Guys (and gals),
The domain for this site expires on Dec. 25. I don't plan to renew it or continue with the blog. As some of you know, I now live in the Southwest. While I'm always curious about the weather in Minnesota and the anticipation that accompanies upcoming snowstorms, it feels increasingly weird to keep things going when I look out at blue skies and snow-capped mountains.
Longtime readers know that the blog started as a way of evaluating (not necessarily in a scientific way) the accuracy of different forecasters. That was fun, but in the end I'm not sure what was accomplished by it.
Now, the blog is entirely based on comments from others; I really don't do much. I think the time has come where someone should create a group on Facebook that's devoted to Minnesota weather enthusiasts. Either that, or maybe there's a way that someone can take over the domain. I'm not very technically proficient with this stuff, so I don't know what's involved.
I'll make a point to check back in the coming days to see what comments/questions there are. I can also be reached at eddiedog2@yahoo.com.
Cheers,
Bill
I shall post first. 1) Thank you for all the hard work you have put into this all these years. It is true that it has evolved/ changed from the original grade the forecasters intent. 2) The folks who participate/come visit/bring knowledge and/or comments have also evolved over the years. 3) I love the blog, and I know you have asked many times for us to roll over to FB. I for one would gladly go there if the blog continues and 4) it would be easier to connect with Novak Weather on FB because he has a definite presence 'over there' on that platform; 5) your site is already on FB --- would you consider keeping that one available and/or monitoring it or do you want a 'new' FB group as this one disappears?
ReplyDeleteI am only as my moniker says, a 'weather geek' who has no scientific background in weather but who loves the variety of our environment here in Minnesota and who has always been fascinated by the climate (changes included) and who has only done the weather spotter training. Finding this site for winter forecasting was an awesome goldmine.
Thank you again, Bill, for everything you've put into this blog over the years. I will miss it..... but I'm hoping you keep an area alive on FB so that we who are already there or who want to start an account there continue the "Minnesota Forecaster" discussions going.
And if not...... cheers y'all. I'll miss you.
I could try creating a Facebook group. I guess it depends on if others express an interest.
DeleteBill, Thank you for the energy that you put into this blog the last 10 years or so. It was a pleasure to have met you when we went on a tour of MPX.
ReplyDeleteNow it would be a shame if this blog went out with a whimper, but alas that is not likely to happen. As luck would have it, the models have started to push the Friday system a bit north with the 12/06 12z runs...it could be a fun time for some in Minnesota. Hopefully it includes the metro this time around.
You have a great memory, Randy! Thank you for the sentiments. Hopefully, things will go out in a flourish.
DeleteI appreciate you, Bill, and everything you've done to keep this ragtag group of enthusiasts connected over the years! I haven't contributed the in-depth analysis like some have, but I have LOVED reading other's interpretations of the model forecasts. I have learned a LOT from everyone on here, and I truly appreciate you.
ReplyDeleteGodspeed to you Bill! I hope we get one more big storm to track together as a group (and I hope even more that it isn't a thunderstorm in December!).
JAW
Bill, this is a bummer! While I fully understand, this unique place for people to post and share their thoughts is truly a gift to me and other weather enthusiasts. It is an amazing site to visit and create the "weather blog friends" that I have created.
ReplyDeleteIs there someone on here who is willing to take it over and run with it?
Bill, you are awesome for doing it as long as you have. Thank you!!
As for the snow later this week - BRING IT! All of it!!
Novak did a video about this weekend's potential storm (on FB one can find the video) and bring it indeed! "Sharp storm gradient" potential right over the metro..... so a fitting way to slide towards the end of Minnesota Forecaster. Thank you again, PWL for your dancing and to Bill for this wonderful blog.
DeleteWow, such nice things you all say. Did we determine that many of you either aren't on Facebook or don't want to do it via Facebook? It would be so much easier. I think. (Famous last words.)
ReplyDeleteBill, I appreciate all your time & effort on this BLOG. The people that contribute to this page are, for the most part, awesome. For me, it was a blast to throw around opinions & educated guesses for everyone else to read.
ReplyDeleteThanks my friend.
- Tom
How about a Novak Weather Premier Facebook page?
