Cooler Weather Is On The Way - 4:45p.m. THU

From Chief Meteorologist Craig Carnesi...

It looks like we may finally be seeing the beginnings of a pattern change across the Nation. I stress LOOKS like.

Some of the model guidance we use on a daily basis is hinting at the chance of a more winter like pattern across the Western and Central United States soon. I mentioned this a couple of days ago and things still look good. Now, this doesn't mean we will get a lot of moisture, just more seasonal weather. The good thing is, if we can get the cold air established, then there is at least a better chance at getting more precipitation. Just looking at some guidance right now, February could end up much cooler than January. We'll just have to wait and see.

As for tonight, mild and breezy conditions will rule the area with Southwest winds coming around to the West and running 10 to 20 miles per hour. Lows will range from the middle 40s to near 50 degrees.

A cold front will plow through the Big Country early in the day Friday, bringing breezy winds out of the Northwest and cooler highs. This cold front is the first part of setting the stage for rain showers Sunday into Monday.

Right now I am forecasting a 30 to 40 percent chance of showers beginning Sunday and ending early in the day Monday. The problem for us will be moistening up the surface. With the dry air in place, Mother Nature will have to saturate the air from the top down. So, I expect we will start Sunday off with a good deal of virga, (rain evaporating before it reaches the ground) and then eventually turning into showers.

I'm also not too excited about rainfall totals. I think the most rain some could see might be around a quarter of an inch. But, we will definately take it.