Weather: Howling winds, raining buckets

You know why weather people use so many clichés? Because weeks like this one make it so easy to do so and weather clichés are a dime a dozen.

Temperatures later in the week see-sawed as Wednesday's high of 84 was followed by Thursday's high of 64 thanks to an early autumn Alberta Clipper system. Strong winds wreaked havoc with area toupees Thursday as gusts peaked at over 30 mph. Morning showers gave way to afternoon sun which then gave way to a gulley washer as workers headed home. Area weather observers generally recorded around one-tenth of an inch of welcome precipitation.

The strong winds whipped up whitecaps on area lakes but nothing like what was expected on the open waters of Lake Superior. The National Weather Service predicted wave heights of up to 32 feet Thursday.

Look for an extended period of warmth this week as high temperatures settle in around 70 much of the upcoming week. Periodic showers, as well as umbrella-reversing winds, may put a damper on outdoor activities . But don't call it Indian Summer yet. The American Meteorological Society defines Indian Summer as a period of abnormally warm weather, clear skies, sunny but hazy days and cool nights occurring in mid to late autumn.

This will be the week to hop in the jalopy and take a drive. Friday's fall color map provided by the Minnesota DNR shows colors near their peak in the north woods. Reports thus far indicate the best colors in 10 years await your viewing pleasure. Particularly brilliant displays have been reported in the Lake Itasca and Big Bog areas. Up for an overnight trip? Colors have peaked along the North Shore. Areas of note include Tettegouche and Split Rock State Parks.

Siemers is the Pioneer's circulation director.

Email him at tsiemers@

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