Bob's Blog on Central Texas Weather

Weather Highlights

• Very cold temperatures and low wind chills will continue through Thursday
• There will be a low chance for some very light freezing rain or freezing drizzle across the eastern Hill Country and the Austin/Interstate 35 corridor late Friday night into early Saturday
• Light rain showers are forecast to develop on Saturday and continue into Sunday morning
• Milder temperatures are predicted for next week

Discussion

Arctic air quickly spread south across the region late Tuesday, bringing strong winds and much colder temperatures. By sunrise Wednesday, the temperature had fallen into the teens across the Hill Country, the low 20s across Central Texas, and the mid-20s to low 30s across the coastal plains. Some very light snow flurries developed across parts the region Wednesday morning, but there was no accumulation. The light snow all ended by midday Wednesday and no additional precipitation is expected.

Clouds will slowly thin across the region Wednesday afternoon. This will be followed by a generally clear sky Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon. The sky is forecast to become mostly cloudy on Thursday. The arctic air is forecast to remain in place into Saturday, then move off to the east on Sunday.

The wind is expected to remain strong and gusty into Thursday. Expect wind speeds of 10-15 mph with gusts to 25/30 mph Wednesday afternoon through Thursday afternoon. Wind speeds are predicted to decrease to around 5-10 mph Thursday night, continuing into Friday.

A recap of temperatures into the weekend:

• High temperatures Wednesday will range from about 30-32 degrees across the Hill Country, to the low and mid 30s across Central Texas, to the upper 30s across the coastal area
• Low temperatures Thursday morning are forecast to be between 10 and 15 degrees across the Hill Country, between 17 and 20 degrees across Central Texas, and in the mid to upper 20s across the coastal region
• High temperatures Thursday will range from the mid and upper 30s across the Hill Country, to the mid-40s near the coast
• Low temperatures Friday morning will range from the low 20s across the Hill Country, to the low 30s across the coastal region
• High temperatures Friday will be in the upper 30s to low 40s
• Lows Saturday morning will range from around 28-30 degrees across the Hill Country, to the low and mid-30s across Central Texas, to the upper 30s across the coastal plains
• High temperatures Saturday are forecast to be in the mid-40s to the low 50s.
• Lows Sunday morning are forecast to generally be in the upper 30s to low 40s.

For Friday and into the weekend, Wednesday’s forecast solutions have shown a few changes. The trough of low pressure which had been forecast to quickly track east across the southern Plains on Saturday is now predicted to move a little slower than previously forecast. Only some very light rain is predicted to develop across the region Friday night into Saturday morning. A better chance for rain  (40-50 percent) is now forecast to develop across the region Saturday afternoon, continuing Saturday night into Sunday morning. The rain is forecast to end from west to east Sunday afternoon.

The eastern Hill Country and the Austin/I-35 corridor could see some very light/spotty freezing rain or freezing drizzle early Saturday morning, but with the systems slower movement, conditions could very well stay dry while the temperature is below freezing. There will be a 40-50 percent chance for precipitation across the region Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning. With the temperature above freezing, this precipitation should be all liquid. Rain amounts through Sunday are forecast to average less than a tenth of an inch across the Hill Country, less than a quarter inch across Central Texas, and less than a half inch across the coastal plains.

NWS Rainfall Forecast Valid through 6 pm Monday:

Warmer temperatures are forecast all of next week, with daily highs in the 70s.

Bob

Weather Highlights

• The arctic front will push south across the region Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday evening, bringing windy and much colder weather
• An area of showers will accompany the front, but the precipitation should end before temperatures fall below freezing
• Very cold temperatures will be in the place Wednesday through Thursday night
• Forecasts still show a slight chance for some light freezing rain across the Hill Country and the Austin/Interstate 35 corridor Friday night into Saturday morning. Should the freezing rain develop, only light ice accumulations are expected and this will primarily be on bridges and overpasses.
• Dry and milder weather will develop on Sunday

Discussion

The arctic front spread into Texas Monday night and is moving a bit faster than was originally forecast. As of 1 pm, the front stretched from the Dallas/Fort Worth area, to near Brady, to near Wink. Temperatures immediately behind the front were in the 30s and 40s. Up to our northwest, Amarillo is reporting a temperature of 8 degrees. The front is predicted to push to the south-southeast across the Hill Country this afternoon, reaching the Austin/I-35 corridor in the late afternoon. The front will continue pushing southeast and should push off the middle Texas coast before midnight.

