Debunking Common Myths About Golf: Learn the Truth Behind Popular Misconceptions

 Golf is a beloved sport enjoyed by millions of people around the world, but it's also surrounded by many myths and misconceptions. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most common myths about golf and set the record straight.

Myth #1: A harder swing will result in a longer drive. Many golfers believe that the harder they swing, the further the ball will go. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, a harder swing can actually decrease the distance of your drive. The key to a long drive is a combination of proper technique and good equipment, not brute force.

Myth #2: A round of golf should be a casual, relaxed affair. While golf can be a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend time with friends, it's also a competitive sport that requires focus and discipline. Professional golfers take their game very seriously and practice for hours on end to hone their skills. If you want to improve your golf game, you'll need to put in the time and effort to practice and learn the proper techniques.

Myth #3: You need to be tall to play golf well. Many people believe that taller golfers have an advantage on the course, but this is simply not true. Golf is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all shapes and sizes, and many successful golfers are on the shorter side. What's important is proper technique, not height.

Myth #4: Golf is an expensive sport to play. While golf can certainly be a pricey sport, it doesn't have to be. There are many affordable options for golfers of all skill levels, from low-cost public courses to used equipment that can be found at a fraction of the cost of new gear. Additionally, many golf clubs and organizations offer membership discounts and other deals that can help keep costs down.

Myth #5: Golf is just a game of luck It is true that sometimes the luck of shot may play a roll, but overall, golf is a game of skill and technique. Those who put in the time and effort to practice and learn the proper techniques will see the most improvement in their game.

In conclusion, these are just a few of the many myths surrounding the game of golf. Remember, golf is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, and with the right approach, anyone can improve their game.

What are the Top 5 Golf Movies of All Time

Here are the top five golf movies of all time:

1) "Caddyshack" (1980) - This classic comedy follows the antics of a group of caddies and their misadventures at an exclusive golf club. Starring Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, and Rodney Dangerfield, "Caddyshack" is a must-see for any golf fan.

2) "The Legend of Bagger Vance" (2000) - This drama stars Will Smith as a mysterious caddy who helps a struggling golfer (Matt Damon) rediscover his love for the game.

3) "Happy Gilmore" (1996) - Adam Sandler stars as a down-on-his-luck ice hockey player who tries his hand at professional golf. With its hilarious one-liners and over-the-top antics, "Happy Gilmore" is a fan favorite.

4) "Tin Cup" (1996) - Kevin Costner stars as a washed-up golf pro who tries to qualify for the US Open in this sports drama.

5) "The Greatest Game Ever Played" (2005) - This historical drama tells the true story of Francis Ouimet, a young golfer who rose to prominence in the early 20th century and helped popularize the sport.

These are just a few of the many great golf movies that have been made over the years. Whether you're a die-hard golf fan or just looking for a good sports movie, these films are sure to satisfy.

Can Golf Balls Become Water Logged?

Golf balls are designed to be as aerodynamically sound as possible, with dimples on their surface to reduce drag and increase lift. However, if a golf ball becomes water logged, it can significantly affect its performance and cause it to travel shorter distances when hit.

When a golf ball becomes water logged, it means that it has absorbed a significant amount of water, causing it to become heavier and less aerodynamic. The added weight of the water can cause the ball to travel shorter distances, as it will not be able to maintain the same level of velocity and lift as a dry ball. The ball's dimples may also become filled with water, further reducing its ability to generate lift and maintain a consistent flight path.

There are a few ways that a golf ball can become water logged. One common way is if it is left in water for an extended period of time. For example, if a golfer hits their ball into a pond or water hazard and leaves it there, it is likely to become water logged. Another way that a ball can become water logged is if it is played in very wet conditions, such as heavy rain or on a course with a lot of standing water. In these situations, the ball can absorb water from the ground or the air as it is being played.

It is important to note that most golf balls are designed to be water resistant, and will not become water logged if they come into contact with a small amount of water during play. However, if a ball is left in water for an extended period of time or played in extremely wet conditions, it is possible for it to become water logged.

