Friday Afternoon Update

From Meteorologist Nathan Motz....

Another day of above average temperatures and slightly breezy conditions here in the Big Country, but there are changes in store for late this weekend.

Tomorrow, we will begin to see some increasing clouds and winds out of the south bringing in a little bit of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. Then on Sunday night, a cold front and some upper level energy will move across the area, giving us a good chance of thunderstorms through Monday morning.

At this time, it does appear that some of these storms will have the potential to be strong to severe, especially across our eastern counties. Still, these storms should bring some beneficial rainfall along with the chance of severe weather.

Cooler temperatures will arrive with the front on Monday and temperatures should moderate somewhat by Tuesday and Wednesday before another cold front cools us off for the end of next week.

Have a great weekend!!!

Texas Drought Update:

* Just wanted to point out that the new data from the US Drought Monitor was released recently and conditions are worsening across West Central Texas.

* The Big Country region (roughly north of Interstate 20) is now all placed under Drought Stage 1 - Moderate conditions. Conditions worsen across the Northern Concho Valley and the Heartland as those areas of West Central Texas are now under Drought Stage 2 - Severe conditons.

* Other than the chance for rain late Sunday and early Monday, the pattern over the next week and a half looks to remain dry and above normal on temperatures.

* You can get more on the drought here in Texas and across the United States at this link: http://www.drought.unl.edu/DM/monitor.html

-KRBC Meteorologist Chris Whited

Warm & Muggy Weekend, Strong Storms Sunday Night

Good Morning Everyone:

Fire threat is lower today thanks to low clouds and a front that is slipping through the Big Country this morning. We are seeing overcast conditions in some areas but sunshine will pop out from the clouds from time to time in the southern areas while areas north of I-20 should see a partly cloudy day. Highs today will top out in the upper 60s to lower 70s.

Low level moisture and higher dewpoints will return as we go into the weekend ahead of our next storm system late Sunday. Highs will reach into the middle and upper 70s with mild nights ahead.

Severe Weather: The Storm Prediction Center has a good part of our area (roughly along and west of TX 208 or a Snyder to Sweetwater to Robert Lee line) under a slight risk for severe weather for late Sunday and early Monday. Here is a piece of the Hazardous Weather Outlook from the NWS/San Angelo:

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY

THERE IS A CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS SUNDAY AS A STRONG UPPER LEVEL
STORM SYSTEM APPROACHES. A STRONG COLD FRONT WILL MOVE THROUGH
SUNDAY NIGHT. DUE TO THE STRENGTH OF THE SYSTEM...ISOLATED SEVERE
STORMS WILL BE POSSIBLE...MAINLY ALONG AND EAST OF AN ABILENE TO SAN ANGELO TO SONORA LINE.

Next week will start on a cool note with overcast and chilly conditions for Monday but a quick warming trend on Tuesday before the next front arrives middle to late next week.

Out in "voodoo" land on the forecast models (roughly 7-14 days out) things appear to remain dry and warm with the main storm track to the North of West Central Texas and off to the east across the Deep South.

More on your forecast coming up this morning on West Texas Today and of course tonight on KRBC News at 5,6, and 10:00.

Have a great weekend!

- KRBC Meteorologist Chris Whited

Elevated Fire Danger Across West Central Texas:

From KRBC Meteorologist Chris Whited...

The National Weather Service in San Angelo, Midland, Fort Worth and Norman have placed all of the KRBC viewing area under a Red Flag Warning for today as we are set up for another dry and windy day across the Big Country, Heartland and the Northern Concho Valley. There is also a Lake Wind Advisory in effect for the area waterways across West Central Texas.

A weak front will move into the area late tonight only bringing a few clouds and will cool temperatures down only a few degrees into the upper 60s and lower 70s on Friday. Warmer weather will be back in place over the weekend ahead of the next front which will move in late Sunday and early Monday. Forecast models are bringing rain chances with the front. Looks like the best rain chances will be across the Eastern Big Country and the Heartland.

Next week we will see a taste of cooler air working into the area however the fire threat will probably increase again as we dry out from what rain we may see Sunday and Monday. Looking down the road, the extended periods of the model runs keep our area relatively dry and warm. I don't see any good rain chances beyond the 7 day forecast period.

Finally, you may notice I am the new face on West Texas Today and with KRBC News. A little about me... I'm from Oneonta, Alabama and received my degree from Mississippi State University. I actually started my career just down the road at our sister station KLST where I was the weekend meteorologist and a news reporter from 2004 to late 2006. Some of you in the Northern Concho Valley may remember me from my days in San Angelo. In addition to working in San Angelo, I have also worked as the morning meteorlogist (my last job before joining KRBC) at WTOK-TV in Meridian, Mississippi. I'm excited to be back in West Texas and forecasting weather for KRBC. Feel free to drop me a line anytime at cwhited@krbc.tv if you have a question about something or want to know a little more about me.

Enjoy your Thursday

HIGH FIRE DANGER AGAIN THURSDAY

FROM KRBC CHIEF METEOROLOGIST RANDY TURNER ..

SOME THINGS NEVER SEEM TO CHANGE. LATELY, THE GUSTY WIND, LOW HUMIDITY AND LACK OF RAIN CONTINUES TO FUEL THE FIRE DANGER. ONCE AGAIN THURSDAY, WIND FROM THE SOUTH AND SOUTHWEST WILL GUST FROM 20 TO 30MPH, SOMETIMES HIGHER, LEADING TO RED FLAG WARNINGS AROUND OUR AREA. BURN BANS ARE IN EFFECT AREAWIDE.

THE QUESTION THEN BECOMES "WHEN WILL IT RAIN?"

THE ANSWER IS AN OUTSIDE CHANCE THIS WEEKEND, ESPECIALLY SUNDAY AND SUNDAY NIGHT, BUT I'M NOT EXPECTING ANY SIGNIFICANT TOTALS AND NOT EVERYONE WILL SEE RAIN. IT IS A VERY SLIGHT CHANCE.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: CLEAR AND 41. SSW WIND 10 TO 15.
THURSDAY: SUNNY AND WINDY, HIGH 78. SSW WIND 20 TO 30.
THURSDAY NIGHT: CLEAR AND 44 WITH A WEAK COLD FRONT DROPPING IN.
FRIDAY: MOSTLY SUNNY TO PARTLY CLOUDY, HIGH NEAR 68.
FRIDAY NIGHT: PARTLY CLOUDY AND 50.
SATURDAY: PARTLY CLOUDY AND WARM, HIGHS LOW TO MID 70'S, SLIGHT CHANCE FOR AFTERNOON SHOWERS OR STORMS.
SATURDAY NIGHT: PARTLY CLOUDY, LOW 50'S, SLIGHT CHANCE FOR STORMS.
SUNDAY: PARTLY CLOUDY AND WARM, APPROACHING 80, SLIGHT CHANCE FOR STORMS.
SUNDAY NIGHT: STRONG COLD FRONT ARRIVES, LOW 40.
MONDAY: MOSTLY SUNNY, AROUND 60.

Warmer and Windy Today

From Meteorologist Brandon Rector...

We are starting off with a wide range of temperatures this morning. In some locations, such as Brownwood, it is in the low 20s because of calm winds. In others it is in the 30s to low 40s due to winds from the southwest at 8 to 14 mph. It will be warmer for us today thanks to those southwest winds. Highs look to be in the mid 60s to 70 across the area. Winds should pick up from 5 to 10 mph this morning to 15 to 20 mph this afternoon. We have Red Flag Warnings in effect for Haskell, Fisher, Jones, Nolan, Taylor, Coke and Runnels counties from noon to 6 pm today. These counties as well as Throckmorton, Shackelford, Callahan, Coleman and Runnels counties are under a Fire Weather Watch for Thursday afternoon. With high to critical fire weather conditions expected the next couple of days, we need to continue to use extreme caution outdoors.

Tomorrow should be even warmer with stronger southwest winds. Highs look to be in the low to mid 70s.

A weak cold front is expected to move through the region early Friday. This will cool us down a bit for the end of the work week with highs in the upper 60s.

Saturday looks to be mostly cloudy with more moisture in the area. With an upper level disturbance possibly passing by, there is a slight chance for showers and thunderstorms. Highs will be in the low 70s.

The slight chance for rain will continue on Sunday with warmer temperatures. Highs look to be in the upper 70s.

A strong cold front is expected to move through the Big Country Sunday night into Monday morning. The chance for showers and thunderstorms will increase to 20%. Highs for the start of next week should be in the mid 50s.

On a side note, this will be my last weather blog here at KRBC. I am moving to another station in Lincoln, Nebraska. It has been an honor, priveledge and joy to forecast the weather here in the Big Country over the past four and a half years. Thank you for relying on me as your source for weather. I wish everyone all the best for the future.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Freeze Wednesday AM - Then Warmer

FROM KRBC CHIEF METEOROLOGIST RANDY TURNER ..