Light rain showers have developed across much of Central Texas out ahead of the cold front, and these light showers are forecast to continue through the afternoon. Showers and a few isolated thunderstorms are forecast to develop along the front when it moves through Central Texas and the middle Texas coast, but the precipitation is expected to end before the temperature falls below freezing. As a result, no wintery precipitation is expected in the wake of the arctic front Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

Tuesday’s forecast data is not showing any appreciable changes in the cold weather event from what was forecast on Monday. Windy and much colder weather will develop Tuesday night as the arctic air surges south. The very cold air will continue Wednesday through Thursday. Forecasts call for northerly winds to increase to a range of 10-20 mph, with gusts to 40 mph Tuesday night. Similar winds with gusts to 30 mph are forecast are forecast Wednesday and Wednesday night. Northeast winds at 10-15 mph are predicted for Thursday.

The combination of the strong winds and the very cold temperatures will cause very chilly wind chill readings into Thursday. Wind chill readings are forecast to reach the low and middle teens across the Hill Country and Central Texas regions Tuesday night into Wednesday morning and again Wednesday night into Thursday morning. The National Weather Service has posted a Cold Weather Advisory for the entire region  midnight Tuesday night through Noon on Wednesday. An Extreme Cold Weather Watch has been posted for the entire region from Wednesday night through Thursday morning.

There has been little change in the temperature forecast for the next few days:

• Low temperatures Wednesday morning are predicted to be in the mid and upper teens  across the Hill Country, in the mid and upper 20s across Central Texas, and in the mid-30s across the coastal plains
• High temperatures Wednesday will range from the mid 30s across the Hill Country, to the low and mid 40s across the coastal plains
• Low temperatures Thursday morning are forecast to be between 10 and 15 degrees across the northern Hill Country, between 15 and 20 degrees across the central and southern Hill Country, between 20 and 22 degrees across Central Texas, and in the mid upper 20s coastal region
• High temperatures Thursday will range from the upper 30s Hill Country, to the mid-40s near the coast
• Low temperatures Friday morning are forecast to be in the low and mid-20s Hill Country, the mid and upper 20s Central Texas, and the low 30s coastal region
• High temperatures Friday will be in the upper 30s to low 40s
• Lows Saturday morning will range from around 28-30 degrees across the Hill Country, to the low 30s across the Austin/I-35 corridor, to the mid-30s across Central Texas, to the upper 30s across the coastal plains
• High temperatures Saturday are forecast to be in the mid-40s to the low 50s.

Tuesday’s forecast  continues to call for occasional light precipitation to develop across the eastern Hill Country, Central Texas, and coastal regions Friday evening and Friday night, with the precipitation continuing into Saturday afternoon. With the temperature expected to fall below freezing across the eastern Hill Country and the Austin/Interstate 35 corridor Friday night into Saturday morning, some freezing rain still appears possible across these two area late Friday night into Saturday morning. The probability for precipitation will be near 30 percent. As of now, only light ice accumulations are expected—mainly on bridges and overpasses. For areas from Bastrop and La Grange, southeast to the coast, the temperature is forecast to remain above freezing Friday night, keeping all of the precipitation liquid.

The chance for rain should diminish from west to east Saturday afternoon. Dry and milder weather will develop Sunday and continue through all of next week.  High temperatures Saturday are forecast to be in the 50s, warming to around 68-70 degrees on Sunday. High temperatures next Monday through Wednesday are forecast to be in the upper 70s to low 80s. Lows will generally be in the 50s.

Bob

Weather Highlights

• The arctic front will move through the area Tuesday evening and Tuesday night, bringing much colder temperatures and windy conditions.
• Some light rain is forecast along the front, but the precipitation should end well before the temperature falls below freezing
• Dangerously cold wind chill readings are forecast Tuesday night through midday Wednesday
• Lows in the teens and 20s are forecast Wednesday night into early Thursday morning
• Chilly temperatures look to continue Thursday through Saturday morning
• Light rain showers are forecast to develop across the region Friday night into Saturday morning
• There is chance for some light freezing rain across the Hill Country and the Austin/I-35 corridor regions Friday night into Saturday morning

Discussion

Monday morning’s forecast solutions are showing few changes from what has been forecast over the past couple of days. We’re still looking at a dangerously cold period of weather between Tuesday night and Friday morning. The threat for wintery precipitation with the arctic front looks quite low as the precipitation will end before the temperature falls below freezing. Preparations to protect people, pets, plants and pipes should be taken today or Tuesday morning before the arctic air arrives Tuesday night.