If you do happen to hit a water logged ball, it is important to replace it as soon as possible. Water logged balls are more prone to erratic flight patterns and may not perform as well as a dry ball. In addition, it is generally considered poor sportsmanship to continue playing with a water logged ball, as it may give you an unfair advantage over your opponents. If you are playing in wet conditions, it is a good idea to bring extra balls with you in case any of them become water logged.

Overall, while it is possible for golf balls to become water logged, it is not a common occurrence and can usually be avoided by replacing the ball if it comes into contact with a large amount of water. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that you are playing with the best performing ball possible and maintain the integrity of the game.

How Do Golf Handicaps Work?

A golf handicap is a numerical measure of a golfer's potential ability. It is used to allow golfers of different abilities to compete against one another on an even playing field, regardless of their skill level. Handicaps are typically used in stroke play, where the goal is to complete each hole in the fewest number of strokes.

There are several ways to calculate a handicap, but the most common method is based on the USGA Handicap System. To determine a handicap using this system, a golfer must first record their scores for at least five rounds of golf. These scores are then used to calculate the golfer's "handicap differential," which is a measure of their skill level. The handicap differential is calculated by taking the difference between a golfer's score and the course's par, and then adjusting this difference based on the course's difficulty rating.

Once a golfer has a handicap differential, it is used to generate their handicap index. This is done by taking the average of the golfer's best 10 handicap differentials, and then multiplying the result by 0.96. The resulting number is the golfer's handicap index, which is used to determine their handicap for a specific course.

To determine a golfer's handicap for a specific course, the course's slope rating is used. The slope rating is a measure of the difficulty of a course, and it takes into account factors such as the length of the course, the thickness of the rough, and the size and slope of the greens. The slope rating is used to adjust a golfer's handicap index so that it is specific to the course being played.

Once a golfer's handicap has been determined for a specific course, it can be used to create a "handicap allowance" for that round of golf. This allowance is calculated by taking a percentage of the golfer's handicap and adding it to their score. The percentage is determined by the format of the round (e.g., stroke play, match play, etc.). For example, in stroke play, the handicap allowance is typically 100% of the golfer's handicap, while in match play it is typically 90%.

Overall, golf handicaps are an effective way to level the playing field and allow golfers of different abilities to compete against one another. They are based on a golfer's scores and the course's difficulty, and they can be adjusted for different formats of play. By using a handicap system, golfers of all skill levels can enjoy the game and compete with one another on an equal footing.

Are Golf Carts Street Legal?

Golf carts are not typically considered to be street legal vehicles, as they are not designed to meet the same safety and performance standards as automobiles. While golf carts may be driven on some public roads under certain conditions, they are generally only allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less. Golf carts may also be driven on roads with higher speed limits if they are being used to access a golf course or other private property.

In order to be driven on public roads, golf carts must be equipped with certain safety features, including headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brakes. They must also be registered and insured. The laws regarding the use of golf carts on public roads vary by state and locality, and it is important to familiarize yourself with the laws in your area before driving a golf cart on the road.

While golf carts are not designed for use on public roads, they can be a convenient and practical alternative to automobiles in certain situations. For example, golf carts may be used to travel short distances within a gated community or on a college campus. They may also be used as a transportation option for those who have mobility issues or for those who live in areas with limited access to public transportation.

Despite their limitations, golf carts have become a popular transportation option in many communities around the world. They are often used for leisure activities such as golfing, but they can also be a practical and eco-friendly alternative to traditional automobiles. If you are considering using a golf cart as a transportation option, it is important to understand the laws and regulations in your area and to ensure that your golf cart is properly equipped and maintained for safe operation.

The History of Golf

Golf is a game that has been around for centuries, with origins dating back as far as the Roman Empire. The game has evolved significantly over time, with different variations being played in different parts of the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of golf, starting with its ancient origins and tracing its evolution up to the modern game we know today.

