Cooler Weather Is On The Way

From Chief Meteorologist Craig Carnesi...

You know, every once in a while a forecast busts. Today was one of those days. High temperatures across the Big Country climbed into the upper 60s to lower 70s. Forecasted highs were for middle 60s to upper 60s. Here's what happened. The cold front we expected to push into the Big Country this morning "washed out," or basically went stationairy and the system associated with it continued to move East. So, our winds only shifted to the North for an hour this morning at Abilene Regional Airport. Winds quickly shifted back to the South. Combined with dry air, we quickly and easily warmed higher than the origional forecast.

Now, on to the future. Thursday looks to be a fairly pleasant afternoon with sunny skies and highs in the middle to upper 60s areawide. Thursday night another cold front, this one much strong will approach the area.

As this front approaches, if Mother Nature can get enough moisture in place, we could see a few scattered showers across the Central and Southern viewing area. By Friday, as the front pushes through, rain chances and clouds will quickly leave the area. Behind the front, expect gusty North winds averaging 15 to 25 miles per hour. High temperatures Friday will only reach the upper 40s to lower 50s so keep your jacket handy.

Saturday looks to be another cool day with highs only in the upper 40s.

Sunday and Monday look to be sunny to partly cloudy and warm with highs back into to upper 50s to lower 60s.

Longterm models continue to hint at some fairly cold, Arctic air moving into the Nation by Friday the 17th through Sunday the 19th. More on that in the days to come.