DeleteOh man, I will admit the last idk 2-4 years have been flooded with trolls and negative comments abouts busts,dry slots etc. I don't think they were here when it started or totally understand the nature of meteorology. I found you,Tom,PWL,WeatherGeek,randyinchamp,and many many others including msp meteorologists posting here a LONG time ago. It has been the most informative and educational blog I've ever followed for up to date and local weather(in recent years.)Although I didn't comment much, I always followed. This site was a go to for real data and "geeking out" on weather. Also, I've used this group/blog to make some very serious on-call and dispatching decisions throughout my career in private and public works sectors. Thank you for keeping this going as long as you have! I hope you enjoy the weather in the SW. I wish we could go back to the "good old days" but all good thing some to an end. I appreciate you and everyone else who has been apart this great site! Skol Bill!
ReplyDeleteWell, Tom posted totals. Looks like this CO low system has nugged North a bit Cdps,Gfs vs the more southern Ecmwf. Very interesting to see how the long range models will play out. Can we get a snow dance?
ReplyDeleteWhile I was somewhat active in the early days almost ten(!) years ago now, I've checked in less and less as time has gone on. That said, when a snowstorm is on its way, this site is still the first place I go to. (Which is what brings me back for the first time since March).
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, thank you Bill, not only for starting this project, but for continuing to sustain it for us in the years after you left. I can only assume that for every one of the "regulars", there are dozens of lurkers that have enjoyed the blog's presence just as much.
A big thank you to everybody else that has chimed in as well. Tenish years ago, when this site began, I was considering a career in meteorology. While that career never materialized, I remain to this day fascinated by the weather, especially when it turns interesting.
I don't have Facebook, so I will regrettably miss out on any conversations that move to that space. That said, if there's interest, I would be happy to create a new blogspot that would hopefully continue to keep the community alive. Facebook would certainly be easiest for everybody that's already on there (everybody but me I'm sure, haha), so it's likely that if discussion was to continue, it would make the most sense to do it there.
For this site in its current form, cool to see it'll go out with a bang! This system looks like a proper big-hitter; if I were a betting man, I'd wager somewhere might see 15 inches! Looking forward to see how it plays out!
Winter Storm Watch for the metro! Wooooo hooooooo!
ReplyDeleteNovak put out his map of snow total predictions/tight gradient, indeed. He's got most of the metro in a 6-8" snowfall; far north metro 4-6" and far southeast tip of metro's huge area 'touching' the 8-10+ inches. Can't wait to see how it all plays out. I like Bill's "Novak Weather Premier FB" comment above. PWL is going to love this snow opp for sure.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your dedication to this site, Bill. I'll miss it for sure, and even though I no longer live where the weather can change every 5 minutes, I love checking in when it's snow time.
ReplyDeleteWe like to live vicariously. :-)
DeleteThanks Bill for keeping this site going for as long as you did. I have learned a lot by following this site from the regular contributors. I check it whenever snow is in the forecast but don't expect you to continue it. I would have posted more observations but over the last several years, I could never post from my iphone. This blog holds one of only 24 bookmarks I keep on my iphone browser. Novak weather is another and I will continue to follow his posts elsewhere. I have never done facebook so I wouldn't be engaged there. Thanks again Bill.
ReplyDeleteI've had the same problem with iPhone. I wonder what the deal is.
DeleteI just tried from my iphone; I would have to put in my Google account info, so that is probably part of it, all these different machines/platforms/etc. Even on my phone I still use the 'classic view' and so I don't always see messenger info, etc. It's bittersweet reading all the comments on this 'last blog' entry....... at least we can all enjoy our last (potentially) snowstorm together, right? :+) Let.It.SNOW!
DeleteThank you Bill for keeping this going for 10+ years! I've been around since the dome busting storm in December 2010 and I consider this blog and so many of the commenters to be part of my winter routine. Like I'll occassionaly find myself thinking of PWL dancing or needing depends and the snow contest that the one follower had with his brother on the east coast (they moved, right? RandyinChamplin?). I also have learned so much about weather and now follow several mets and climatologists on Twitter. Seriously - I would not know terms like millibars, dry tonge, steep gradient, NAM, GFS, QPF if it weren't for this site. Thank you! If someone is willing to start another blog or discussion board, I will jump on. Although I'm active on a few chat boards, I don't know much about managing one or have enough weather knowledge to facilitate conversations but I'm willing to chip in for hosting fees or whatever if someone is able to take it on. The Anonymous crowd has been annoying over the last couple of years, mostly because you don't know if it's one person or 17 and all they do is say the same thing with a mean tone to it. They just don't follow the social mores of an online chat board and that is annoying.
ReplyDeleteCheers to everyone for a big snow tomorrow!