AFTER CHILLY TEMPERATURES TODAY, WE'LL GET BACK TO WARM WEATHER WEDNESDAY AND CONTINUE TO ENJOY THE WARMTH THROUGH SUNDAY. WHAT WE SHOULD SEE OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS IS A GRADUAL RETURN OF LIMITED GULF MOISTURE. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR OUR WEATHER IS A VERY SLIGHT CHANCE FOR SHOWERS OR ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS LATE SATURDAY, SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY. THE CHANCE ISN'T GOOD AT ALL. MOST LIKELY, AS HAS BEEN THE CASE, THE BEST CHANCE FOR RAIN WILL STAY TO OUR EAST. ANOTHER STRONG COLD FRONT IS DUE SUNDAY NIGHT INTO MONDAY. TONIGHT - LOOK FOR A FREEZE AREAWIDE, LOW NEAR 30 IN ABILENE. ON WEDNESDAY, EXPECT HIGHS AROUND 66 AND INTO THE LOW 70'S BY THURSDAY. WEEKEND TEMPERATURES WILL BE EVEN WARMER WITH SOME UPPER 70'S TO LOW 80'S.

Much Cooler, But Still Windy

From Meteorologist Brandon Rector...

We are starting off colder this morning with temperatures in the mid 30s to mid 40s. Winds are breezy from the north right now, but by this afternoon it should be windy. Winds are expected to be sustained at 15 to 25 mph with gusts of 30 to 35 mph. We will be much cooler today with highs in the mid to upper 50s. Our fire danger remains elevated today, so please be careful out there. Comanche, Eastland and Stephens counties are under a Red Flag Warning and Wind Advisory through this afternoon. Critical fire weather conditions are expected in those areas today.

High fire danger will remain areawide Wednesday and Thursday due to strong southerly winds. Highs will range from the upper 60s to low 70s during this time period.

A cold front is expected to move through the area on Friday. This will cool us down a bit with highs in the mid to upper 60s. It looks like we will not see any precipitation out of the front.

We will bring in a slight chance for rain Saturday afternoon through Monday due to an upper level trough that may affect the area. Highs this weekend should be in the upper 60s to low 70s. A cold front is expected to move through the area on early Monday. This will cool our highs down to the low to mid 50s.

Have a terrific Tuesday!

MORE WINDY WEATHER TUESDAY

FROM KRBC CHIEF METEOROLOGIST RANDY TURNER ..
HUGE GRASS FIRES IN COKE, STERLING, CALLAHAN, COLEMAN AND OTHER COUNTIES KEPT FIREMEN BUSY MONDAY. WHILE THE WIND SHOULDN'T BE AS GUSTY TUESDAY, IT IS CERTAINLY GOING TO CONTINUE CAUSING A HAZARD AND WILD FIRE DANGER PERSISTS.

EXPECT MUCH COOLER TEMPERATUERS TUESDAY, AROUND 30 DEGREES COOLER THAN THE 90 WE HAD MONDAY IN ABILENE.

WIND WILL BE 10 TO 20 WITH GUSTS TO 25 TUESDAY. STILL DRY, WITH NO RAIN IN THE FORECAST.

WE SHOULD SEE A FREEZE TUESDAY NIGHT BUT REBOUND TO ABOUT 70 ON WEDNESDAY AND STAY IN THE 70'S INTO THE WEEKEND.

I HAVE ADDED A SLIGHT CHANCE FOR RAIN TO THE FORECAST SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.

Warm and Windy Start To The Week

From Meteorologist Brandon Rector...

We are starting off mild this morning with temperatures mainly in the mid 50s to low 60s. There are a few locations such as Brownwood that have managed to drop down to the mid 40s. The reason for the difference in temperatures is the wind. In Brownwood, winds are light from the south-southwest. In the other parts of the area, winds are stronger from the south-southwest. Overall today, everyone will be warm and windy. Highs are expected to reach the upper 70s to mid 80s. Winds will be strong from the southwest at 15 to 35 mph. A cold front is expected to move through the region during the mid and late afternoon hours. This will shift our winds to the northwest at 15 to 35 mph. No rain is expected with the front. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for the entire area today. This means there will be critical fire weather conditions throughout the area. Please be careful and don't do things like throw cigarette butts out of the window of your vehicle.

Tomorrow will be much cooler and breezy with highs in the mid 50s to 60 under mostly sunny skies.

Wednesday looks dry with mostly sunny skies and highs in the mid to upper 60s.

Warm and windy conditions should return Thursday with highs in the low to mid 70s.

A weak cold front looks to move through the area on Friday. This will cool us down a bit with highs in the mid to upper 60s.

An upper level low may send some disturbances our way this weekend. We could see some showers and perhaps a few thunderstorms. The chance will be slight on Saturday and 20% on Sunday. Highs look to be in the low to mid 60s.

Have a magnificent Monday!

Hang on to Your Hat !!

FROM KRBC CHIEF METEOROLOGIST RANDY TURNER ..

IT'S AN ALL TOO FAMILIAR SITUATION MONDAY - GUSTY WIND, HIGH FIRE DANGER, RED FLAG WARNINGS IN EFFECT. AN AREA OF LOW PRESSURE DEVELOPING TO OUR WEST WILL SHIFT THE WIND TO THE WEST MUCH OF THE DAY BEFORE A COLD FRONT ARRIVES LATE DAY WHICH SHIFTS THE WIND TO THE NORTHWEST.

TEMPERATURES WILL BE AROUND 80 BEFORE THE ARRIVAL OF THE COOLER AIR. ANOTHER PROBLEM COULD BE DUST IN THE AFTERNOON WAS THE FRONT BRINGS THE SOUTH PLAINS TO THE BIG COUNTRY.

I'M NOT EXPECTING RAIN THIS WEEK .. SOME SIGNS TRYING TO POINT TO A SLIGHT CHANCE BY NEXT SUNDAY BUT WAY TOO EARLY TO PUT MUCH CONFIDENCE IN THAT SCENARIO.

SUNDAY NIGHT - CLEAR WITH A FEW CLOUDS AND LOW NEAR 50.
MONDAY - SUNNY, WARM AND WINDY - GUSTY WIND MEANS HIGH FIRE DANGER, HIGH NEAR 80. SOUTHWEST / WEST / AND NORTHWEST WIND 20 TO 30.
MONDAY NIGHT - CLEAR AND UPPER 30'S.
TUESDAY - SUNNY AND 59 WITH GUSTY NORTH WIND - WILL FEEL CHILLY ALL DAY.
WEDNESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY - WARMING TREND BUT DRY.

Friday Afternoon Update

From Meteorologist Nathan Motz.....

Afternoon high temperatures will be on the increase over the weekeend, despite a weak cold front moving through the area late in the day on Saturday. Tomorrow through Monday, high temperatures will remain in the 70's to around 80 degrees.

However, the above average temperatures will move out of the area by Tuesday as a stronger cold front will drop temperatures back into the upper 50's. Rain chances will remain scarce, however, as drier winds from out of the southwest will limit the moisture return from the Gulf of Mexico. Thus, dry and mild weather will continue from Tuesday on into late next week.

Breezy conditions will also prevail tomorrow through Tuesday and we will have to watch the fire weather danger as a dry west-southwest wind will continue across the area. The fire danger will peak as we head into Monday as very warm temperatures in the lower 80's will combine with dry southwesterly winds and fairly low relative humidities.

Have a great weekend!!!

Warm Weekend Expected

From Meteorologist Brandon Rector...

We are off to another cold start this morning with temperatures in the mid 20s to low 30s. Fog has developed in many locations across the Big Country. This will be with us through at least mid-morning reducing visibilities. There could be a few slick spots in those areas that have received heavy enough mist so be careful. We should see decreasing clouds throughout the day. By this afternoon, highs look to be in the upper 50s to low 60s.

Saturday is going to be warm and windy with highs in the mid to upper 70s under mostly sunny skies. Winds are expected to be from the west-southwest at 15 to 30 mph.

A cold front looks to move through the area Saturday night. This will cool us down a bit for Sunday. Highs will be in the upper 60s to low 70s. Unfortunately, this should be a dry frontal passage for us.

Warm and windy conditions are expected to return on Monday with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s. Winds should be from the south-southwest at 20 to 30 mph.

A stronger cold front looks to move through the region Monday night. This will cool us down significantly for Tuesday with highs back down in the mid to upper 50s. A shower or thunderstorm can't be completely ruled out with this front, but the chance is less than slight right now.

Have a fantastic Friday!

Warm Weekend on the Way

FROM KRBC CHIEF METEOROLOGIST RANDY TURNER ..

THE WARMING TREND BEGINS FRIDAY AND CONTINUES THROUGH THE WEEKEND. NO RAIN IS IN THE FORECAST OVER THE NEXT SEVEN DAYS. THE NEXT COLD FRONT SHOULD BE HERE MONDAY NIGHT.

GOING INTO THE WEEKEND - HIGHS 60-65 FRIDAY. 70-73 SATURDAY. 68-72 SUNDAY. MONDAY - MID 70'S, MAYBE WARMER.

ENJOY THE WARM TEMPS!!

Cold For Now, But Warmer Temperatures Will Return Soon

From Meteorologist Brandon Rector...

