National Weather Service meteorologist Todd Shea visits Decorah

How accurate are long-range weather forecasts?  Meteorologist Todd Shea from the National Weather Service Office in La Crosse, Wisconsin was asked that question Tuesday at the noon luncheon of the Decorah Rotary Club.

He says the forecast for the next 48 to 72 hours is usually pretty accurate—at least on an overall basis, not an hourly basis.  The three day to five day forecasts are less accurate, says Shea.  And as for five to seven days out, those forecasts are good just for predicting overall trends, says Shea.  He adds that the National Weather Service does not issue weather forecasts for more than seven days out (although it does issue general climate forecasts)