Speaking of the Domebuster...December 10-11 is the anniversary.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteWe are only out from a whopper winter storm within 12 hours and limited comments? C'mon......here we go!!! Let's take advantage of this time before this blog might go away!
ReplyDeleteI have been doing my "bring that THANG north" dance and it is working!! So awesome.
Bring it!!!
Could be because of the announcement of the site closing down. But yeah very surprising that there isn't a whole lot of excitement for what could be one of the biggest storms in years.
DeleteJust watched the Novak 6:30 video and he talked about this potentially moving a little more north which is a direct hit for the metro. Get the feeling it will split the metro with heavier snows just south of Lakeville. Time will tell.
ReplyDeleteAlso, if you guys want to keep this going I can talk to Bill and see if I can keep it going.
ReplyDeleteThat would be wonderful if you have time/energy. Just checked and NOAA is sticking with now bigger than yesterday totals of 7-13 inches. You are right, Plymouth Weather Lover: whopper of a storm.
DeleteNWS at 6:16am has the storm further north so higher totals in the metro than Novak's map posted about the same time this morning. From free modeling I checked, looks like NWS following recent GFS/NAM with storm bit north. The current radar is narrow band west-east through Mankato at 7:45. Satellite does show the SW-NE movement of the system clearly.
ReplyDeleteNWS did shift the forecast north from yesterday. The probabilistic forecast for eastern Anoka increased; with expected going from 5" to 7"
DeleteSorry folks I haven’t been posting, work is busy and been fighting an illness last few days and haven’t mustered up the energy to post(thankfully not Covid related). Enough about me….LET IT SNOW!!! Right ladies and gentlemen…so many models and predictions out there, just looks like a healthy amount for everyone in the greater TC area. I will say 6-12” anywhere south of 694.
ReplyDeleteBill what’s to say that hasn’t been said already, I’m glad I found this site many many years ago, thank you for all you did back then when you lived here and continuing this forum even after you left.
I’m not a Facebook guy or a technical guy but @Not Paul Douglas I will support this forum continuing, getting a different look/perspective.
@SWMpls Girl….thanks for the shootout, that was me and my brother….we still do it by the way and I need this storm to deliver some big inches, it’s getting late early if you know what I mean.
Ok enjoy the snowfall folks and be safe driving and cleaning it up!
As of 7 PM 9”+ in Prior Lake with my amateur measuring. Still coming down heavy.
ReplyDeleteVery cool; I'm surprised there aren't more comments on here tonight........ it's like folks are in mourning .... which I totally understand. Thanks for your snow total.
DeleteJust measured 17 inches of snow in Woodbury. Had snowfall rates near 4 inches per hour earlier tonight.
ReplyDeleteDamn dude! You guys definitely hit the jackpot! That line on the radar hardly has moved for hours, if you live 10 miles either side of 494 they hit the jackpot on this one.
DeleteMy 8:30pm measurement of 5” in Golden Valley seems insignificant compared to others. Enjoy!
Yeah it couldn't have been a more direct hit! Wouldn't be surprised if I end up measuring 20 inches comes morning.
Delete7" St.Louis Park @2:30am. Light snow still falling.
ReplyDeleteFinally looks like winter around here.
MSP got 11" (record for that date) and Chanhassen clocked in at 8 inches per the NOAA site. One of my siblings has a friend in Bloomington who posted a measuring stick at 13.5". She sent me the photo so I could drool over it. This was a great snow event, Twin Cities.
ReplyDeleteI like to look at this site as people record their precipitation measurements daily year round....... https://www.cocorahs.org/ViewData/ListDailyPrecipReports.aspx
ReplyDeleteEnded up with right around 17” here in northern Prior Lake. My snow blower is not happy. What a crazy night.
ReplyDeleteBill, This has been a fun, interesting, and informative website—with almost 1.5 million views! I am sad to see it coming to a close, but understand your desire to move on. Thank you for putting this in motion. For years this has been my go-to site to see what the amateur weather forecasters were predicting compared to the media forecasters—a good deal of the time the “amateurs” came closer to calling it than the “professionals.” I referred a lot of friends to this website, telling them you folks usually did a better job. (I will miss you people as well.)
ReplyDeleteBill, you enhanced this site with your creative writing, beautiful photography, and your occasional need to referee things. You invested a lot of your energy, time and talent here over the years. Thank you for all you’ve given and contributed during that time. I will miss all this when it comes to an end on Christmas Day…Hmm, cue “I’ll Have a Blue Christmas without You…” MM :-(
Wow.... thank you.