It is a cold start to the day thanks to the cold front which moved through the area last night. Some arctic air has moved into the region. Temperatures are in the upper 20s to upper 30s. There is some fog and mist across the Big Country. This is limiting visibilities and possibly causing a few slick spots on elevated objects like bridges and overpasses. Be careful as you travel this morning to your destination. Slow down and use low beam headlights when you encounter the fog. There is a Winter Weather Advisory in effect for Knox county this morning. We will not warm up much today as highs look to be in the 40s under mostly cloudy skies. There is a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms as the cold front remains stalled to the south and an upper level low passes us by to the north.

Friday should start off cold with temperatures in the low to mid 30s. By the afternoon, highs are expected to be in the mid to upper 50s under partly cloudy skies.

The weekend is looking beautiful with highs in the low 70s under mostly sunny skies.

We should start off the next work week warm with highs in the upper 70s on Monday. A cold front is expected to move through the region Monday night. It will be a dry frontal passage for us. Much cooler temperatures are likely Tuesday and Wednesday with highs in the mid to upper 50s.

Have a terrific Thursday!

Cold Into Friday

FROM KRBC CHIEF METEOROLOGIST RANDY TURNER ..
THE TEMPERATURE WAS OFFICIALLY 78 DEGREES WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON BUT IT DIDN'T TAKE LONG FOR THE TEMPERATURE TO FALL INTO THE 40'S AFTER THE PASSAGE OF AN ARCTIC FRONT. WIND CHILLS WERE IN THE LOW 30'S.

WE HAVE SOME UPPER LEVEL ENERGY COMING IN FROM THE WEST, NOT A DIRECT HIT FROM THE UPPER LOW, BUT ENOUGH TO PROVIDE SOME INSTABILITY. WE HAVE THE COLD AIR AT THE SURFACE AND WARM SOUTH WIND ONE MILE ABOVE THE GROUND. THE WARM OVER THE COLD ALONG WITH THE INSTABILITY LEADS TO OUR RAIN CHANCE .. SHOWERS AND ISOLATED T-STORMS .. TONIGHT AND THURSDAY. THE RAIN CHANCE SHOULD BE GONE BY THURSDAY NIGHT.

THOSE WATCHING KRBC FROM THE NORTHERN BIG COUNTRY COULD SEE SOME FREEZING DRIZZLE WEDNESDAY NIGHT/THURSDAY MORNING. KNOX COUNTY IS UNDER A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY BECAUSE OF IT.

HIGHS THURSDAY MIDDLE 40'S. BY FRIDAY THE MIDDLE 50'S. SATURDAY THE UPPER 60'S. SUNDAY AND MONDAY THE LOW TO MID 70'S AGAIN. THE NEXT FRONT TO COOL US DOWN AGAIN ARRIVES ABOUT NEXT MONDAY NIGHT.

HOPE YOU HAD A CHANCE TO WATCH THE TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE WEDNESDAY NIGHT, IT WAS COOL.

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY.

RANDY

Back Door Cold Front Will Be Here Soon

From Meteorologist Brandon Rector...

It is a cool start to the day this morning with temperatures in the low 40s to mid 50s. Areas of fog will be possible. In fact, there is a Dense Fog Advisory for Mitchell and Scurry counties until 9 a.m. It is in these locations that visibilities could be a quarter of a mile or less. Be careful if you encounter fog this morning. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination and use your low beam headlights. It will be partly to mostly cloudy today with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s across the area.

A back door cold front is expected to arrive by midnight tonight. It is called a back door cold front because it will back into the area from the north-northeast. Much colder conditions are expected Wednesday night through Thursday because there will be some arctic air behind this front. We have a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms tonight. Lows will be in the mid to upper 30s. Some locations, such as Knox County and the extreme northern portions of the viewing area, could get down to freezing. This means there may be a period of freezing rain in those areas. No major problems are expected as everyone will have highs well above freezing by the afternoon. Highs look to be in the low to mid 40s. There is a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms on Thursday.

We may see a few lingering showers early Friday morning. Skies should clear through the day as highs reach the low to mid 50s.

The weekend is looking dry with highs ranging from the mid 60s on Saturday to the low 70s on Sunday.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Sneaky Cold Front Drops in Wednesday Night

FROM KRBC CHIEF METEOROLOGIST RANDY TURNER ..
THERE IS A FLY IN THE OINTMENT IN THIS FORECAST PERIOD, AND THAT IS THE UNCERTAINTY OF HOW MUCH COLD AIR MAY SPILL INTO OUR AREA WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND THURSDAY. I'M GOING TO LEAN WITH THE COLDER TEMPERATURES THURSDAY AND FRIDAY, BASED ON COLD AIR BEING IN PLACE, WARM AIR OVERRUNNING THE COLD AIR ABOUT A MILE ABOVE THE GROUND CAUSING DRIZZLE, LIGHT RAIN AND KEEPING TEMPERATURES FROM WARMING UP MUCH THURSDAY AND FRIDAY. I'VE CHANGED MY FORECAST A LOT THURSDAY AND FRIDAY BY DROPPING TEMPERATURES IN ANTICIPATION OF THE COLDER AIR AND ASSOCIATED LIGHT MOISTURE. IT STILL APPEARS WE'LL WARM UP A LITTLE FRIDAY (50'S), 60'S BY SATURDAY, 70'S BY SUNDAY.

TUESDAY NIGHT: PARTLY CLOUDY AND 48.
WEDNESDAY: PARTLY CLOUDY AND 70.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: COLD FRONT DROPS TEMPS TO 32.
THURSDAY: A CLOUDY AND COLD DAY, HIGH OF 40, DRIZZLE AND A FEW SHOWERS.
THURSDAY NIGHT: CLOUDY, LIGHT SHOWERS, 36.
FRIDAY: MOSTLY CLOUDY, LIGHT SHOWERS (20%) AND HIGH OF 50.
SATURDAY: PARTLY CLOUDY AND 62.
SUNDAY: SUNNY AND 70.
THURSDAY NIGHT: C

Warmer Today, But Colder Later This Week

From Meteorologist Brandon Rector...

We are off to another cold start this morning with temperatures in the low to mid 30s. Today should be warmer with highs reaching the mid to upper 60s under partly cloudy skies. Breezy conditions are expected with winds from the south at 10 to 20 mph.

Mostly cloudy skies look to be with us on Wednesday as a cold front approaches the area from the north-northeast. This is what we call a backdoor cold front since it will back into the region. Highs for the middle of the week should be in the mid to upper 60s. There is a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms beginning Wednesday evening.

The cold air behind this front is expected to be shallow and much colder temperatures look to be with us Thursday and Friday. Upper level disturbances as well as an upper level low should move close to or over the Big Country during this time period. Our chance for showers and thunderstorms will increase to 30%. Highs on these days look to be in the upper 40s. We could be even colder, so stay tuned.

Saturday should be dry and cool with highs in the mid to upper 50s under partly cloudy skies.

Sunday and Monday will be warmer with highs in the low 70s.

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Quiet Weather Pattern

FROM KRBC CHIEF METEOROLOGIST RANDY TURNER..

CLOUDS HELD TEMPERATURES A LITTLE COOLER THAN EXPECTED MONDAY BUT IT WAS STILL A VERY NICE DAY.

AFTER A COOL MORNING TUESDAY, EXPECT ANOTHER FINE DAY, SUNSHINE AND HIGHS WARMING TO THE MIDDLE 60'S.

A PROBLEMSOME COLD FRONT LOOKS TO GET INTO AT LEAST THE NORTHERN BIG COUNTRY LATE WEDNESDAY WHICH WILL HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE TEMPERATURE FORECAST. AS OF NOW, I'M GOING MID 60'S WEDNESDAY BUT THE FRONT COULD EASILY COOL THAT NUMBER IF IT PROGRESSES FARTHER SOUTH THAN ANTICIPATED.

WITH THE FRONT IN THE REGION, A SLIGHT 20% CHANCE FOR SHOWERS IS IN ORDER FOR THURSDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHT BUT IT LOOKS AS IF FRIDAY WE SHOULD BE BACK TO DRY WEATHER WHICH WILL CARRY INTO THE WEEKEND.

TEMPERATURES SHOULD BE WARM THIS UPCOMING WEEKEND.

Pleasant Start To The Week

From Meteorologist Brandon Rector...

We are starting off a bit chilly this morning with temperatures in the mid to upper 30s and mostly cloudy skies. This afternoon looks pleasant, but cool with highs in the mid to upper 50s under mostly sunny skies. If you are lucky enough to have today off for Presidents' Day, enjoy the outdoors.

Tuesday looks warmer and dry with highs in the mid to upper 60s under mostly sunny skies. We will likely deal with breezy south-southwesterly winds tomorrow.

Mostly cloudy skies will be with us Wednesday and Thursday thanks to an upper level trough and a cold front. Both should move through the area during this time period. We will have a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms Wednesday night and Thursday. Highs on Wednesday should be in the low 60s. For Thursday, we will have highs in the upper 50s.

Friday should be dry with highs in the low 60s under partly cloudy skies.

The weekend looks great right now with highs in the mid 60s to low 70s under mostly sunny skies.