The earliest known reference to a game similar to golf can be found in the writings of the Roman poet, Ovid. In his work "Metamorphoses," Ovid describes a game called "paganica," in which players used a bent stick to hit a stuffed leather ball. The game was played in the Roman Empire, and it is thought to be the precursor to the game of golf as we know it today.

Golf as we know it today has its roots in Scotland, where the game was first played in the 15th century. At that time, the game was called "gowf," and it was played on a course made up of seven holes. The game quickly gained popularity in Scotland, and it soon spread to other parts of Europe and beyond.

In the early days of golf, the game was played with a variety of different clubs and balls. The balls were made of leather and stuffed with feathers, and they were hit with wooden clubs. These early golf balls were difficult to control, and they often traveled long distances when hit.

As the game of golf grew in popularity, it began to evolve and change. In the 19th century, the first golf clubs were created, and the first professional golf tournaments were held. The game also spread to the United States, where it quickly gained a following.

In the 20th century, golf continued to evolve and change. New technologies, such as steel shafts and synthetic materials, were introduced, and the game became more accessible to a wider audience. Golf courses began to sprout up all over the world, and the game became a global phenomenon.

Today, golf is played by millions of people around the world, and it is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. The game has come a long way since its humble beginnings in ancient Rome, and it continues to evolve and change with the times.

In conclusion, the history of golf is a long and fascinating one, with roots dating back to the Roman Empire. The game has evolved significantly over time, and it continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels around the world. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a beginner, there is something for everyone in the game of golf.

Using the Number One Golf App in the World to Improve My Golf Game

Tanner is a Western Golf Association (WGA) Evans Scholar/Caddy graduate from the University of Wisconsin. His content includes the original golf hack along with various satire and a fresh look at the lighter side of the sport we love, along with fun 18Birdies clips/videos.  

Tanner has spent his life infatuated with two semi-adjacent interests, weather, and golf. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in atmospheric science and minor in environmental studies in 2015. Tanner has been a meteorologist in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area ever since. While weather is his day job, golf is a close second.

Using his background in meteorology, Tanner often gains an edge on the competition by using what he knows in humidity, temperature, and wind’s impact on the golf ball. Since joining the 18 Birdies family, Tanner now has the app to calculate such factors automatically, and you can too!

Weather Impact Video

When he is not forecasting the weather, Tanner is on the golf course practicing or playing in local events. Recently, with his playing partner Nick Lesser, took first place in a two-man scramble event shooting -10, with a wild finish of 9-under in the final 8 holes. With the help of crowd sourced analytics, Tanner can turn to the 18 Birdies App for insights. His favorite is the variation in scores based on directional misses off the tee. We all miss fairways at times, so the added advantage of knowing which way to miss is one of the keys to going low.

LINK to score data video:

The captivating and sometimes aggravating aspect of golf is we spend our entire lives looking to improve. Just look at the best players in the world, some spending 10-12 hours a day with a team of swing coaches to continuously make tweaks to the golf swing. It’s exhausting sometimes, right?! Well fear not, the new artificial intelligence (AI) swing coach within the 18 Birdies App can help! Costing pennies on the dollar compared to hiring your own personal swing coach, the AI swing coach might just be the added leg up to take your swing and game to the next level. 

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If you are interested in downloading the free app: Clickhere

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Highest Impact Winter Storm Thus Far in the Season

Parts of the Midwest will be digging out from their largest snow storm since last year by the end of the week. A storm system is expected to develop in the southern Plains Wednesday and slide to the north and east through Thursday and Friday. Heavy snow will begin to breakout Wednesday night into Thursday morning as it overspreads the entire Upper Midwest through the day Thursday. A swath of 6"+ of snow is expected to fall to the northwest of the track by Friday, with rain further east.