In the near term, milder temperatures can be expected Monday afternoon into Tuesday thanks to the return of southerly breezes off the Gulf. Low-level moisture is predicted to spread inland Monday evening and Monday night, causing the development of a cloudy sky. Some patchy drizzle or light rain will be possible for areas along and east of Interstate 35 Tuesday morning. The chance for rain showers will increase to around 30-40 percent across this same area Tuesday afternoon. Rain amounts should average below a tenth of an inch.

• Lows Tuesday morning will range from the upper 40s across the Hill Country, to the mid-50s near the coast.
• High temperatures Tuesday will be in the mid-60s to low 70s

Frecasts call for the strong arctic front to reach the northern Hill Country just after sunset Tuesday. The front is predicted to quickly spread to the south, moving off the middle Texas coast around midnight. There will be a slight chance for a few rain showers along the cold front when it moves across Central Texas. The chance for showers and scattered thunderstorms with the front will increase to around 60 percent over the area from about La Grange to Matagorda Bay. Rain amounts should average around a tenth of an inch or less. The chance for rain is forecast to end shortly behind the cold front—well in advance of the temperature falling below freezing.

Windy and much colder weather will follow the passage of the cold front Tuesday evening and Tuesday night as a large mass of arctic spreads to the south. Expect northerly winds with speeds of 10-20 mph and gusts to 35 mph Tuesday night through Wednesday afternoon. Wind speeds should decrease to around 10-15 mph Wednesday night.

The strong winds and cold temperatures are expected to produce wind chill readings between 6 and 15 degrees across the Hill Country and the Austin/Interstate 35 corridor, and between 15 and 20 degrees for areas east of I-35, Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Due to the very low wind chill readings, the National Weather Service has posted a Cold Weather Advisory for the Hill Country and Central Texas regions from midnight Tuesday night through Noon on Wednesday.

A freeze is forecast across the Hill Country and Central Texas regions Wednesday morning. A hard freeze is predicted for the entire region Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Another hard freeze is forecast for the Hill Country and Central Texas regions Thursday night into Friday morning.

The sky will be sunny to mostly sunny Wednesday through Thursday.

Here’s a recap of expected temperatures:

• Low temperatures Wednesday morning are predicted to be in the low 20s across the Hill Country, in the mid and upper 20s across Central Texas, and in the mid-30s across the coastal plains
• High temperatures Wednesday will range from the mid and upper 30s across the Hill Country, to the mid and upper 40s across the coastal plains
• Low temperatures Thursday morning are forecast to be between 10 and 15 degrees across the northern Hill Country, between 15 and 20 degrees across the central and southern Hill Country, between 20 and 22 degrees across Central Texas, and in the mid to upper 20s coastal region
• High temperatures Thursday will range from the upper 30s Hill Country, to the mid-40s near the coast
• Low temperatures Friday morning are forecast to be in the low and mid-20s Hill Country, the mid and upper 20s Central Texas, and the low to mid-30s coastal region
• High temperatures Friday will be in the low 40s
• Lows Saturday morning will range from around 30 degrees across the Hill Country, to the low 30s across the Austin/I-35 corridor, to the mid-30s across Central Texas, to the upper 30s across the coastal plains

Monday’s forecast solutions continue to indicate a small trough of low pressure will track east across the southern Plains states late Friday into Saturday, pulling clouds and moisture north from the Gulf. Light precipitation is forecast to develop across much of the region Friday evening and Friday night, continuing through about midday Saturday. With the temperature expected to fall below freezing across the Hill Country and the Austin/Interstate 35 corridor Friday night into Saturday morning, confidence has increased somewhat for the development of some freezing rain across these two area late Friday night into Saturday morning. As of now, only light ice accumulations are predicted. For areas from Bastrop and La Grange, southeast to the coast, the temperature is forecast to remain above freezing Friday night, keeping all of the precipitation liquid.

The chance for rain should diminish Saturday afternoon, with the sky becoming partly cloudy. Dry and milder weather will develop Saturday afternoon, continuing through all of next week.  High temperatures Saturday are forecast to be in the 50s, warming to around 70 degrees on Sunday. High temperatures next Monday through Wednesday are forecast to be in the upper 70s to low 80s. Lows will generally be in the 50s.

Bob

Here’s an update on this week’s arctic outbreak.

 Weather Highlights

• The chance for wintery precipitation late Tuesday into early Wednesday has diminished as the precipitation is forecast to end before temperatures fall below freezing
• A second and even colder blast of arctic air will arrive Tuesday evening and Tuesday night, accompanied by much colder temperatures and gusty winds that will continue into Thursday.
• The coldest point of the week will be Wednesday night into Thursday morning
• Forecaster are monitoring the period from Friday night into Saturday morning when there will be a slight chance for a light wintery mix to develop across the eastern Hill Country and most of Central Texas

Discussion

The first of two strong blasts of cold air spread across our area Saturday night, bringing colder temperatures and gusty winds. Wind speeds are forecast to diminish late Sunday afternoon into Sunday evening and remain light overnight. With a clear sky and light winds, a freeze is forecast to take place across the Hill Country and Central Texas regions Sunday night.