Have a magnificent Monday!

Nice Weather Early Week

FROM KRBC CHIEF METEOROLOGIST RANDY TURNER ..
LOOK FOR SOME NICE WEATHER TO BEGIN THE WORK WEEK. BY THURSDAY, A SLIGHT CHANCE FOR RAIN ENTERS THE FORECAST, ALTHOUGH IT DOESN'T LOOK TOO PROMISING AT THIS POINT - OUR EASTERN VIEWING AREA WILL SEE THE USUAL 20% CHANCE FOR SHOWERS.

TEMPERATURES WILL BE ON A SLOW CLIMB. MONDAY NEAR 58 FOLLOWING A MID 30 DEGREE MORNING. ON TUESDAY NEAR 65 AND AROUND 70 WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY. TEMPERATURES FALL A BIT FRIDAY CLOSE TO 60 AS I ADD A SLIGHT 20% CHANCE FOR SHOWERS.

ENJOY SOME NICE WEATHER MONDAY AND LOOK FOR THE WIND TO PICK UP AGAIN TUESDAY.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

FROM THE KRBC WEATHER CENTER ..

A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH HAS BEEN ISSUED UNTIL 7:00PM FOR BROWN, COLEMAN, COMANCHE, EASTLAND AND STEPHENS COUNTIES IN THE KRBC VIEWING AREA. THE WATCH EXTENDS EAST AND ALSO INCLUDES DALLAS/FORT WORTH SOUTHWARD TO WACO AND TEMPLE. FOLLOWING IS A COMPLETE LIST OF COUNTIES IN THE WATCH....

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 57 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 700 PM CST
FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

BANDERA BELL BLANCO
BOSQUE BROWN BURNET
COLEMAN COLLIN COMAL
COMANCHE COOKE CORYELL
DALLAS DENTON EASTLAND
EDWARDS ELLIS ERATH
FANNIN GILLESPIE GRAYSON
HAMILTON HAYS HILL
HOOD HUNT JACK
JOHNSON KAUFMAN KENDALL
KERR KIMBLE LAMPASAS
LLANO MASON MCCULLOCH
MCLENNAN MENARD MILLS
MONTAGUE NAVARRO PALO PINTO
PARKER REAL ROCKWALL
SAN SABA SOMERVELL STEPHENS
TARRANT TRAVIS WILLIAMSON
WISE YOUNG

12:15pm Saturday Update

FROM KRBC CHIEF METEOROLOGIST RANDY TURNER ..

...POTENTIAL FOR ISOLATED SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THROUGH THIS
AFTERNOON ALONG AND EAST OF A LINE FROM WINTERS TO SAN ANGELO TO
SONORA...

THE STRONGEST STORMS MAY PRODUCE SMALL HAIL OR LARGER...GUSTY
WINDS...BRIEF HEAVY RAIN AND DANGEROUS CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING
THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON.

BE PREPARED FOR POSSIBLE WARNINGS.

11:25am Saturday Update

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ALERT EFFECTIVE UNTIL NOON CST FOR HASKELL...
THROCKMORTON...SHACKELFORD...JONES...TAYLOR AND CALLAHAN COUNTIES...

AT 1051 AM CST...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WERE INDICATED BY NATIONAL
WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR OVER CALLAHAN COUNTY...MOVING NORTH AT
55 MPH. ADDITIONAL STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL DEVELOP OVER THE NEXT
HOUR OVER PORTIONS OF THE CENTRAL AND EASTERN BIG COUNTRY.

PEA SIZE HAIL AND WIND GUSTS TO 50 MPH ARE LIKELY WITH ANY STORMS
THAT DO DEVELOP. HEAVY RAINFALL WILL CAUSE PONDING OF WATER ON
AREA ROADWAYS...ESPECIALLY THOSE IN POOR DRAINAGE AREAS. RESIDENTS
ARE ENCOURAGED TO MONITOR THE SITUATION CLOSELY AND BE PREPARED TO
TAKE THE PROPER ACTIONS SHOULD A WARNING BE ISSUED

11:15am Saturday Update - Svr. Potential

FROM THE KRBC WEATHER CENTER ..

THE STORM PREDICTION CENTER IS MONITORING THE KRBC VIEWING AREA FOR A POSSIBLE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH. READ MORE AT THE FOLLOWING LINK: http://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/md/md0240.html

NUMEROUS STORMS ARE ONGOING, ALL MOVING RAPIDLY NORTH AT 50MPH, HEAVIEST BEING IN CALLAHAN, TAYLOR, JONES AND SHACKELFORD COUNTIES AS OF THIS WRITING. STORMS TODAY WILL BE CAPABLE OF DROPPING HAIL AND HEAVY RAIN.

10:40am Saturday Update

FROM KRBC CHIEF METEOROLOGIST RANDY TURNER ...
STORMS ARE RAPIDLY INCREASING ACROSS THE AREA .. SOME HAVE ALREADY PRODUCED PEA TO PENNY SIZE HAIL IN COLEMAN COUNTY. WE'VE RECEIVED ONE REPORT OF HAIL COVERING THE ROAD ON HIGHWAY 84 NEAR SILVER VALLEY AND SOME CARS SLIDING OFF THE ROAD BECAUSE OF IT.

SEND ANY RAINFALL REPORTS OR STORM REPORTS TO RTURNER@KRBC.TV OR NMOTZ@KRBC.TV THIS WEEKEND.

AS OF 10:00AM - ABILENE HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF .41 OF AN INCH OF RAIN SINCE 6:00PM FRIDAY.

10:15am Saturday Update - T-Storm Warning

FROM THE KRBC WEATHER CENTER ..

1012 AM CST SAT FEB 16 2008

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SAN ANGELO HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR...
NORTHERN COLEMAN COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL TEXAS...

* UNTIL 1045 AM CST

* AT 1007 AM CST...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING PENNY SIZE HAIL. THIS
STORM WAS LOCATED 3 MILES NORTHEAST OF VALERA...OR ABOUT 6 MILES
SOUTHWEST OF COLEMAN...AND MOVING NORTH AT 55 MPH.

* THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WILL BE NEAR...
SILVER VALLEY AND ECHO BY 1020 AM CST...
LAKE COLEMAN BY 1025 AM CST.

9:55am Saturday Update

FROM THE KRBC WEATHER CENTER ..

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST TODAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE BIG COUNTRY AND
NORTHWESTERN CONCHO VALLEY THROUGH NOON TODAY. THROUGH 11 AM...AN
AREA OF SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE
NORTH AT 40 MPH THROUGH THE WESTERN BIG COUNTRY. ACCUMULATIONS
ARE EXPECTED TO BE LESS THAN ONE TENTH OF AN INCH FROM
RAINFALL...AND LITTLE TO NO ACCUMULATION OF ICE. SOME OF THE
THUNDERSTORMS MAY PRODUCE BRIEF HEAVY RAINFALL...GUSTY WINDS...AND
SMALL HAIL.

TEMPERATURES WERE HOLDING 30-32 AROUND THE VIEWING AREA..

6:50am Saturday Update

GOOD MORNING FROM THE KRBC WEATHER TEAM ..

WE ARE IN STORE FOR MORE THUNDERSTORMS AND RAIN TODAY ACROSS THE KRBC VIEWING AREA. WITH A BIG UPPER LEVEL STORM BEGINNING TO MOVE OUR WAY FROM THE WEST, WIDESPREAD RAIN SHOULD DEVELOP THIS MORNING BUT A FEW THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE, TOO.

FOR THE EARLY MORNING TO MID MORNING HOURS, THE TEMPERATURE WILL HOVER RIGHT AROUND FREEZING. BUT LATE MORNING WE SHOULD BREAK ABOVE FREEZING AND BY THE END OF THE DAY SHOULD MAKE IT TO THE UPPER 30'S. NO SERIOUS TRAVEL ISSUES WERE BEING REPORTED EARLY THIS MORNING AS OVERNIGHT TEMPERATURES STAYED BETWEEN 30 AND 32.
HOWEVER, IT IS PRUDENT TO SLOW DOWN, TAKE IT EASY, AND WATCH FOR PATCHY ICE ON ROADS, BRIDGES AND OVERPASSES ESPECIALLY.

WE EXPECT A LINE OF STORMS TO DEVELOP TO OUR WEST AND MOVE EAST TODAY WITH MOST OF THE ACTIVITY TAKING PLACE BETWEEN 8:00AM AND 5:00PM.

3:00am Update Saturday

Storms were re-developing at 3:00am in the western and southwestern Big Country. See statement below:

NOLAN TX-TAYLOR TX-COKE TX-RUNNELS TX-
251 AM CST SAT FEB 16 2008

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ALERT EFFECTIVE UNTIL 330 AM CST FOR NOLAN...
TAYLOR...COKE AND RUNNELS COUNTIES...

AT 246 AM CST...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WAS INDICATED BY NATIONAL
WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR 6 MILES NORTHWEST OF TENNYSON...OR
ABOUT 10 MILES SOUTHEAST OF ROBERT LEE...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 45 MPH.

