Wednesday’s forecast data is showing no major changes from what was talked about on Tuesday. A potent trough of low pressure is forecast to track across Texas, causing widespread precipitation across the area. Today’s forecast data continues to indicate somewhat milder air will return north from the Gulf tonight into Thursday that should keep most of the precipitation across the Austin and Central Texas area as a cold rain. For areas west of Interstate 35 out to West Texas, this slightly milder air looks to limit the chances for significant totals of snow. However, chances for impactful freezing rain and sleet continue.
The National Weather Service has posted a Winter Weather Advisory for all of the Hill Country, extending west across the Edwards Plateau to the Concho Valley region, from 6 am Thursday through 6 am Friday. Austin and Travis County is NOT in this advisory. With cold air in place at the surface, warmer air will move over it leading to a period of light freezing rain and sleet. The best timing for freezing rain will be starting around sunrise Thursday until early afternoon. Up to a tenth of an inch of ice will be possible–mainly on elevated surfaces including bridges and overpasses. The precipitation should turn to all rain during the afternoon, but there is a chance for some mixed rain, sleet and snow to redevelop Thursday evening when temperatures fall back below freezing. Little to no snow accumulation is forecast. All of the precipitation should end by early Friday morning.
Winter Weather Advisory for the Counties in Purple 6 am Thursday through 6 am Friday:
For the Austin and Central Texas area, widespread rain showers are forecast to develop early Thursday and continue throughout the day and into Thursday night. Temperatures are forecast to hold just above freezing—keeping most all of the precipitation liquid. The precipitation should end mid-morning Friday.
Widespread, beneficial amounts of rain are predicted Thursday into Friday. Wednesday’s forecast calls for totals of 0.5 to 1 inch across the Hill County, and between 1 and 2 inches for areas along and east of Interstate 35.
NWS Rainfall Forecast Valid through 6 pm Saturday:
Bob
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