• Lows Monday morning are forecast to be in the upper 20s across the Hill Country, near 30-32 degrees across Central Texas, and in the mid-30s across the coastal plains.

A warming trend will get underway Monday as southerly breezes return off the Gulf. Gust to near 20 mph are forecast in the afternoon. Under a mostly sunny sky, expect high temperatures in the low and mid-60s. Lows Tuesday morning will be in the upper 40s to low 50s.

Attention turns to Tuesday when the second and coldest surge of arctic air is predicted to push south across the area. Forecasts call for the arctic front to reach the northern Hill Country late Tuesday afternoon, the Austin/Central Texas area early Tuesday evening, and the middle Texas coast an hour or two before midnight. Ahead of the front, there will be a 30-40 percent chance for scattered rain showers—mainly for areas along and east of Interstate 35 Tuesday afternoon. An area of light rain showers is also forecast to develop along and just behind the cold front. However, updated forecasts call for the precipitation to end from west to east before the temperature falls below freezing. As a result, winterly precipitation now appears unlikely Tuesday evening and Tuesday night. The sky is forecast to clear late Tuesday night and be mostly sunny for Wednesday and Thursday.

Significantly colder temperatures and gusty northerly winds will develop behind the cold front Tuesday night. In fact, this arctic airmass is expected to bring some of the coldest temperatures our region has seen so far this season. Northerly winds with speeds of 10-20 mph and  gusts to 30 mph are forecast to develop Tuesday night and continue through Wednesday.  The coldest night of the week is still expected to be Wednesday night, when wind speeds decrease.

• Lows temperatures Wednesday morning are predicted to be near 20 degrees across the Hill Country, in the mid and upper 20s across Central Texas, and in the low to mid-30s across the coastal plains
• High temperatures Wednesday will range from the mid and upper 30s across the Hill Country, to the mid-40s across the coastal plains
• Low temperatures Thursday morning are forecast to be between 15 and 20 degrees across the Hill Country, between 20 and 22 degrees across Central Texas, and in the mid to upper 20s coastal region
• High temperatures Thursday will be in the low and mid-40s
• Low temperatures Friday morning are forecast to be in the low 20s Hill Country, the mid-20s Central Texas, and the low to mid-30s coastal region

Forecasters are closely monitoring weather developments for next Friday and Saturday when a trough of low pressure moving across the southern Plains is expected to pull moisture north into South and Central Texas, resulting in the development of some light precipitation. With the temperature forecast to fall into the low 30s late Friday night into early Saturday morning, a light wintery mix cannot be ruled out—mainly across the eastern Hill Country and the Austin/Central Texas region. There is much uncertainty with this part of the forecast until the timing and temperature forecast can be fine tuned. The threat for wintery precipitation will end by Saturday afternoon as the temperature warms into the 50s.

I urge everyone to take the necessary precautions now to protect people, pets, pipes, and plants from the arctic outbreak this week.

Bob

Weather Highlights

• A strong Canadian cold front will move through the area Saturday evening and Saturday night, bringing a surge of much colder air
• A freeze is forecast for the Hill Country Sunday morning and across the Hill Country and Central Texas regions Monday morning
• A second and much colder surge of arctic air is forecast to spread south across our area Tuesday, bringing significantly colder air that will persist through late week
• The coldest point of the week is expected to be Thursday morning, when temperatures look to reach the mid and upper teens across the Hill Country, the upper teens to low 20s across Central Texas, and the low 20s across the coastal plains
• There will be some potential for light wintery precipitation across the Hill Country and Central Texas regions Tuesday night into Wednesday morning

Discussion

February continues to live up to its reputation for having wild swings in the weather, and this next week will definitely fit that criteria as our region looks to experience two blasts of arctic air. The second blast of air, scheduled to arrive next Tuesday, is expected to be as cold, or possibly colder than the chilly air our region experienced back in late January. In addition, there appears to be some potential for a little wintery precipitation.

Friday Afternoon through Sunday Night

The temperature is expected to be a little warmer Friday and Friday night as light southerly breezes return to Central and South Texas. The sky will remain overcast through Saturday morning thanks to an approaching wave of low pressure pulling Gulf moisture up and over the cool air mass at the surface. The wave will cause a slight chance for a few light rain showers and drizzle for areas along and east of Interstate 35 late Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. Rain amounts, if any, should total only a few hundredths of an inch.