* THE STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL BE NEAR...
BRONTE AND MAVERICK BY 255 AM CST
WILMETH BY 310 AM CST
BLACKWELL AND WINGATE BY 315 AM CST
HAPPY VALLEY BY 325 AM CST
NOLAN BY 330 AM CST

PEA SIZE HAIL AND WIND GUSTS TO 45 MPH ARE LIKELY WITH THIS STORM.
HEAVY RAINFALL WILL CAUSE PONDING OF WATER ON AREA ROADWAYS...
ESPECIALLY THOSE IN POOR DRAINAGE AREAS. RESIDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO
MONITOR THE SITUATION CLOSELY AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE THE PROPER
ACTIONS SHOULD A WARNING BE ISSUED

1:30am SATURDAY UPDATE

FROM KRBC CHIEF METEOROLOGIST RANDY TURNER ..
BROWN-CALLAHAN-COKE-COLEMAN-CONCHO-CROCKETT-FISHER-HASKELL-IRION-
JONES-KIMBLE-MASON-MCCULLOCH-MENARD-NOLAN-RUNNELS-SAN SABA-
SCHLEICHER-SHACKELFORD-STERLING-SUTTON-TAYLOR-THROCKMORTON-TOM GREEN-
113 AM CST SAT FEB 16 2008

.NOW...
A WINTER STORM WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE BIG COUNTRY AND
NORTHWESTERN CONCHO VALLEY THROUGH NOON TODAY. THROUGH 3 AM...AREAS
OF DRIZZLE WITH SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS WILL CONTINUE FOR AREAS SOUTHOF A LINE FROM STERLING CITY TO BROWNWOOD. NORTH OF THIS LINE...SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS...AND OCCASIONAL LIGHT DRIZZLE OR FREEZINGDRIZZLE WILL CONTINUE.

ACCUMULATIONS ARE EXPECTED TO BE LESS THAN ONE
TENTH OF AN INCH WITH THE RAIN...AND LITTLE TO NO ACCUMULATION OF
ICE. SOME OF THE THUNDERSTORMS MAY BRIEFLY PRODUCE HEAVY RAINFALL...
GUSTY WINDS...AND SMALL HAIL

11:50pm UPDATE

JONES TX-
1136 PM CST FRI FEB 15 2008

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST
FOR EASTERN JONES COUNTY...

AT 1135 PM CST...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR CONTINUED TO
INDICATE A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING PENNY SIZE HAIL.
THIS STORM WAS LOCATED NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF US-180 AND FARM ROAD
600...OR ABOUT 12 MILES EAST OF ANSON...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 30 MPH.

THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WILL BE NEAR...
LUEDERS AND AVOCA BY 1145 PM CST...

Update at 11:00pm

FROM RANDY TURNER IN THE KRBC WEATHER CENTER ...

SIGNIFICANT ICE ACCUMULATION EXPECTED ACROSS THE BIG COUNTRY
TONIGHT AND EARLY SATURDAY...

.A STRONG UPPER LEVEL STORM SYSTEM WILL MOVE ACROSS WEST CENTRAL
TEXAS TONIGHT AND EARLY SATURDAY. A LAYER OF COLD AIR IS IN PLACE
AT THE SURFACE WITH TEMPERATURES EXPECTED TO STAY AT OR BELOW
FREEZING. LIGHT FREEZING DRIZZLE WILL CONTINUE THIS EVENING
ACROSS THE BIG COUNTRY. HEAVIER RAIN WILL DEVELOP LATE TONIGHT
AHEAD OF THE UPPER LEVEL STORM SYSTEM...WITH SIGNIFICANT ICE
ACCUMULATIONS EXPECTED.

FARTHER SOUTH OVER THE CONCHO VALLEY AND PORTIONS OF THE
HEARTLAND AND NORTHERN EDWARDS PLATEAU, TEMPERATURES IN THE HIGHER
ELEVATIONS HAVE DROPPED TO RIGHT AROUND THE FREEZING MARK AND SOME
OFF AND ON LIGHT FREEZING DRIZZLE OR RAIN IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE
TONIGHT.

T-Storm Warning

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAN ANGELO TX
1043 PM CST FRI FEB 15 2008

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SAN ANGELO HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR...
SOUTH CENTRAL JONES COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL TEXAS...
NORTH CENTRAL TAYLOR COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL TEXAS...

* UNTIL 1115 PM CST

* AT 1041 PM CST...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING PENNY SIZE HAIL. THIS
STORM WAS LOCATED 2 MILES WEST OF DYESS AFB...OR ABOUT 10 MILES
WEST OF ABILENE...AND MOVING NORTHEAST AT 35 MPH

10:30pm Update

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS HAVE DEVELOPED TONIGHT DROPPING LARGE QUARTER TO GOLF BALL SIZE HAIL OVER TYE A LITTLE AFTER 10PM, THE SAME STORM MOVED NORTHEAST INTO SOUTHEAST JONES COUNTY. ANOTHER LARGE STORM WILL MOVE OVER ABILENE BETWEEN 10:30 AND 10:45, POSSIBLY LARGE HAIL AND VERY HEAVY RAIN. EXPECT STORMS TO CONTINUE DEVELOPING OVERNIGHT AND SOME COULD BE SEVERE - ALSO, ICE IS ACCUMULATING IN THE 30 DEGREE TEMPERATURES.

9:25pm Update

FROM THE KRBC WEATHER CENTER ..

THUNDERSTORMS CONTINUE TO DEVELOP ACROSS THE AREA - LARGE STORM JUST WEST OF WINTERS PROBABLY HAS SOME HALF INCH HAIL IN IT, MOVING NORTHEAST AT 25-30 INTO TAYLOR COUNTY, MAY COME ACROSS ABILENE ABOUT 10:00PM.

8:40pm Update Friday

THE TEMPERATURE AT 8:00PM DROPPED TO 30 IN ABILENE, STILL SEEING SOME 29-31 DEGREE TEMPS ON AREA WEATHER STATIONS.

RAIN IS INCREASING ACROSS THE AREA FROM THE SOUTH. SIGNIFICANT ICE ACCUMULATIONS ARE EXPECTED - TRAVEL WILL LIKELY BECOME MORE HAZARDOUS AS WE GO THROUGH THE NIGHT, ESPECIALLY AS HEAVIER RAIN DEVELOPS.

WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FOR COKE, NOLAN, TAYLOR, CALLAHAN, SHACKELFORD, JONES, FISHER, HASKELL AND THROCKMORTON.

NEW FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FOR RUNNELS, BROWN AND COLEMAN.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR MITCHELL, SCURRY, STONEWALL AND KNOX.

TRAVEL IS DISCOURAGED THE REMAINDER OF THE NIGHT.

WE ARE ALSO SEEING THUNDERSTORMS DEVELOPING BETWEEN SAN ANGELO AND BALLINGER.

Hovering Around Freezing

7:45pm Update from the KRBC Weather Center ..

Temperatures have remained virtually unchanged .. it has been 31 in Abilene since 2pm.

Immediate concern remains for icy road conditions as temperatures stay in the 29-32 range all night. Also, an upper level low is moving in our direction from the southwest U.S. and northern Mexico. It will create more widespread rain and possibly thunderstorms overnight into Saturday which could lead to additional icing IF temperatures remain steady.

Forecast data hints that we could even see temps warm a couple degrees closer toward morning as Gulf moisture is pulled into our area by the approaching system.

So - be alert to patchy ice on roads - expect widespread rain to increase across the area tonight and continue most of the day Saturday - and even a few strong thunderstorms are possible.

Updates as we go along. Thanks for stopping by.

Randy

Wild Ride Coming in Weather

FROM KRBC CHIEF METEOROLOGIST RANDY TURNER ..

FIRST, CHECK THIS BLOG OFTEN AS I'LL BE UPDATING INFORMATION AS THE STORM SYSTEM EVOLVES.

AT 3 THIS AFTERNOON, THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR POSSIBLE ICE ACCUMULATIONS FOR COKE, NOLAN, TAYLOR, CALLAHAN, FISHER, JONES, SHACKELFORD, HASKELL AND THROCKMORTON COUNTIES.

AT 3PM, THE TEMPERATURE WAS 31 IN ABILENE, 32 IN SNYDER AND SWEETWATER AND 36 IN BROWNWOOD.

I DON'T THINK WE'LL HAVE MAJOR TRAVEL ISSUES BECAUSE OF ICE, ALTHOUGH A FEW SLICK SPOTS ARE POSSIBLE, ESPECIALLY BRIDGES, OVERPASSES AND LESSER TRAVELED ROADS. FOG IS ALSO A TRAVEL PROBLEM RIGHT NOW.

WE HAVE A VERY STRONG UPPER LEVEL LOW APPROACHING FROM THE WEST. AS IT GETS CLOSER, WE'LL BEGIN TO SEE MORE RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS DEVELOP OVERNIGHT AND THROUGH MUCH OF THE DAY SATURDAY. JUST BECAUSE IT'S COLD, DON'T COUNT OUT SEVERE WEATHER AS WE COULD HAVE STORMS WITH VERY HEAVY RAIN, THUNDER, LIGHTNING, HAIL, HIGH WINDS, THE WORKS SO STAY ALERT - READ THIS BLOG OFTEN FOR UPDATES.