DeleteSo how much did everyone receive? Only a handful gave totals. I got 7” here in Golden Valley….not bad but of course jealous of those who live only about a 20-25 minute car ride from me and got double to triple the amount. I assume if nothing is added between now and Christmas this snow should hold for a White Christmas even with the one day warm spell this Wednesday unless of course you live in the far northern metro areas where they don’t have too much snow depth
ReplyDeleteCould the site just be converted to a blogger address? IOW, it wouldn't be minnesotaforecaster.com, but just something like minnesotaforecaster.blogger.com - or anything.
ReplyDeletegot 4" here. BUT...be very aware this evening, I would expect a PDS (particular dangerous situatiion) weather watch to be issued around 4 pm or as storms should start effecting southern MN around 6pm. As was alluded to in a previous AFD from MPX of a warning is issued you may have very little time to react as forward speeds of these storms could be north 60mph. Stay safe every one.
ReplyDeleteYes later today looks really bad somewhere in a CWA…heed any or all warnings. Remember what just happened south of us(Kentucky/Illinois/etc.)with all the tornadoes and deaths when we were enjoying all that snow on Friday. Don’t let the snow on the ground and time of the year put you in a false sense of security….all the parameters for severe weather are there for this evening for all of southern Minnesota and very near to MSP. Stay safe everyone!
DeleteYes, NWS has now issued a tornado watch that includes some MN southern counties and a TON of Iowa/other state counties. This weather is so darn bizarre! https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=dmx&wwa=tornado%20watch
DeleteI'm working to set up a new Minnesota Forecaster site on wordpress. I'll post the link here when it's working. I can volunteer to take over for Bill.
ReplyDeleteRock on Disco!
DeleteThat's great, Disco. Thank you for doing this. I hope it works out well/is an easy site to use. Much appreciated.
DeleteThank you Disco!
DeleteStay safe tonight, everyone1
ReplyDeleteNo lie. A tornado watch on December 15th, and strong storms firing off 'everywhere'....... All that snow I slid on with my grandkid on Sunday.... 'gone'... like a mirage. A tornado watch..... unbelievable. You stay safe, too, SWMpls Girl.
DeleteWhile I will admit that I thought last weeks snowstorm would slide just south of MSP and not have all that snow, however I was correct with the warm-up that has virtually erased all that snow and again has the snowlovers of MSP land wondering if we will have a White Christmas. Besides the dirty piles of snow outside your window fresh new snow will be hard to come by next 7-10 days. Another MSP Brown Christmas? How many of those have we had since lets say 2000? Too many for those snowlovers and the businesses that rely on snowfall and snow on the ground this time of the year must continue to wait.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I would HATE to see this site (or some site similar) disappear. Disco, if you are willing to get keep this going on some site somewhere, that would be amazing!!! I just love it and refer to it often.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I just love this weather, but I am now dreaming and dancing for our next snow. A major snowstorm on Christmas day would be the icing on the cookie, the frosting on the brownie, the sprinkles on the cake, the glitter on the tree, the cream in the middle of a Twinkie! Bring it!!
Waiting for particulars to fall in place, but it appears that the blog may continue (under the same URL, requiring no change to your bookmarks) under new ownership. Stay tuned.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bill, let us know. I set up a new site just in case. I'll ditch it if this one stays.
DeleteNothing new yet. Can always contact me offline at eddiedog2@yahoo.com if things go awry.
DeleteWell surprise, surprise! White Christmas might be saved after all, barely but saved nonetheless with that almost an inch of snow Thursday morning after the wild and mild events of Wednesday and then last nights overnight little sneaker dropping 1-2” across the metro there’s a solid 2+ covering across MSP land and with temperatures not expected to stray from freezing the next week this snow should hold. Also two more chances of snow between now and then, Tuesday(but is trending north and away from metro) and Friday into Christmas morning. So we’ll see what transpires but there is hope on a White Christmas still.
ReplyDeleteThat’s the best snow to clean….light and fluffy! Just finished up now some hot cocoa. Enjoy the weekend everyone, happy shopping!
Deletetest
ReplyDeleteDid the test work? I got it on my end! I am so excited that this site (with the same bookmark, etc) might happen! Thanks to all involved!
ReplyDeleteNOW - Egypt: Coastal city of Alexandria witnessed its first, very rare snowfall in almost a decade.
ReplyDeleteGlobal warming down the tubes
Great site tks for keeping it going
ReplyDelete