Updated: 07/08/2009 9:34 AM KSTP.com | Print Story
By: Dave Dahl

We're in for an abrupt change!

We've seen the drought grow from moderate to severe over much of southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin this spring.  The cause was a fairly dry fall and then a meager snowfall for much of the area this winter.  The jet stream was in the worst configuration possible for moisture to start out the spring season, but now it's about ready to change.  Our moisture deficit is standing at around an inch for the month of April and nearly 2 inches below normal for the year so far.  Now it looks like the northwest flow of air aloft is going to make an abrupt change to southwesterly over the next few days, bringing up very warm air as well as increasing our moisture.  It's even possible for a few of the thunderstorms to become strong enough to produce hail and some high winds.  It could be our first bout of severe weather if everything comes together on Friday.  This jet stream pattern could hold for a few weeks, which means umbrellas and raincoats will become valuable accessories for the rest of the spring season.

Have a great day!

Meteorologist Dave Dahl