RANDY

Precipitation Likely, But What Type

From Meteorologist Brandon Rector...

The arctic air has arrived thanks to a cold front that moved through the region during the overnight hours. Our official highs for the day occurred earlier this morning. During the day we will see temperatures in the 30s with winds chills in the 20s, so dress warmly when you go outside today. There is a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms by late this afternoon. The Storm Prediction Center has us under a slight risk for today. We could see some severe thunderstorms with the main threats being large hail and damaging winds.

An upper level low will move closer and eventually across the area tomorrow night through Saturday night. Showers and thunderstorms are likely. The chance of precipitation is 90% during this time period. Lows tonight look to be in the low 30s. The northern and western portions of the area will likely be at or just below freezing. Rain should transition to freezing rain in these areas. There could be some icing of bridges, overpasses and elevated objects so be careful. There is a Winter Storm Watch in effect for the Mitchell and Scurry counties from this evening through tomorrow morning. It is also possible that portions of the area will see some severe thunderstorms tonight and tomorrow. We will continue to keep you updated on the latest watches, warnings and advisories so stay tuned. Everyone should get above freezing by Saturday afternoon with highs in the mid to upper 30s.

Temperatures across the area may drop to freezing or just below late Saturday night into early Sunday morning. We could again see a transition back to freezing rain during that time period. There shouldn't be any major problems since temperatures will rise into the low 50s by mid to late afternoon Sunday. With the low moving away from the Lone Star State, we should see some clearing during the day.

The first half of next week looks warmer and dry with highs in the upper 50s on Monday and the low to mid 60s Tuesday and Wednesday.

Have a safe and wonderful weekend!

About to Turn Much Colder

FROM KRBC CHIEF METEOROLOGIST RANDY TURNER ..

GOOD AFTERNOON / EVENING - LET'S TAKE THIS ONE STEP AT A TIME.
1. IT'S GOING TO GET MUCH COLDER TONIGHT, STRONG COLD FRONT PUSHES THROUGH ABILENE MIDNIGHT OR BEFORE.
2. TEMPERATURES AREAWIDE IN THE 30'S FRIDAY, WIND CHILLS TEENS AND 20'S.
3. RAIN IS VERY LIKELY FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY. SOME COMMUNITIES IN THE AREA COULD GET A HALF INCH TO ONE INCH OR MORE. I ALSO WOULDN'T BE SURPRISED TO SEE SOME THUNDERSTORMS DEVELOP, EVEN THOUGH IT'S VERY COLD. THIS WOULD BE DURING THE DAY SATURDAY.
4. THE BIG PROBLEM? TEMPERATURES - HOW COLD IS IT GOING TO GET IS THE BIG QUESTION WHICH DICTATES THE PRECIPITATION TYPE. AS OF THURSDAY AFTERNOON, IT STILL APPEARS THAT THE TIME PERIOD FROM FRIDAY NIGHT INTO SATURDAY MORNING IS WHEN TEMPERATURES WOULD BE COLD ENOUGH TO SUPPORT SOME ICE ALONG AND NORTH OF I-20, ROUGHLY.

THIS WEATHER SITUATION CONTINUES TO DEVELOP - ONLY SCURRY AND MITCHELL COUNTIES ARE IN A WINTER STORM WATCH FOR FRIDAY INTO SATURDAY AT THIS POINT - SNOW IS MORE LIKELY IN THAT AREA FRIDAY NIGHT INTO SATURDAY. STAY TUNED !!

Arctic Air Will Be Here Soon

From Meteorologist Brandon Rector...

We are starting off mild this morning with temperatures in the upper 40s to mid 50s. Windy conditions will be with us throughout the day with winds from the south-southwest at 20 to 30 mph. Gusts could be as high as 35 to 40 mph. There are Red Flag Warnings in effect for most of the area during the late morning to early evening hours. Variable clouds will be with throughout the day as well.

A cold front will move through the region during the overnight hours. The air behind the front is arctic in nature and therefore we will have much colder temperatures for Friday and Saturday. Temperatures should be in the low to mid 30s throughout the day on Friday. Saturday looks to begin in the upper 20s to low 30s and then warm up into the mid to upper 30s in the afternoon. We have a good chance of precipitation beginning Friday and lasting through Sunday morning. The best chance is Friday night and Saturday at 80%. With temperatures at or below freezing Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, there is a potential to see some freezing rain and sleet. This could lead to some ice accumulations for us during those time periods. Again, the best chance at this will be Friday night through Saturday morning. We will keep you updated on the latest as we get closer to this time period. Mitchell and Scurry counties are under a Winter Storm Watch Friday evening through Saturday morning.

We should clear out through the day on Sunday with highs in the upper 40s to low 50s. There could be some lingering freezing rain/rain during the morning hours.

The first half of next week looks dry with highs warming up from the mid 50s on Monday to the mid 60s on Wednesday.

Have a very wonderful Valentine's Day!

Winter Weather on the Way

FROM KRBC CHIEF METEOROLOGIST RANDY TURNER..

GET READY FOR DRASTICALLY COLDER WEATHER ARRIVING AROUND MIDNIGHT THURSDAY NIGHT AND SPENDING THE WEEKEND.

IT IS LOOKING MORE FAVORABLE FOR WIDESPREAD PRECIPITATION STARTING FRIDAY AND CONTINUING THROUGH SATURDAY. COMPLICATING MATTERS ARE TEMPERATURES AT OR JUST BELOW FREEZING FRIDAY THROUGH SATURDAY MID-DAY. WE COULD SEE COLD RAIN, FREEZING RAIN, SLEET AND EVEN SOME SNOW. PLAN ON ICY WEATHER, POSSIBLE ICY ROADS AND TRAVEL CONCERNS FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING.

I EXPECT WATCHES TO BE ISSUED THURSDAY.

WE'LL POST UPDATES HERE ON OUR KRBC BLOG SO CHECK IN OFTEN.

Ole Man Winter to Return Thursday Night

FROM KRBC CHIEF METEOROLOGIST RANDY TURNER ..
THE WEATHER IS GOING TO BE NICE THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS, SO YOU BETTER ENJOY IT. THURSDAY NIGHT, A STRONG COLD FRONT USHERS IN TWO DAYS OF VERY COLD WEATHER AND PERHAPS SOME WINTERY PRECIPITATION.

THE KRBC WEATHER STAFF IS MONITORING THIS POTENTIAL WINTER EVENT. RIGHT NOW, IT'S TOO EARLY TO SAY WHAT FORM THE WINTER PRECIP MAY FALL AS - A COLD RAIN, FREEZING RAIN, SLEET OR EVEN SNOW. THE CHANCE FOR PRECIPITATION WILL BE FRIDAY, FRIDAY NIGHT, SATURDAY INTO SATURDAY NIGHT.

TEMPERATURES ARE GOING TO TOP OUT NEAR 70 WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY BEFORE THE BIG CHILL HITS AND KEEPS HIGHS CLOSER TO 35 FOR FRIDAY AND NEAR 40 FOR SATURDAY. AGAIN, THIS IS A DEVELOPING SITUATION SO CHECK OUR BLOG AND WATCH KRBC FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION.

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY.

RANDY

Cooler Today, Warmer Tomorrow

From Meteorologist Brandon Rector...

A cold front moved through the area this morning. Showers and thunderstorms developed and moved through portions of Callahan, Eastland, Runnels, Coleman, Brown and Comanche counties. The rain is over for us today. We will see decreasing clouds throughout the day and breezy north winds. Highs will be in the mid to upper 50s which is much cooler than yesterday.

Wednesday and Valentine's Day look dry and windy conditions and highs in the upper 60s to low 70s.

Another cold front is expected to move through the area late Thursday into early Friday. This will bring some arctic air to the region for the end of the work week. Highs should only be in the mid 30s Friday. There is a good chance for precipitation beginning Thursday night and continuing through Saturday thanks to a cut-off upper level low that will set up shop to our west Friday and not move across the area until early Sunday. It looks like we will have at least a cold rain. We could see some periods of a wintry mix since temperatures will likely be below freezing Thursday and Friday nights. With temperatures expected to be above freezing Friday and highs on Saturday likely to be in the upper 30s to low 40s, we should not have any major problems out there. Also with the above average temperatures we have experienced lately, we have warm ground temperatures right now. We would have to overcome that in order to see significant accumulations. This scenario is still 4 to 5 days away and things could change between now and then so stay tuned.

There is a 20% chance of showers on Sunday with highs in the low to mid 50s.

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Roller Coaster Ride of Temperatures

From Meteorologist Brandon Rector...

We are starting off this morning with a wide range of temperatures across the viewing area. A cold front has stalled in the Big Country just south of the northern communities. Those behind the the front will see temperatures in the 30s this morning while those ahead of the front will be in the low to mid 50s. There will be some patchy fog across the area through the mid-morning hours. A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect for Mitchell and Scurry counties through 10 a.m. Be careful if you encounter any fog this morning. Slow down and use your low beam headlights. Highs today will mainly be in the low to mid 70s with breezy south-southwest winds. Those areas that stay behind the front will see highs around 60. There is a slight chance of some stray showers and thunderstorms this afternoon.

