Winter Returns For The Easter Weekend

From Chief Meteorologist Brandon Rector...

We had much cooler conditions across the area today as the beginning of the arctic airmass that we have been expecting this weekend arrives. This combined with mostly cloudy to cloudy skies kept highs in the mid 40s to low 50s across much of the Big Country. A few spots such as Brownwood managed to make in into the low 60s.

The cold arctic air will continue to filter into the region tonight and tomorrow. Lows tonight and tomorrow night look to be in the upper 20s to low 30s. All of the viewing area except for Comanche, Eastland, and Stephens counties are under a Freeze Watch or Warning for Friday night and Saturday night. Everyone should protect their pets, plants, and pipes this weekend. Highs will be well below average Saturday and Sunday. We are expecting mid to upper 30s for the first half of the weekend and low to mid 40s for the second half. The cold temperatures are just half of the equation for Saturday and Sunday. If you are going to be out this weekend, be sure to dress warmly.

Precipitation is the other half we are keeping an eye on for Easter. An upper level low is expected to move towards us and eventually over us this weekend. We will likely see some rain develop across the area overnight. In all but the southern communites, that rain should change over to snow and sleet. The southern communites will probably just see rain with a little snow and sleet mixing in. For Saturday, the entire area will likely see a mix of rain, sleet, and snow. Sleet and snow are expected across the area Saturday night into Sunday morning. It is possible for us to see some accumulations of snow and ice. Right now, I think it will be an inch or less. However, if we get some heavy activity in the Big Country it is not out of the question for some isolated spots to receive more than an inch. The accumulations will mainly be on elevated objects like vehicles, bridges and overpasses. It is possible to get some accumulation on roadways at times depending on how heavy the precipitation is. If you are going to be out and about this weekend, be careful.

Next week looks to be warmer and drier.

Have a super and safe Saturday!