Arcadia weatherman discusses spring storms, recalls historical events

After tracking the weather in Arcadia for nearly seven decades, Jim Skroch has seen plenty of storms. But even the longtime weather observer says the recent surge in tornado activity across Wisconsin and Minnesota is unlike anything he can remember.

Known by many as Arcadia’s weatherman, the 83-year-old Skroch has recorded daily temperatures and precipitation since 1959. Drawing on those records and a lifetime of observations, he recently shared his thoughts on the unusual weather patterns, stronger storms and changing climate conditions affecting the region.

“We’ve been getting storms coming in from Colorado this spring: the snowstorm first and now these storms. It mixes up with the moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, and that’s when we have different wind directions in the upper atmosphere from the southwest. You also have low level winds from the east or southeast. When that happens, they all start to mix and then you have tornados,” Skroch said. 

According to Skroch, tornados have historically been very rare in Wisconsin this time of year. In past years, it would have been typical to only have one tornado about every 15 years. This year, however, up to 50 tornados have touched down between Wisconsin and Minnesota combined.

“We’ve made up for 100 years or more,” Skroch said in reference to recent tornados. 

Typically, he says that tornados this time of year are seen further south, in states such as Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Kansas, and Nebraska.

Skroch also noted changes in recent years in temperature and precipitation. He said the temperature in Minneapolis that afternoon had reached 87 degrees, explaining that 61 degrees would be a more typical temperature for this time in April, with temperatures reaching the upper 80s closer to mid-July. 

As far as precipitation is concerned, rainfall has been pretty consistent over the years, with Arcadia receiving an average of 34 inches of rain each year. Snowfall, however, has declined in recent years. Skroch noted that Arcadia used to have an average of 45 inches of snow per year, but this year, it only received 40 inches. Additionally, with rising temperatures and decreased precipitation, Skroch says that the area has been experiencing an increase of dryness and fires in recent years. 

Skroch attributed the changes to global warming, which he claims has caused warmer temperatures in the spring and delayed cooler fall and winter weather. 

Skroch said a tornado that went through Glencoe on Mother’s Day when he was 11 years old piqued his interest in the weather. 

“I remember the sky conditions were just wild. The clouds were going in all different directions,” said Skroch. 

This experience led to a fear of lightning that would keep Skroch up at night during storms, from which he eventually developed a fascination with weather and began keeping his records. Skroch even used to report the temperature in Arcadia to Channel 19 news, before temperature sensors eventually eliminated the need. 

To this day, Skroch continues to keep records of the weather in Arcadia. 

“It’s very cool and I just enjoy it. It’s been a hobby of mine for years since I was young,” said Skroch. 

Skroch noted the tornado in Glencoe as among the most severe weather events he could recall. Though there were several others. 

One of the most severe storms took place in Arcadia in 1998, when 90 mile per hour winds took down trees in the area.  

Another instance was a few years ago during Broiler-Dairy Days, when severe weather affected Skroch’s own family members. His wife, as well as his son who was performing in the band, were driving when they encountered what his wife believed to be a dust storm. In fact, the two had just driven through a tornado. 

Skroch also noted that Arcadia occasionally experiences severe flash floods. 

He also stated that Arcadia has never experienced a major hail storm, attributing the lack of large hail to Arcadia’s surroundings and many hills.