• High temperatures Friday are forecast to generally reach the mid and upper 50s
• Lows Saturday morning are predicted to be in the upper 40s to low 50s.

A Pacific cold front associated with the wave of low pressure is forecast to spread east across the region Saturday afternoon, bringing with it mild and drier air. A few showers and scattered thunderstorms may accompany the front when it moves over the area to the south of Interstate 10. Clouds will clear with the sky becoming mostly sunny Saturday afternoon. The temperature will become unusually mild, with highs in the mid and upper 70s.

Forecasts call for an arctic cold front to sweep south through the area Saturday evening and Saturday night. The front will bring a surge of much colder air that will likely remain over our area through Sunday night. Northerly winds of 10-20 mph with gusts to 30 mph are forecast to develop Saturday night, continuing through Sunday afternoon. Wind speeds should diminish Sunday night. The sky will be sunny on Sunday.

A freeze is predicted for the Hill Country Sunday morning and for both the Hill Country and Central Texas regions Monday morning.

• Low temperatures Sunday morning will range from the low 30s across the Hill Country, to the low 40s across the coastal plains
• High temperatures Sunday will be in the low and mid-50s
• Lows Monday morning are forecast to be in the upper 20s across the Hill Country, in the upper 20s to low 30s across Central Texas, and in the low to mid-30s towards the coast

Monday

The arctic air mass is forecast to begin moving off to the east late Sunday night into Monday morning. Light southerly breezes are forecast to develop Monday, bringing warmer air back to the region. Expect a mostly sunny sky on Monday.

• High temperatures Monday are forecast to be in the low and mid-60s
• Lows Tuesday morning will generally be in the mid and upper 40s
• High temperatures Tuesday are forecast to be in the low and mid-60s

Arctic Outbreak Expected Tuesday through Friday

Forecast solutions call for a large trough of low pressure to develop across central and eastern Canada early next week that will allow a large mass of arctic air from Siberia and the arctic region to plunge south from Canada and spread south across the Plains states. The leading edge of this arctic air is expected to reach the Red River, between Oklahoma and Texas around sunrise Tuesday morning. The cold air is forecast to spread south through Central Texas by midday, moving off the coast by mid-afternoon Tuesday. The latest analysis indicates the source region of this arctic air mass is quite cold and will not have time to moderate significantly before it reaches Texas. The magnitude of this cold air appears similar to and possibly slightly colder than the arctic air that reached our region the third week of January. Wednesday night into Thursday morning is shaping up to be the coldest period, with hard freezes predicted all the way south to the coast. The arctic air is forecast to remain in place into Friday, then begin moving off to the east.

• Low temperatures Wednesday morning are forecast to be in the low 20s across the Hill Country, in the mid and upper 20s across Central Texas, and in the upper 20s to 30 degrees across the coastal plains
• High temperatures Wednesday are predicted to range from the upper 30s west, to the mid-40s near the coast
• Low temperatures Thursday morning will include the mid and upper teens across the Hill Country, the upper teens to low 20s across Central Texas, and the lower 20s across the coastal area
• High temperatures Thursday are forecast to be upper 30s to low 40s
• Lows Friday morning are forecast to be in the low 20s across the Hill Country, the mid-20s across Central Texas, and the upper 20s to low 30s across the coastal plains.
• High temperatures Friday are predicted to be in the mid and upper 40s

The biggest uncertainty with the upcoming arctic outbreak is the potential for wintery/frozen precipitation Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Forecasts call for a 40-50 percent chance for rain showers along the cold front when it moves across the area Tuesday afternoon. After that, the forecast solutions call for a small trough of low pressure to push east out of Mexico Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. This system is expected to generate a small amount of precipitation when it moves over the Hill Country and Central Texas regions. With the temperature expected to be below freezing at that time, it does appear there will be some potential for a mix of light freezing rain, sleet, and snow flurries But this is too far out into the future to have much confidence in the forecast at the current time. This part of the forecast should become clearer early next week.

Long-range forecasts call for dry and milder weather developing next weekend, with highs moving back to the 50s and 60s.

Have a good weekend.

Bob

A weekend cold front brought an end to last week’s stretch of unusually warm weather. Monday’s weather is predicted to remain cloudy and cool as a weak overrunning pattern sets up. Some spotty drizzle will be possible, but no significant rain is forecast. Monday’s high temperature will range from around 50 degrees across the Hill Country, to the low 50s in the Austin area, near 60 near La Grange, to near 70 degrees towards the coast.

