Warmer Temperatures Ahead

From Chief Meteorologist Brandon Rector...

Just about all of the snow we had yesterday has now melted. Highs today ranged from the low 40s in the western part of the viewing area to the low 60s in the southeastern part. The reason for the large difference in temperatures was due to the snow on the ground. The places that had the snow were cooler than those that didn't. You don't get as warm when there is a snowpack on the ground because all of the heating of the day is going into melting the snow. Snowfall amounts ranged from 2 to 7 inches across the area. The largest amounts were reported around Fisher and Nolan counties. Here in Abilene, we had a record snowfall amount of 3.5 inches. That broke the old record of 0.8" in 1980. Right now, we have the third snowiest November on record in Abilene with 6.6". All of that has fallen since Thanksgiving. The two years with higher amounts are 1918 with 8.2" and 1968 with 8.1".

It will be another cold night for us as lows should be in the low to mid 30s. There could be some refreezing of any water left out there from the melting snow in some areas so be careful. Also, protect your pets and plants tonight since it will be cold.

The warming trend looks to continue the next couple of days with highs in the low to mid 60s under partly cloudy skies.

A cold front is expected to arrive late Wednesday into early Thursday. Rain does not look likely with this front. Highs for Thursday should be in the upper 50s to low 60s.

We will warm up a bit on Friday with highs in the mid 60s. A cold front looks to arrive late Friday into Saturday. This will bring us a slight to 20% chance of rain with the best shot being on Saturday. Highs for the first half of the weekend will be in the upper 50s to low 6os.

Sunday should be warmer with highs in the upper 60s under partly cloudy skies.

Have a terrific Tuesday!