With the storm system still 3-5 days out there are still more questions than answers at this point. As per usual, the exact track of the low pressure system will greatly determine who sees the heaviest snow and who sees mainly rain. In addition to the usual track error in the models, there are major differences in the temperature profiles of the atmosphere ahead of the system. While an area of high pressure is expected to develop north of the Dakotas, there just isn't the amount of cold air in place we would usually have at this time of year. The low will have to generate some of its own cold air through advection and latent heat release. The GFS and the EURO have varying opinions. The GFS for example has a much more saturated atmosphere ahead of the first batch of precipitation, which will impact temperatures as dry air and precipitation can act as a cooler process due to latent heat release. Whereas the EURO model has more dry air to help cool the column ahead of the heavier snows. Furthermore, the grid spacing on the EURO is smaller so will better resolve the cooling process over the GFS, so the cooler solution is currently favored. Below is a look at the GFS model, with the main EURO rain and snow line overlayed. The GFS has a much larger percentage of the storm as rain, while the EURO suggests more snow. Still a lot to work out with this one, so be sure to follow on Twitter and Facebook for continued updates. Can always check out the Computer Snow Output page as well.

Heavy Snows Return this Weekend for Some

Another winter storm is poised to move towards the Midwest by the weekend. Rain will develop late Friday night across the Plains and begin to changeover to mainly snow through the day on Saturday. Snow will eventually spread north and east into the Upper Midwest late in the day Saturday. Some of the precipitation will begin as a light wintry mix of freezing rain and sleet, but will change over to all snow through a lifting mechanism that will act to cool the layer. The area of heaviest snow will be localized across Nebraska, with lesser amounts outward from there.

The lack of a large swath of heavier snow has to do with the life stage of the low pressure system. In many cases storms emerge from the Rockies and develop from that point forward. With similar systems across this part of the world, the life stage of strongest precipitation usually last 1-3 days. However, the weekend winter storm developed on the west coast and dumped heavy rain and snow across the Southwest Thursday. Being in its mature stage, the area of snow will quickly develop Saturday, then quickly fall apart Saturday into Sunday. It can also be seen in a 500mb chart below, where the closed upper low is a sign of future weakening, as the system become occluded. Nonetheless, a band of snow is expected to sit and pivot over Nebraska, where many will see over a foot of snow by Sunday. Areas further south across the Mid-Lower Mississippi River Valley will see severe weather Friday and Saturday, as the cold front provides a mechanism for lift in an unstable environment. Isolated tornadoes are possible, with an upper jet superimposed over the same locations, providing turning with height for tornadic thunderstorms. As always, be sure to follow on Twitter for more updates and weather content.

First Round of Heavy Snow for Many Sunday-Monday

A storm system will emerge from the Rockies this afternoon and march towards the north and east through the overnight into Sunday. A very narrow strip of heavy snow will develop to the northwest of the low, as warm air is tossed over a warm front into colder air. The storm is expected to drop several inches of snow over a wide area, but a narrow area of only 15-30 miles will see amounts in excess of 6". Some spots could surprise with almost a foot of snow as bands park over the same area for a long period of time. It is difficult to see exactly where the heaviest snow will set-up, but chances favor somewhere between Milwaukee and Chicago into Michigan. Below is a computer simulation of what the radar may look like heading through Monday morning. As we march more into winter, be sure to keep it to Midwest Weather for updates throughout the winter. More weather content will be posted on our Facebook page and especially on Twitter.

Official Midwest Weather Winter Outlook 2018-2019

It's about that time, when everyone is asking, what will the winter be like? Well, we have some of the answers you are looking for. The winter forecast is not as clear cut as some years in the past, but there are some trends out there that show clues into what the fine winter enthusiasts of this site should expect.

First, let's start with the process into how the outlook was constructed. We will use 4 major teleconnections that are useful to forecast the weather out several months to a year in the future. The most influential and most common lies in the level that ENSO is expected to be in. ENSO is essentially a measure of how warm the ocean temperatures are in the Central Pacific. If the specific region is warmer than normal it is classified as an El Nino, colder is classified as a La Nina, and near normal is in the neutral phase. The phase tends to flip from El Nino to La Nina every 8 month to over a year at times. For our purposes in the winter forecast, we are currently in the neutral phase and expected to trend towards an El Nino moving into winter. Consequently, we will only use years that followed the same trend.

The Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) is a similar measure or oscillation that goes from the warm to cold stage every 5-10+ years, and examines ocean temperatures in the northern Pacific. It is near neutral and is likely to hover around the neutral stage through the winter, we will give it 2x weight. The Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) is similar to the PDO, and should stay in the warm phase through 2019, as its period of change can be well over a decade. Since the AMO is a measure in the North Atlantic, we will use less of a weight, since it is downstream of the weather in the United States. Finally the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO) is a regular variation in the wind direction near the equator located in the stratosphere and can influence the weather around the world. It is a wind that blows in the same direction for roughly 14 months then completely flips direction. Based on history, the QBO should eventually flip direction, which should occur sometime during the winter, so years with a flip from negative to positive during the winter will be used for the forecast.

Putting it all together, 5 similar years since 1950 were looked at then averaged against the values from the entire period. Essentially, the map above is what we may expect in terms of temperatures during the months of December through February this winter. Notice the colder air from the Plains down through the Southeast. Some warmer temperatures are housed in the Great Lakes, but overall cooler than normal temperatures are expected this winter across the Midwest.

Looking and precipitation now, we see an above normal signal across the Midwest, and a well above normal signal across the West Coast. Colder than normal and above normal precipitation will also favor above normal snowfall overall. However, notice there are some southwest to northeast strips of above/below normal areas east of the Rockies. It may signal the risk for larger storm systems, and more hit/miss events in aggregate through the winter season. At the end of the day, slightly above normal snowfall is favored, but as always it will come down to where each individual storm track goes. There will be an above normal amount of chances for snow this winter, so be sure to keep up to date with Midwest Weather through the winter, as the blog becomes much more active. You are also going to want to 'Like' us on Facebook and follow on Twitter for continued weather updates and conversation.

Accumulating Snow Returns Wednesday

Winter is at it again, more snow on tap for the some of the same locations that saw over a foot of snow over the weekend. A quick hitting Alberta Clipper system will slide into the region Wednesday and spread a swath of moderate snow to the region. Snow rates of 1-2" are possible for a period during the day, which could be enough to pile up over 6" of snow in spots. Temperatures will return closer to normal by the weekend and near normal by next week, so the snow will be gone as quickly as it came. 

April/Baseball Begin, with a Major Winter Storm Tuesday

Say it ain't snow, the winter that keeps giving has another trick up its sleeve. For many in the Upper Midwest this winter has dragged on far too long. Even though the calendar may say April and baseball is underway, a major winter storm will drop a wide swath of around a half foot of snow by Tuesday night. Snow will begin to develop today, with the more moderate snow coming into the region as the low pressure begins to develop near Chicago. Much of the snow will fall during the day, so ongoing melting is expected with the strong April sun angle, which will hamper some of the accumulations of a heavy wet snow for most. Meanwhile, in the warm sector, an area of strong to severe thunderstorms will develop across the Ohio Valley down through the Lower Mississippi River Valley. Large hail, damaging winds, and a few isolated tornadoes are all threats Tuesday afternoon and evening. Below is one model's take on how the storm system will evolve into Tuesday, powered by Tropical Tidbits. After the low pressure slides east of the region, winds will kick to out of the northwest, with cold temperatures expected to hold right on through the weekend, with a couple additional chances for snow into the middle of the month. More weather info always on Twitter.