Light to moderate rain showers and isolated thunderstorms are forecast to develop across the Edwards Plateau Monday evening in advance of a trough of low pressure slowly lifting northeast out of northern Mexico. The area of rain and thunderstorms is predicted to spread east across the Hill Country and Central Texas regions Monday night, then continue across the area through Tuesday afternoon. For the coastal region, rain showers and scattered thunderstorms are forecast to develop after daybreak Tuesday and continue through late afternoon. The chance for rain should temporarily decrease Tuesday evening.

A second wave of light to moderate rain showers and scattered thunderstorms is forecast to spread across the region beginning late Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning when a second wave of low pressure lifts northeast out of Mexico. The chance for rain should end by midday Wednesday as the wave of low pressure exits to the northeast. The sky is predicted to become partly cloudy Wednesday afternoon.

The threat for strong to severe thunderstorms from both waves of low pressure will be quite low. The highest totals of rain through Wednesday are forecast to be across the eastern Hill Country and most Central Texas, where totals should generally average between 0.5 and 1 inch. Lower totals are expected elsewhere.

NWS Rainfall Forecast for the Period 6 pm Monday through 6 pm Wednesday:

There will be quite a bit of change in the temperature Tuesday into Wednesday. A strong cold front is forecast to push south across the area Wednesday afternoon, bringing much colder air beginning Wednesday night. A light freeze is forecast for the Hill Country region Wednesday night and Thursday night.

• Lows Tuesday morning will range from the low 50s across the Hill Country, to the low 60s across the coastal plains
• High temperatures Tuesday are forecast to range from the low 60s across the Hill Country, to the mid and upper 70s across the coastal area
• Low temperatures Wednesday morning are forecast to be in the low 50s across the Hill Country, the mid-50s across Central Texas, and the upper 60s coastal region
• High temperatures Wednesday will range from the upper 60s across the Hill Country, to the mid-70s across Central Texas, to the low 80s across the coastal plains.
• Lows Thursday and Friday mornings are forecast to be in the upper 20s to low 30s across the Hill Country, the mid-30s across Central Texas, and the low 40s across the coastal region
• High temperatures Thursday will include the mid and upper 40s across the Hill Country and Central Texas regions, with low and mid 50s towards the coast
• High temperatures Friday will range from the upper 50s Hill Country to the mid-60s towards the coast

A ridge of high pressure spreading in from the west will bring dry weather and a partly cloudy sky Thursday through Friday.

There will be a very slight chance for a few light rain showers Saturday when another Canadian cold front pushes south across the area Saturday afternoon. Rain amounts, if any, should only total a few hundredths of an inch. The temperature will turn noticeably colder behind the front Saturday night through Sunday night. Another light freeze is forecast fort the Hill Country both Sunday and Monday morning.

• High temperatures Saturday are forecast to generally be in the mid-70s
• High temperatures Sunday are predicted to be in the mid and upper 50s
• Low temperatures Sunday and Monday mornings will include the upper 20s to low 30s across the Hill Country, the mid-30s across Central Texas, and the upper 30s to low 40s across the coastal plains

Looking out into next week, forecasts call for generally dry weather Monday and Tuesday as another ridge of high pressure spreads over Texas out of the west. A chance for rain showers looks to develop next Wednesday and Thursday when a trough of low pressure swings across Texas out of the Desert Southwest. As of now, only low rain amounts are expected. Temperatures next week are forecast to be mild, with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s.

Have a great week!

Bob

The spring-like weather pattern we’ve been experiencing this week looks to continue into the weekend. But changes in the pattern will be taking place Sunday into Monday that will bring cooler/colder temperatures and chances for rain to the forecast for next week. In fact, the Hill Country could see a light free next Wednesday night. While this week’s weather has felt much like April, keep in mind it is still February.

Mild and humid weather continues across the region thanks to a moderate wind flow off the Gulf of Mexico. Widespread low clouds Friday morning are forecast to burn off with the sky become mostly sunny Friday afternoon. A similar pattern of morning clouds and afternoon sunshine is forecast for Saturday. Warm temperatures are forecast on both Friday and Saturday, but Saturday’s temperature is expected to be the warmest, thanks to an area of warm, sinking air spreading east out of Mexico.

