Thursday was the warmest day so far this year for the Hill Country and a large part of Central Texas as dry and very warm air developed behind the dry line. Readings generally topped out in the mid and upper 80s. It’s hard to believe it is the month of February. The average temperature so far this month is generally running between 2 and 4 degrees above normal. Month to date at Austin-Camp Mabry, it is the 13th warmest February on record.
A quiet and mild weather pattern continues across Texas as the jet stream and storm track remain well up to our north. High pressure in the upper atmosphere is expected to cause a sunny sky this afternoon through Sunday. A weak cold front moved across our area Thursday night, bringing in some slightly cooler air that will last into Saturday. Even with the cold front, readings are still predicted to stay well above normal for late February. Expect northerly winds with speeds of 10-15 mph Friday afternoon. Wind speeds look to decrease to 5-10 mph Friday night and Saturday. Breezy and warmer weather is forecast for Sunday. Expect southerly winds with speeds of 10-20 mph, and gusts to 35 mph.
- High temperatures Friday are forecast to be in the mid-70s.
- Lows Saturday morning will be in the mid and upper 40s.
- High temperatures Saturday are predicted to be in the upper 70s.
- Lows Sunday morning will be in the low 50s.
- High temperatures Sunday are forecast to be in the low and mid-80s across the Hill Country and Central Texas, and in the upper 70s across the coastal region.
- Lows Monday morning are forecast to be close to 60 degrees.
Looking at next week’s weather, breezy and unseasonably warm conditions are forecast Monday through Tuesday. The sky will be mostly sunny on Monday, but turn partly to mostly cloudy Tuesday. Wind speeds of 10-20 mph are forecast both days.
- High temperatures Monday and Tuesday are forecast to be in the mid and upper 80s across the Hill Country and Central Texas regions, and be around 78-80 degrees across the coastal plains.
- Lows Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are forecast to be in the low and mid-60s.
Forecasts call for a Pacific cold front to push south across our area on Wednesday, bringing with it some slightly cooler air. No rain is predicted along the front.
- Wednesday’s high temperature will range from the upper 60s across the Hill Country, to the upper 70s near the coast.
- Lows Thursday morning will include the low and mid-40s across the Hill Country, the mid-40s across Central Texas, and the low 50s coastal area.
There will be a 30-40 percent chance for the development of some scattered light rain showers across the area beginning Wednesday night, continuing through Friday morning due to a trough of low pressure holding back across the Desert Southwest. The rain is forecast to be light, with most totals staying below a quarter inch. The chance for rain should diminish Friday afternoon as the trough finally exits to the northeast.
NWS Rainfall Forecast for the Period 6 pm Friday through 6 pm Next Friday:
- High temperatures next Thursday and Friday are forecast to be in the upper 60s to low 70s.
Dry and warm weather is forecast next weekend, with high temperatures in the 70s.
Looking out into the week of March 4th, long-range forecasts do suggest a chance for rain developing the first half of the week as the next trough and cold front move across Texas. Mild temperatures will continue, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 40s to low 50s.
Full Moon Friday Night
The February full moon, or snow moon, will occur Friday night. Look for the bright, round full moon ascending in the east shortly after sunset, as twilight darkens It will glow high in the south near midnight and drop low in the west shortly before sunrise on February 24.
The February full moon is considered a micromoon. It will be 2024’s farthest – and only – full micromoon this year. At apogee, its distance will be 252,225 miles (405,917 km). That’s in contrast to the average distance between the Earth and moon, 238,900 miles (384,472 km). A full micromoon can appear about 14% smaller than a full moon supermoon, but its size difference is tough to see with the eye.
Have good weekend!
Bob
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