Heavy Snow Targets Plains and Upper Midwest

The most significant threat of a winter storm for many across the Midwest is coming to fruition in the West and is poised to slide east through the day tomorrow. Computer models are coming together in agreement with the track and banding features expected to fall northwest of the low pressure system. A long yet narrow swath of 6"+ is expected to pile up, with an even more narrow band of 10"+. An isolated total of 15"+ is certainly possible, but too early to pin exactly where this may occur. Some indications suggest northeastern Nebraska has a good chance to see 15" with increased cold air and higher liquid to snow ratios expected here. Furthermore, anywhere along the narrow red strip may see a couple isolated totals in excess of 15", depending on where banding feature tend to stall out and pivot. The heaviest snow is expected to fall during the day on Monday. While, widespread blizzard conditions are not expected, gusty winds and blowing/drifting of snow will also occur due to the deepening area of low pressure. Now, with any weather forecast there is some inherent error in the exact track. Located below is a chart of 20+ model runs and what they suggest for snow totals in Minneapolis (left) and Green Bay (right). Still some spread, but overall not to bad for still being 36+ hours out. Based on the best science, the trends and snow ratios, the forecast above was reached. As always you can get further updates on Twitter and Facebook or find links on the right hand side of the page. Enjoy the snow, if you want it, and stay safe either way. If you care to check out some of the weather model snow outputs Click Here!

Odds Increasing for a Winter Storm Sunday-Monday

With all the cold weather settling in the past month or so, people are asking, "where's the snow?" The big snows at least. Well, the next best chance will arrive Sunday into Monday. While it is not advantageous to post a winter weather forecast 5-6 days out, confidence is above average during this time frame. The edge of accurate winter storm evolution forecasts across the Midwest is usually around the 5 day time frame. However, the difference in this case is the method of storm development. Models have consistently shown a large price of energy coming on-shore the West Coast Friday and pushing due east through the weekend. As this energy emerges on the lee side or east side of the Rocky Mountains, significant cyclogenesis is expected. In many case, including this winter, there are multiple pieces of energy that the models need to resolve and issues in accuracy arise from sampling and future progression differences. Nevertheless, the expectation is that an area of low pressure will move from the Central Plains towards the Upper Midwest Sunday into Monday. Heavy snow is expected to fall to the northwest of the track, 6"+ of snow is possible, but it's simply too early to get more specific. Keeping in mind, we are still 5+ days out, there is some uncertainty in the exact track. Below is a look at the GEFS. It is a model that is ran 20+ different times at a lower resolution with slightly different inputs to quantify error. The individual red numbers are low pressure locatations and are where the storm may end up. Notice the spread is still from southeast MN to northern IL, with the reminder that the heavy snow will fall 50-200 miles northwest of the where the low tracks. Lots to work out over the next several days, so check back for updates when necessary. Be sure to follow on Twitter and 'like' on Facebook.

Frigid & Dry Conditions Persist into 2018

Happy New Year, everyone! Weatherwise, 2018 looks to pick up right where 2017 ended, with a cold and dry pattern. When people claim they hate to see snow during the winter, but also hate the cold, be sure to remind them they do not always go hand in hand. Most of the moderate snow events across the Midwest occur with temperatures in the upper 20s to near 30. Prolonged dry periods, are often associated with arctic high pressure systems, which bring their arctic cold temperatures. Often during the winter, if the jet steam can dig south of the area and usher in cold temperatures from the north, the storm track will run well south of the Midwest and shut down large snow makers from developing. What's left in its wake is lake effect snows (which are significant in these outbreaks) and weak little disturbances that may put down an inch or two of fluffy snow from time to time. This recent cold spell is no exception. The pattern looks to hold through the first week of 2018, with the only snow across the region near the lakes. Below is expected precipitation through January 7th, showing only scattered snow showers from time to time across most of the Midwest, with lake effect snows dropping 12"+ as they tap into the relatively warm lake water and cold air above them. A pattern change is possible by the second week of the month, which should lend more snow chances, along with warmer temperatures!

Midwest Snow Event by Late-Week

Snow will develop by Wednesday across the northern Plains and fill in towards the Midwest by Thursday. Several inches of snow are possible throughout North Dakota and parts of the Upper Midwest. There will be 3 pieces of energy that produce snowfall over the next several days. If they would have all phased together at the same time, which does tend to happen this time of year, heavy snowfall would then have been likely, yet this is what we are left with. The heaviest snow will be over northern North Dakota and Northeast Wisconsin into Michigan.