The cold front should push through the entire area overnight tonight into early tomorrow. With moisture in place, there is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms across mainly the eastern half of the viewing area. There is a slight risk of severe thunderstorms for Stephens, Eastland, Comanche and Brown counties. The main threats will likely be large hail and damaging winds in those locations. As always, we will keep you updated on the latest watches, warnings and advisories for the area when and if they are issued. We should clear the clouds out during the day on Tuesday and it will be much cooler with highs in the mid to upper 50s.

Wednesday looks dry with highs in the mid 60s under mostly sunny skies and windy conditions.

Valentine's Day should be nice temperature wise with highs in the low to mid 60s, but it will be windy so be aware.

Another cold front is expected to move across the region late Thursday into early Friday. This will bring some arctic air to the Big Country for the end of the work week. Highs right now look to be in the mid to upper 30s for Friday. There is a 30% chance of precipitation as well. We will see at least a cold rain, but there may be a wintry mix or perhaps all snow at times. Temperatures should be at or below freezing overnight Thursday and Friday night. There is still a lot of time between now and then and some things could change. As always, all of the variables would have to play out perfectly for us to see some wintry precipitation. Stay tuned for the latest as we get closer to this next possible shot of wintry weather.

The precipitation will end early Saturday and we should clear things out during the day. It will remain a bit chilly with highs in the upper 40s.

Have a magnificent Monday!

Slight Chance for Rain

FROM KRBC CHIEF METEOROLOGIST RANDY TURNER ..

WEATHER SHOULD BE INTERESTING THIS WEEK. MOISTURE RETURNS TO THE AREA SUNDAY NIGHT INTO MONDAY WHICH COULD LEAD TO SOME FOG FOR MONDAY MORNING. ALSO OF NOTE IS A COLD AIR MASS NOT TOO FAR NORTH AND, AS OF SUNDAY EVENING, WAS INCHING SLOWLY SOUTHWEST. THIS LEADS TO A HEADACHE IN FORECASTING TEMPERATURES ACROSS THE AREA BECAUSE HIGHS MONDAY COULD VARY GREATLY ACROSS THE KRBC VIEWING AREA BUT OVERALL COOLER IN THE NORTH AND WARMER IN THE SOUTH.

HOW ABOUT RAIN? WITH A COLD FRONT APPROACHING AND LOW PRESSURE AREA DEVELOPING MONDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING, A FEW THUNDERSTORMS ARE CERTAINLY POSSIBLE MAINLY ALONG AND EAST OF A LINE FROM HASKELL TO ABILENE TO COLEMAN. THE STORM PREDICTION CENTER HAS A SLIGHT RISK FOR SEVERE WEATHER MAINLY EAST OF OUR AREA TOWARD DFW TOMORROW AFTERNOON AND NIGHT.

TEMPERATURES ON TUESDAY WILL BE COOLER, THANKS TO THE FRONT, BUT IT SHOULD WARM UP AGAIN WEDNESDAY BEFORE THE NEXT, AND STRONGER FRONT, ARRIVES ON THURSDAY. RAIN IS BACK IN THE FORECAST FROM THURSDAY THROUGH SATURDAY. WE'LL HAVE TO WATCH TO SEE IF THE TEMPERATURES GET COLD ENOUGH DURING THE OVERNIGHT HOURS THURSDAY AND FRIDAY FOR POSSIBLE WINTERY MIX BUT IT'S TOO EARLY TO SAY AS OF YET.

THANKS FOR CHECKING OUR BLOG AND HAVE A GREAT WEEK!

Saturday Evening Update

From Meteorologist Nathan Motz....

The prospect of rain chances in the forecast continues to grow as of right now. It does appear like the best rain chances will not come until the end of next week, but there is at least a slight chance of rain for the eastern Big Country on Monday night and into Tuesday.

Upper level energy out ahead of a cold front will act to help produce some light shower activity mainly in the eastern Big Country but the rain will move out quickly by Tuesday afternoon.

By next weekend, models are indicating the possibility of better chances for rain for the rest of the Big Country as an upper level low moves slowly across the area bringing with it a cold front and much cooler temperatures.

Tomorrow through Monday, temperatures will remain well above average. More seasonal temperatures will return for Tuesday but then warmer weather moves right back into the forecast on Wednesday and Thursday. Saturday and Sunday of next weekend look to be cool and cloudy and possibly wet if computer model forecasts hold.

Have a great Sunday!!!

Friday Afternoon Update

From Meteorologist Nathan Motz.....

After another weak and also dry cold front moved through the area around noon today, temperatures will be a little colder tonight across much of the Big Country. Overnight lows will drop into the low 30's as light winds, drier air, and clear skies allow strong radiational cooling to take place.

Tomorrow, however, temperatures will rebound nicely into the upper 60's to lower 70's and the above average temperatures will stay with us for the next several days at least.

On Monday night and into Tuesday, a cold front will drop south into west central Texas and will bring a 20% chance of light rain for Tuesday. Temperatures will drop into the 50's as cloud cover and precipitation will move into the area.

As we head into late next week, another cold front will move into the area on late Thursday night / Friday morning. Right now, it appears rain chances will be scarce with this system but we will have to watch it more as we get closer to mid-week.

Have a great weekend!!

Wonderful Weekend Weather

From Meteorologist Brandon Rector...

We are starting off a bit chilly across the Big Country this morning with temperatures in the mid 30s to mid 40s. A weak cold front, really more of wind shift line, will move through during the late morning and early afternoon hours. Winds will shift from the southwest to the north behind the front. They should be 15 to 20 mph sustained and gust up to 30 mph. With a dry airmass in place, no precipitation is expected. Highs look to be in the mid to upper 60s.

The weekend is looking beautiful. Try to get outside and enjoy the well above average temperatures. Skies will be mostly sunny with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s. It may be a bit breezy on Sunday.

Most of Monday will be dry with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s. Windy conditions look to return to the region for the start of next week.

A cold front is expected to move through the area late Monday into early Tuesday. Moisture should have returned by then so we have a chance of precipitation Monday night through Wednesday morning. The best shot at rain will be Tuesday at 30%. Temperatures will be much cooler on Tuesday with highs in the mid to upper 50s.

Have a wonderful weekend!

NICE WEATHER AHEAD - BUT WE NEED RAIN

FROM KRBC CHIEF METEOROLOGIST RANDY TURNER ..

WE EXPERIENCED A COLD FRONT THURSDAY MORNING AND WILL EXPERIENCE ANOTHER FRONT FRIDAY MORNING, MAKING FOR A COOL FEEL TO THE DAY.

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE WEEKEND - I'M EXPECTING SUNNY CONDITIONS WITH AFTERNOON HIGHS WELL INTO THE 60'S AND OVERNIGHT LOWS IN THE 40'S.

THE NEXT CHANCE FOR RAIN, AND IT ISN'T A GOOD ONE, IS MONDAY NIGHT OR TUESDAY OF THE COMING WEEK FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER SLIGHT CHANCE WEDNESDAY INTO THURSDAY. AGAIN, IT DOESN'T LOOK TOO EXCITING RIGHT NOW BUT WORTH A 20% CHANCE AT THIS POINT.

NO BIG ARCTIC BLASTS ARE FORECAST THROUGH THIS TIME NEXT WEEK.

ALL IN ALL, PRETTY QUIET.

QUIET IS NOT THE CASE WITH TORNADOES IN THE U.S. THUS FAR IN 2008. CAN YOU BELIEVE 204 TORNADOES (136 IN JANUARY AND 68 SO FAR IN FEBRUARY) HAVE BEEN REPORTED?

THE AVERAGE OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS FOR JANUARY HAS BEEN 34 AND FOR FEBRUARY 25. MANY FOLKS CONTINUE TO PICK UP THE PIECES THROUGH THE SOUTH, THANKS TO TUESDAY'S STORMS.

Cool Today, Warmer Tomorrow

From Meteorologist Brandon Rector...

A cold front moving through the area this morning will increase our winds from the northwest at 20 to 30 mph and gusts of 35 to 40 mph. There will be no precipitation with the front and temperatures are expected to be cool, but seasonal. Highs should be in the mid to upper 50s under mostly sunny skies.

Warmer temperatures and breezy conditions are likely tomorrow. Highs look to be in the low to mid 60s. Winds will be from the south-southwest early, but shift to the north-northwest in the afternoon behind a weak cold front. The front is really more of a wind shift line since it won't have an effect on our temperatures.

Saturday will be dry with highs in the low to mid 60s under mostly sunny skies.

With a few more clouds expected on Sunday, highs should cool down a bit into the low 60s.

We continue to keep an eye on an upper level low developing to our west next week. This could send some disturbances our way. Also, a cold front looks to move through the area late Monday into early Tuesday. With more moisture likely to be in place and these lifting mechanisms moving across the region, we have a chance of precipitation late Monday through Wednesday. That chance is slight to 20% right now with the best shot being on Tuesday with the cold front. Highs should be in the upper 60s on Monday and then fall into the mid to upper 50s for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Have a terrific Thursday!

