great job.

Thanks...Just trying to impart a bit of common sense!

Mike -speaking of proselytizing ( mentioned in someone's response to your blog) - your personal religious beliefs are apparent in recent remarks - 'an invocation to the Creator' and 'the Lord gave us dominion over this creation'.

There are two ways of looking at the world - through faith and superstition or through logic, observation, evidence and reason. I choose the latter especially when it comes to something like global warming. Kris in Mosinee.

Mom always said "stand for something or you'll fall for everything"...
best of luck to you and yours!

Hi Mike: Channel 7 is the only station we watch for weather and news. I enjoy the personal commitment you all have to get the beat out to us. Thanks Steve J.

Thanks Steve!

Mike,
Came across your blog today while searching for something else. Thank you for the balancing voice of reason regarding LiveEarth and the global warming alarmist machine. Especially illustrative as the reaction by a high NASA official when he dared to voice his opinion about man's impact on the warming of the climate. There is a large group somewhere who are planning to make tons of money and garner tons of power from this issue. (My Humble Opinion)

Dear MHO...don't be modest...you are on the right track!

Hi Mike, We are curious after viewing your most recent forecast if your job description also includes proselytizing: adding your personal commentary cautioning us on the dangers of consuming alcohol while outside on a hot day is simply your latest example. Please, just give us your weather forecast. We do have other options for receiving a straight forecast without such ridiculous and insulting values-driven commentary. Trust that many of us are already knowledgable about alcohol consumption, and that those not so enlightened will NOT abruptly scratch their heads in sudden understanding and with amazement directed at you.

I am glad you already know everything!

Hi Mike - I hear you on the global warming thing but one thing is clear in my mind as to whether humans are causing it or not - we had better be sure one way or the other and we cannot. In the meantime I personally try to conserve energy and not pollute on a daily basis in ways that I can and the way live my life. The jury is going to be out for a very long time on this. Thank you. Kris in Mosinee

Nice comments Kris...The Lord gave us dominion over this creation, so it is incumbent on us all to be the best stewards we can be...

You are the voice of reason in a world gone crazy over the latest "cause". There is always going to be someone trying to get everyone on the bandwagon for some "cause' or another. Thanks for the common sense. Lisa

There will always be a current issue to be frightened about...

Mike -

Over 2300 climate scientists signed and endorsed the IPCC statement regarding climate change. They all have at least as many, and most have more, advanced degrees as you. And most, if not all, have more professional and personal experience studying climate change. Are they all wrong?

The 2300 scientists are a fraction of the entire scientific community...there are probably just as many others who do not share in the near-hysteria over the issue... Pat Michaels from the University of Virginia, and Richard Lindzen of M.I.T. are just a few... also, as an example, read the entry at the bottom of the response section to this blog...

How about lincoln county in your local radar