Midwest Weather Winter Storm Update

Quick winter storm update tonight, with models coming into better agreement confidence is starting to rise. The forecast from Saturday still looks generally on track, with just a few subtle changes. The track wobbles are noted in the graphic to the left. It still appears a weak system will kick off light snow across the far northern Plains Wednesday into Thursday, with a general 3-6" of snow likely here by Thursday morning. Then, by Late Thursday morning a cyclone across Nebraska will develop and push towards Chicago. As this occurs, moisture will  be brought to the northwest and snow will increase in coverage and intensity to the left hand side of the low. It is a classic track for heavy snow across the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes. Some light snow should develop Thursday morning in the Central Plains, with 2-5" likely here. The snow will ramp up as the low develops and should become moderate to heavy by Thursday afternoon and evening. The darker shade of blue has the best chances for 6"+ of snow, as it looks like a band of 5-10" is possible across this area, with lesser amounts outside of this zone. There are still some questions with the systems; such as whether thunderstorms in the south will rob any of the moisture and just how deep the low can get before moving into Canada. As always, being still 3+ days out there will likely be a couple tweaks in the exact track of the low, which will have impacts on who sees the most snow. A more detailed snow map will be issued by tomorrow evening as things become even more clear. As per usual, more weather updates will be posted on Twitter and Facebook!

Pre-Christmas Winter Storm Possible across Midwest

It's that time of year, the time when just about everyone wouldn't mind to see the white stuff falling from the sky. Well, Mother Nature may come through with accumulating snows in the days leading up to the holiday. Models have been showing a favorable pattern for days, and are becoming more clear with a couple storm systems ejecting from the Rocky Mountains December 20th-22nd. With a substantial trough in place, the cold air supply with be sufficient to support snow through much of the Midwest.

Our first peice of energy will slide out of Montana December 20th and bring warmer air north towards North Dakota and Minnesota. As this warm air is bought over the top of stubborn cold air at the surface, precipitation will emerge once it reaches saturation. Widespread light snow should develop across much of the northern Plains with a few inches of snow likely across much of the region, and isolated locations of more snow eare possible. The main surface low will weaken and transfer towards eastern Colorado the coming days.

When this energy digs south into the Central Plains by the 21st, a developing surface low pressure system will strengthen as it pushes northeast towards the Upper Great Lakes. As the low deepens, upward motion will be induced on the northwest side of the cyclone, and with cold air in place a large area of snow should develop Dec 21st-22nd. The long duration event and effective dynamics in play, heavy snow is possible somewhere from Iowa to Wisconsin and into Michigan. Being still ~5 days out, some details are uncertain, but looks like a good shot for a solid White Christmas across much of the Midwest. We won't touch on exact amounts quite yet, just being too early at this point, but there is a chance of an area picking up 6"+ as we head into Christmas. Be sure to keep it here to Midwest Weather for details and snow forecasts as we get closer to the event. You can always follow on Twitter and like on Facebook for even more updates.

5pm Monday: Click Here for an update

Quick Hitting Snowfall Wednesday

An area of low pressure will dive into the northern Plains overnight and quickly develop through the morning on Wednesday. A narrow band of moderate snow is expected to set-up to the northeast of the track, across the Upper Great Lakes. Models are coming together in placing this band from northeast Wisconsin into Lower Michigan. It will be one of those cases where some may see nearly nothing and 50 miles north they see 6" of snow. The snow is expected to be of the light a fluffy variety, so it will quickly pile up Wednesday. The narrow band of snow should produce a general 4-7" of snow, with 7"+ expected in western Lower Michigan where some lake enhancement is expected by tomorrow. Total snow forecast is attached above, along with one model's take on the what the radar may look like tomorrow, attached below. Winds during the snowfall should be rather light, but as the low pressure system pulls away Wednesday evening, winds will shift to the north and increase with time during the evening and early part of the overnight. Gusts of 25-30 mph are then possible, which could act to blow the light and fluffy snow around through Thursday morning. Be sure to 'like' us on Facebook and follow on Twitter for more weather updates!