Turning Down The Rain Chances & Turning Up The Heat:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* No thunderstorms in the Big Country this morning. The overnight complex developed a litle further south and is moving through Southeast New Mexico and the Permian Basin and West Texas this morning. These storms are moving southeast away from the Big Country and down toward the Concho Valley and Edwards Plateau.

* Mostly cloudy this morning then becoming partly cloudy today with highs in the lower 90s. It will be quite humid and expect one to two thunderstorms to pop up in the area later today. Models develop a complex of storms to the north and west again tonight so will mention rain in the forecast for tonight with lows in the middle
70s.

* Weekend: Partly cloudy and humid with isolated thunderstorms possible for Saturday and early on Sunday. Highs will climb into the middle 90s and lows in the middle to lower 70s.

* Next Week: Ridge builds eastward which brings an end to the rain chances for the Big County and reminds us this is still summer in West Central Texas. Highs in the upper 90s and low 100s with overnight lows in the lower to middle 70s.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick severe weather updates and other random weather information by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Have a great weekend...

More Storms Expected Tonight

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

The storms this morning packed a punch as they moved through - high wind being the main severe weather parameter. Numerous tree limbs were downed around the area. In Potosi, a carport was left twisted and mangled.

Will we see more storms? I believe we will, late this afternoon, tonight, and once again on Friday morning, possibly Friday afternoon. And we will even have enough moisture and instability around this weekend that isolated storms are possible during the afternoon heat both Saturday and Sunday.

Temperatures near 70 tonight, near 90 Friday, near 73 Friday night, near 96 on Saturday and Sunday.

Thursday Morning Forecast Update:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Quick update as I am running a little behind getting the forecast package for Abilene Today ready due to the severe weather. Complex of showers and thunderstorms will continue to move eastward and southeastward this morning. As of 4:30 AM, the severe threat has pretty much shifted east of the viewing area but a few strong storms and some heavy rain in areas remain possible.

* A frontal boundary dropping into the area will fire off more storms later today across the Big Country during the day today, especially if we see some peeks of sunshine later on. There is a slight risk for severe weather today, mainly south of Interstate 20 with the main threat being damaging winds. Highs today between 85-90.

* Another complex of storms is forecasted to develop to the north and west and roll into the Big Country overnight tonight and early on Friday morning. Heavy rain and strong storms are possible. Lows tonight in the middle and upper 60s.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy your Thursday...

More Rain & Storms:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Showers and thunderstorms will continue to more south and eastward this morning across the Big Country. the rain extends well back into the South Plains so we'll see rain and maybe some storms for the next several hours across the area.

* Expect some sunshine to pop out by the afternoon but we could see a storm or two develop in the late afternoon and early evening. Highs today in the upper 80s and lower 90s thanks the rain. Expect another complex of storms to develop to our northwest and work southeastward overnight and arrive in the Big Country early Thursday morning. Locally heavy rain is possible. Overnight lows in the upper 60s and lower 70s.

* Expect rain chances in the forecast through at least Friday. Temperatures will be below normal for a few days, with highs in the upper 80s and lower 90s. Then we will slowly begin to warm back up as we head toward the weekend into the middle and upper 90s.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy your Wednesday...

Holding Out for More Rain

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

So far, the rain has been aiming at a few certain counties, so it seems. Eastland County has been the biggest beneficiary of rain the past 24 hours, along with counties north of I-20 here in the Big Country.

There is still ample opportunity for rain this week, now in the forecast through Saturday.

Storms are expected to move across the area tonight (Tues) and be scattered during the day on Wednesday.

It appears are best chance for rain and storms is Thursday when yet another front moves into the area. The front lingers into Friday, keeping our opportunity for rain alive.

Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance for rain/storms. Low 75.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy to partly cloudy with a 40 percence chance for storms. High 95.
Wednesday Night: Scattered showers and storms, low of 75.
Thursday: Thunderstorms and rain showers expected, high of 85.
Friday: Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance for storms.
Saturday: Partly cloudy with a 30 percent chance for storms.

