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Updraft: April 29, 2008 Archive

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Blocking pattern

Posted at 7:06 AM on April 29, 2008 by Paul Huttner

The sun is back today for much of the day in Minnesota.

Look for a few mid level clouds to drift by from time to time.

We're in between low pressure systems today. Atmospherically, a big "Omega" block has set up to our east. So named because they look like the Greek letter Omega on the weather maps, these stubborn features bend the jet stream and tend to keep weather systems in place.

The Omega Block

This is why we've been so cool in Minnesota lately. The past 3 months combined have been cooler than average by about 3.3 degrees for the metro. Persistent low pressure in the upper atmosphere over James Bay has kept Minnesota in a northerly flow.

Look for more sun through tomorrow and warmer temps. We should make the 60's Wednesday!

PH

First order of business

Posted at 12:47 PM on April 29, 2008 by Craig Edwards

The voice mail box of the weather complaint department has been maxed out after the chilly weather the past couple of days.

In order to get spring back on track we need to get rid of the snow pack that accumulated on Friday and Saturday. Bright April sunshine is busy at that process this afternoon. Ice cover remains on the northern lakes; additional sunshine on Wednesday will help the thaw continue.

Snow cover map

A wet weather pattern appears to be setting up for Thursday into Saturday. Don't expect temperatures to climb to spring like readings this weekend. My goodness, you would have thought turning the calendar to May would have generated at least afternoon temperatures in the 60s.

As we slowly transition into spring we will be dealing with the emergence of pollen, ragweed and the initiation of allergies. This is Air Quality Awareness Week. Book mark the following Web sites for reference throughout the spring and summer.

Air Quality Information

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
CE

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