• High temperatures Friday are forecast to be in the low and middle 80s
• High temperatures Saturday are predicted to be in the mid to upper 80s
• Low temperatures Saturday morning will range from the low 60s across the Hill Country, to the upper 60s across the coastal plains
• Low temperatures Sunday morning are forecast to be in the mid and upper 50s across the Hill Country, in the low to mid-60s across Central Texas, and in the mid to upper 60s near the coast

A trough of low pressure pushing east across the Plains states is expected to push a weak cold front south into Texas late Saturday into Sunday. Forecasts call for the front to reach the northern Hill Country around midnight Saturday night and the Austin area shortly after sunrise on Sunday. The front is predicted to slow its southward momentum Sunday, reaching the coastal plains region not until sometime Sunday evening or Sunday night. Unfortunately, no rain is forecast along or behind the cold front. Expect a partly cloudy sky Sunday, with the sky becoming mostly cloudy Sunday night.

• High temperatures Sunday are forecast to be in the upper 60s to low 70s across the Hill Country, in the mid and upper 70s across Central Texas, and in the low 80s across the coastal plains
• Low temperatures Monday morning will include the upper 40s to low 50s across the Hill Country, the low and mid-50s across Central Texas, and the low 60s across the coastal plains

Monday’s weather is shaping up to be generally cloudy and cool as a weak overrunning pattern develops in advance of approaching trough of low pressure located over the southwestern U.S. Forecasts call for the trough to track east-northeast across Texas on Tuesday. An area of light to moderate rain showers are forecast to develop across the Hill Country and Central Texas regions Monday night, with showers and isolated thunderstorms continuing Tuesday morning into Tuesday afternoon. For the coastal region, showers and scattered thunderstorms are forecast to develop early Tuesday morning and continue through late Tuesday afternoon. The rain is forecast to taper off from west to east late Tuesday afternoon as the upper trough exits to the northeast. Rain amounts are forecast to generally average around a quarter inch.

Another chance for rain showers is forecast to develop across the region next Wednesday into Wednesday evening when a second trough of low pressure pushes east across the state. Rain amounts from this system are forecast to average around a tenth of an inch.

Total rain amounts Tuesday through Wednesday are forecast to generally average between a quarter and a half inch across the Hill Country and Central Texas regions, with lower amounts expected towards the coast.

NWS Rainfall Forecast for the Period 6 pm Friday through 6 pm Wednesday:

A very slight chance for rain is forecast next Thursday as yet another weak trough of low pressure moves over the area. However, rain amounts are predicted to only average a few hundredths of an inch.

Mostly sunny and dry weather is predicted for next Friday, continuing into next weekend.

The temperature will be noticeably cooler next week. A fairly strong cold front is forecast to bring a brief shot of some rather chilly air into the region next Wednesday into Thursday. Milder readings will follow next Friday and next weekend.

• High temperatures are predicted to be in the 60s Monday and Tuesday, cooling to the 50s on Wednesday and Thursday.
• Lows Wednesday morning are forecast to be in the low and mid-40s
• Lows Thursday morning are forecast to be in the low 30s across the Hill Country, in the low to mid-30s across Central Texas, and the upper 30s across the coastal plains
• Lows Friday morning are predicted to be in the low and mid-40s

Have a great weekend!

Bob

The weather is certainly feeling much like spring. The combination of a weak ridge of high pressure in the upper atmosphere and a moderate flow of air off the Gulf of Mexico is causing the development of unseasonably warm temperatures—especially for early February. Forecasts call for a pattern of dry weather with unseasonably warm and humid conditions to continue through Saturday as the ridge of high pressure remains across Texas and northern Mexico. Areas along and east of Interstate 35 will likely see the nightly development of widespread low clouds. These clouds are expected to linger through the morning hours, then burn off with the sky becoming mostly sunny.

Tuesday’s analysis showed a weak cold front pushing south out of North Texas. As of early Tuesday afternoon, the front stretched from Big Spring, to Brownwood, to Tyler. Behind the front, temperatures were in the 50s. The front is predicted to slide a little further south into the northern Hill Country Tuesday afternoon, causing temperatures to cool into the 60s and 50s. The front is forecast to stall across the northern Hill Country Tuesday night, then retreat back to the north early Wednesday. This cooler air is not expected to make it into Central Texas.

• High temperatures Wednesday and Thursday are forecast to be generally in the low 80s
• High temperatures Friday are predicted to be in the mid-80s
• High temperatures Saturday are forecast to be in the mid and upper 80s
• Low temperatures Wednesday through Saturday mornings will include the low 60s across the Hill Country, and the mid-60s at most other locations

Cooler temperatures will return to the area Saturday night into Sunday morning when a Canadian cold front gets a good push south out of North Texas. A few spotty light showers may accompany the cold front, but no widespread or significant rain is forecast. Breezy and noticeably cooler weather will follow the front Sunday and Sunday night.