Dry and Mild

FROM KRBC CHIEF METEOROLOGIST RANDY TURNER ..

OUR WEATHER PATTERN RETURNS TO A CALM AND DRY PATTERN THROUGH THE END OF THE WEEK. TEMPERATURES WILL BE COLD IN THE MORNING BUT CLOSE TO NORMAL FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR EACH AFTERNOON.

THE FIRE DANGER REMAINS HIGH AND BREEZY CONDITIONS CAN BE EXPECTED EACH AFTERNOON.

THERE IS NO RAIN IN THE FORECAST THROUGH SUNDAY BUT I'M INCLUDING A SLIGHT 20% CHANCE STARTING MONDAY AND GOING THROUGH WEDNESDAY. IT'S STILL HARD TO TELL HOW THE SYSTEM WILL SET UP NEXT WEEK BUT IT LOOKS LIKE AT LEAST A LITTLE RAIN MAY RETURN TO THE AREA.

ENJOY THE SUNSHINE TODAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

Seasonal Temperatures and Less Windy

From Meteorologist Brandon Rector...

We are starting off cold this morning with temperatures in the upper 20s to low 30s. By this afternoon it will be cool, but seasonal with highs in the mid to upper 50s. Winds are expected to be from the northwest and then shift to the southwest this afternoon at 10 to 15 mph. There are no Red Flag Warnings or Wind Advisories in effect today.

A cold front should move through the area early tomorrow. This will reinforce the cool air that is already in place. Highs are going to remain in the mid to upper 50s.

Windy conditions will likely return on Friday. It looks like the well above average temperatures will be back as well. Highs are expected to be in the upper 60s.

Another cold front should move through the region by early Saturday. This means cooler temperatures for the weekend. Highs look to be in the low to mid 60s. No precipitation is expected with the front.

Sunday looks dry right now with highs in the low to mid 60s under partly cloudy skies.

An upper level low may develop to the west early next week. This could send some disturbances our way for Monday and Tuesday. We have a slight chance of seeing rain due to this scenario. That chance could increase as we get closer to that time period. Keep your fingers crossed that this precipitation chance pans out because we desperately need the rain right now. Abilene Regional Airport has only had about half an inch of precipitation since December 1.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Cold Mornings, Pleasant Afternoons

FROM THE KRBC WEATHER CENTER ..

A COLD FRONT WILL MAKE ITS PRESENCE KNOWN TONIGHT AROUND THE AREA WITH COLD TEMPERATURES JUST BELOW FREEZING. AFTER SEEING CLOUDS, SUN, RAIN AND WIND TODAY, WEDNESDAY SHOULD BE A LITTLE NICER TO US WITH SUN AND HIGHS AROUND 62.

ANOTHER MINOR COLD FRONT WILL DROP INTO THE AREA EARLY THURSDAY WITH HIGHS STAYING IN THE LOW 60'S.

BY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY WE SHOULD BE GETTING CLOSE TO 70 AGAIN BUT THERE MAY BE MORE RAIN IN OUR FUTURE AS ANOTHER SYSTEM TAKES SHAPE BEGINNING SUNDAY AND CONTINUING INTO TUESDAY.

Much Cooler Temperatures Today

From Meteorologist Brandon Rector...

We will experience much cooler conditions today after tying a record high of 85 yesterday. A cold front should move through the area during the morning hours. We have already experienced our highs which were in the low to upper 60s across the viewing area this morning. For much of the day, temperatures will hang around the 40s and 50s. There is a 20% chance of rain for mainly the eastern portion of the viewing area through lunchtime. Winds are expected to increase to 20 to 30 mph from the west-northwest this afternoon. Wind gusts may reach 35 to 40 mph. The western and southern portions of the viewing area are under a Wind Advisory for the afternoon hours. There is a Red Flag Warning in effect this afternoon for Coke, Nolan, Taylor, Runnels, Coleman, Callahan, Brown, Comanche, Eastland and Stephens counties. With critical fire weather conditions expected again in those areas today, please be careful.

Tonight will be cold due to the arrival of a second front this evening. It should be a dry fronal passage with lows in the mid to upper 20s. Remember to protect your pets, plants and pipes tonight.

It doesn't look to be as windy tomorrow with winds from the south at 10 to 15 mph. Seasonal temperatures are expected with highs in the mid to upper 50s. Skies will be mostly sunny.

Another cold front looks to move through the area early Thursday. This will reinforce the colder air that is already in place. Highs should remain in the mid to upper 50s. This frontal passage will likely be a dry one.

The wind may pick up on Friday. Other than that it will be pleasant with highs in the mid to upper 60s under mostly sunny skies.

Yet another cold front should move through the area on Saturday. No precipitation is expected. Highs will cool down into the low to mid 60s.

We could see some rain Sunday and Monday due to an upper level low developing to our west. The chance of precipitation is slight right now, but that could increase as we get closer to that time period.

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Much Cooler Tuesday

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ..

Abilene tied a record high temperature Monday by reaching 85 degrees, the same number we hit in 1890.

Don't expect 85 again Tuesday, far from it. More like 55 will do it as a cold front blows in and drops temperatures. From midnight to noon Tuesday, a few thunderstorms or showers are possible mainly across the eastern Big Country. The storm system is a strong one so expect the wind to become gusty during the day Tuesday.

The high fire danger continues until further notice.

Tuesday night, expect below freezing temperatures.

A slight warming trend starts Wednesday and continues through the end of the week.

Warm Start To The Week

From Meteorologist Brandon Rector...

We are off to a mild start this morning with temperatures in the upper 40s to mid 60s across the area. Be careful of some fog in the southeastern communities. Near record temperatures are expected this afternoon with highs in the upper 70s to mid 80s. Windy conditions are likely once again today with winds from the southwest at 15 to 30 mph. Much of the viewing area is under a Red Flag Warning. This means we have critical fire weather danger so be careful.

A cold front should move through the area by tomorrow morning. This will bring much cooler conditions for Tuesday. Highs look to be in the mid to upper 50s. These numbers will likely take place before the front arrives. There is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms tonight through tomorrow morning for the eastern half of the viewing area. Winds will be strong from the northwest at 20 to 30 mph with higher gusts.

We will start off cold on Wednesday with temperatures in the low to mid 20s. By the afternoon, highs should be in the upper 50s to low 60s under mostly sunny skies.

A weak cold front is expected to move through the area early Thursday. This will bring slightly cooler temperatures to the area with highs in the mid to upper 50s. It should be a dry frontal passage for us, so no rain is expected.

Well above average temperatures will likely return on Friday with highs in the mid to upper 60s.

Another weak cold front will likely move through the area early Saturday bringing slightly cooler temperatures for us. No precipitation is expected.

Have a magnificent Monday!

Friday Afternoon Update

From Meteorologist Nathan Motz....

More windy weather continued in the Big Country today but how long will it last? Well, it does appear that tomorrow will be a little better but winds will still be up in the 5 to 15 mph range with more windy weather in store for later in the weekend.

As another upper level storm system approaches from the west, a surface trough of low pressure will form across eastern New Mexico and far western Texas. As a result, the pressure gradient will remain fairly tight and thus breezy southerly winds will continue Sunday and Monday.

Temperatures will continue to run above average as well at least through Monday. After that it looks like cooler weather will arrive with a cold front that passes through on Monday night. After the frontal passage, temperatures will remain close to their seasonal averages throughout the middle and latter part of the upcoming week.

Rain chances appear slim to nil and we continue to have fire weather concerns as a result. More windy conditions will be expected and moisture will remain limited as another dry frontal passage will be expected on Monday night. Please remember that as low relative humidities and gusty winds continue, the fire weather danger will remain critical.

Have a good weekend!!!

Another Windy Day

From Meteorologist Brandon Rector...

We are off to a cold start this morning with temperatures in the upper teens to upper 20s across the viewing area. This means you'll want to bundle up this morning, but by this afternoon you won't need the heavy winter coat. Highs today will be in the low to mid 60s under mostly sunny skies. Winds should pick up through the day. They will be from the south-southwest at 20 to 30 mph by this afternoon. If you are in a high profile vehicle, grip the steering wheel tight because you will feel the wind. Red Flag Warnings are in effect for the entire viewing area through 6 pm this evening. Please be careful out there. Don't throw cigarette butts out of the window and be careful with welding torches.

Groundhog Day should be pleasant with highs in the mid to upper 60s. Winds are expected to be light and skies will be mostly sunny.

Windy conditions will return for Sunday through Tuesday. Elevated to critical fire weather conditions are likely during that time period. Highs for Sunday and Monday should be in the low to mid 70s under partly cloudy skies. A cold front is expected to move through the area late Monday. This will cool our high temperatures down into the mid 50s for Tuesday. There could be a few showers late Monday into early Tuesday, but the chance is less than 20%.

Wednesday and Thursday look dry with highs in the upper 50s under mostly sunny skies.

Have a fantastic Friday!