Keep The Umbrella Handy

From Meteorologist Brandon Rector...

No, you are not seeing things. I have titled this entry "Keep The Umbrella Handy." We have several chances for rain over the coming days. First, though, let's talk about this morning and today. We started off with a wide range of temperatures. In Sweetwater and Snyder, the temperature got below freezing. However, in Abilene and Brownwood, temperatures only bottomed out in the upper 30s to low 40s. Fog has once again developed across the viewing area this morning. It is dense in a few locations, so be careful and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destinations. The fog should clear out later this morning. Mostly cloudy skies will remain. Highs today should still make it into the upper 60s to low 70s thanks in part to winds from the south-southwest at 10 to 15 mph.

A cold front is expected to move through tonight and into early tomorrow. We may have just enough moisture in place that some showers are possible. The chance is only 20%. Lows tonight will be mild in the mid 40s.

The chance for rain continues Thursday and Friday at 30% to 40%. We may even see some thunderstorms on Wednesday night and Thursday. Highs on Thursday look to be in the upper 50s to low 60s. Warmer temperatures are expected Friday with highs in the upper 60s.

There are several reasons why we have the chance for rain. The southern branch of the jetstream is going to be running right over the Lone Star State. Some disturbances are projected to move along the jetstream for the next few days. This means nothing if there isn't enough moisture in place. That has been our problem for most of the past four to five months. This time however, we may have just enough in place. Pacific and Gulf moisture should continue moving into the area during the Tuesday through Friday time period. So, keep your fingers crossed that we get as much rain as possible with this opportunity.

Another cold front is expected to arrive on Saturday. It looks to be bringing with it a little bit colder air mass. Right now, it doesn't seem to be anything like what we saw last weekend. Temperatures will be below average for this time of year with highs in the low 50s. We may see a few showers this weekend. It really depends on how much moisture we have left at that point. We'll just have to wait and see.

Have a terrific Tuesday!