• Low temperatures Sunday morning will range from the low 50s across the Hill Country, to the mid-60s towards the coast
• High temperatures Sunday are forecast to be in the upper 60s to low 70s
• Lows Monday morning are predicted to be in the low 40s across the Hill Country, in the mid-40s across Central Texas, and the upper 40s to low 50s across the coastal plains

Next week, the cooler air is forecast to remain across the area through Thursday as we see another reinforcing shot of cool air spread into Texas. Expect daily high temperatures to be in 50s to low 60s, with low temperatures generally in the 40s. Milder readings look to return late next week, with highs returning the 60s and 70s. Lows are forecast to be in the 40s and 50s.

A chance for rain showers is forecast to develop across the region Monday through Tuesday afternoon as a trough of low pressure tracks northeast out of northern Mexico and the Desert Southwest. Rain amounts through Tuesday are expected to be low—less than a quarter inch across the Hill Country and Central Texas regions, and less than a half inch across the coastal plains.

Forecasters continue to closely monitor the weather pattern for the middle and latter parts of February. There are some elements coming together which could help to deliver another blast of very chilly air into Texas. However, not all of the ingredients are there yet. Stay tuned for additional updates on this possible cold weather threat.

Bob

Sunny weather has finally returned to area. In the wake of Thursday’s cold front, a ridge of high pressure is beginning to spread across Texas out of the southwestern U.S. This ridge of high pressure is predicted to remain across Texas through the middle of next week and looks to bring our region an early taste of spring-like weather. Unseasonably warm daytime temperatures can be expected over the next week before slightly cooler air returns for next weekend.

Friday through Sunday weather will feature a sunny sky with mild afternoon readings and cool temperatures at night. Breezy northwesterly winds with gusts to 25 mph are forecast Friday afternoon. Wind speeds should diminish Friday night and remain light through Saturday. Southerly winds with speeds of 10-15 mph are forecast Sunday.

• Low temperatures Saturday morning will include the upper 30s across the Hill Country, the low 40s across Central Texas, and the upper 40s across the coastal plains
• Lows Sunday morning are forecast to generally be in the mid 40s
• Lows Monday morning are predicted to be in the mid-50s.
• High temperatures Friday are forecast to be around 70 degrees
• High temperatures Saturday are predicted to be in the mid-70s, warming to the upper 70s on Sunday

A southerly wind flow is expected to strengthen early next week, bringing warmer and more humid air north off the Gulf of Mexico. This will likely result in the development of warmer daytime and nighttime temperatures along with some late night and early morning low clouds.

• High temperatures Monday through Wednesday are forecast to generally be near 80-82 degrees
• Low temperatures Tuesday through Thursday mornings will range from the upper 50s across the Hill Country, to the mid-60s across the coastal plains

Forecasts call for a Canadian cold front to push south across our area sometime late next Thursday night or Friday. Little to no rain is expected with the cold front. Mostly sunny and cooler weather is predicted for next Friday and next weekend. High temperatures should trend down to the low and mid 60s, with low temperatures falling to the mid-40s.

Looking out into the week of February 10^th, forecasts point to a couple of chance for rain. High temperatures are predicted to remain generally in the 60s.

Still Time to Catch the Planet Parade

Don’t worry — you’ve still got time to see almost all of the visible planets in the evening sky. Not only that, but in the coming 10 days the waxing Moon will pair up with all of them, starting with Saturn Friday evening (January 31^st) and finishing up with Mars on February 9th. Granted, the Moon passes all the night-sky planets every month, but they’re often split between morning and evening skies, not splayed across a single sky and visible in one fell swoop. Plus, you can hop on the planet train early during evening twilight — there’s no need to get up after midnight for this show.

The only visible planet not making an appearance right now is Mercury, which remains stuck in solar glare in the morning sky; it won’t emerge at dusk until late February.

• Venus shines high and bright as the “Evening Star” in the southwestern sky during twilight, then lower in the west-southwest as evening grows late. Two hours after complete dark, it sets due west
• Saturn, is a little spark that is getting lower and lower under Venus during and just after dark. The gap between the two is widening. Saturn is 11° below Venus on Friday January 31st and 15° below it by February 7^th
• Jupiter, two months past opposition, shines as a very bright object in the constellation Taurus. It dominates the high south sky after dusk
• Mars comes into view in twilight as a steady orange spark of light in the eastern sky. Mars is two weeks past opposition and is still bright, but it is beginning to fade and shrink in diameter

Have a great weekend!

Bob