Well, we are starting another week and mother nature again continues to torment those of us that want spring already. The radar this afternoon, showing rain, snow and mixed precip! The watches and warnings are out in the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest and the records stacking high. Our latest storm is gaining strength and could dump several inches in Minnesota and Wisconsin. This will be a quick moving storm and by Thursday the weather will be much calmer in these parts. When will this change for the good??? I have been hearing this question a lot lately.

A key to any season officially coming is a large scale change on the map that could signal a stable pattern. I pulled out the latest in forecasting tools and there are some positive changes that could be coming soon. A look at a long term model does show more areas of energy occuring in the next few days but by Tuesday of next week ridging looks to occur. Ridging is key to getting warmer temperatures and clear skies, otherwise known as High Pressure. As we enter spring, the West tends to see a semi-permenant "high" move into place. This spring/summer high pressure for the west could be exactly what is forming into next week. If this plays out next Tuesday it definatley could signal a change down the line to spring for many of us. From what I have observed in my daily research this is the largest "ridging" or "high pressure" I have noticed the models picking up on for months!

Want more insight? Look at this picture. This is a weather model that has nothing to do with high fashion :-)

It shows you that Mon aft. - Tuesday of next week will have "ridging". Look at the graphic as all of the colors create a RIDGE to the north, this generally means the storm track pattern heads to the North and warmth is able to build.

As for right now, ridging is hard to find but the snow is easy. Minneapolis for example: snow approaching, windy, and cold.

Who's ready for the spring warmth? I want the windows open in my apartment already.... anyone else agree?

Jeff Ranieri - Meteorologist.