Heat, Humidity & T-Storms:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* An area of light to moderate rain continues to move across the eastern counties of the Big Country this morning. The heavier rain is up in Southwest Oklahoma and Northwest Texas. This band of rain will slowly continue to dissipate this morning. Expect a little less cloud cover today but we still have a chance for an isoalted thunderstorm or two this afternoon. Highs today expected to be in the middle 90s and lows tonight into the lower 70s.

* Another complex of thunderstorms will develop across the High Plains tonight and drop into Texas. This complex will end up in the Big Country overnight and the early morning hours on Tuesday. Expect decent rain chances on Wednesday as well as a front drifts into the area.

* Expect rain chances in the forecast through at least Friday. Temperatures will be slightly below normal for a few days, then we will slowly begin to warm back up as we head toward the weekend into the middle and upper 90s.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy your Tuesday...

Rain in the Forecast

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

Monday Afternoon Update: Rain will stay in my forecast each day this week. Timing of disturbances will be the main forecast issue. We won't see rain constantly, probably about once a day for most areas, but the majority of the KRBC viewing area should get wet at one point or another this week.

I'm going with a 30 percent chance for rain Monday night, 20 percent Tuesday, 40 percent Tuesday night and 40 percent Wednesday with around 30 percent the rest of the week.

It's going to be hot and humid again Tuesday and very muggy with warm temperatures the rest of the week.

Scattered Thundestorms To Start The Week:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* An area of light rain continues to move across the northern counties of the Big Country this morning. The heavier rain is up in Southwest Oklahoma and Northwest Texas. This band of rain will slowly continue to dissipate this morning. An outflow boundard from this complex will work down into the Big Country this morning. This boundary will be a focal point for thunderstorms later today. Highs today expected to be near 90. Expect a mixture of sun and clouds, with more clouds than sunshine.

* Another complex of thunderstorms will develop across the High Plains tonight and drop into Texas. This complex could end up in the Big Country overnight and the early morning hours on Tuesday. Lows tonight in the lower 70s.

* Expect rain chances in the forecast through at least Friday. Temperatures will be slightly below normal for a few days, then we will slowly begin to warm back up as we head toward the weekend.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy your Monday...

A Rainy Week Ahead

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

We have numerous chances for rain and thunderstorms all this week, starting tonight and continuing through Friday. By the end of the week, most of the KRBC viewing area will have received beneficial rains.

While we should see storms Sunday night and Monday, they won't be as numerous on Tuesday.

Wednesday and Thursday are the two days when we stand the best chance for showers and storms, some which may produce locally heavy rain. We could see some flash flooding situations as we get to the middle of the week.

As for "when" they can happen, just about anytime. Storms will be more prevalent from evenings through overnight and into the early mornings. A few storms may also briefly become severe with high wind the primary threat.

Stay tuned to KRBC for weather updates or check our blog and website, www.bigcountryhomepage.com.

Quick Warm & Dry Pattern, Rain Next Week:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Scattered showers have developed across the Big Country this morning thanks the low level jet across the region. So through mid-morning, there could be a few sprikles in spots, othewise cloudy. As we head into the midday and afternoon hours, the low level jet will weaken as the ridge takes control. Clouds will break and temperatures will warm up into the lower and middle 90s. Lows tonight in the lower
70s.

* The ridge will remain in control of the forecast into Saturday as well pushing temperatures into the upper 90s under a mostly sunny sky. The ridge will shift back westward Sunday which will put the Big Country back under a northwesterly flow. This will allow a weak front to drop down here by Sunday which will help get an isolated storm or two going Sunday and Monday.

* Next Week: The northwesterly flow will help complexes of storms to form over Colorado, New Mexico and Oklahoma. These complexes will drop south and southeast in the mean flow which means more rain for the area. Also cooler temperatures expected once again in the lower 90s.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy your Thursday...

Warmer and Drier Next Two Days

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ....

A few showers were lingering around the area Thursday afternoon, and a few showers may develop into the evening, but this round of rain is just about over.

The next rainy spell, however, is just around the bend, with showers possible again as early as Sunday.

Temperatures Friday and Saturday will be warmer than they have been the past couple of days. I'm forecasting 93 on Friday and 99 on Saturday. Saturday should be our hottest day for a while.

Sunday, a cold front approaches from the north, so a slight chance for rain returns but temperatures should still make at least 90 degrees.

By Monday, with a front in the area and upper level disturbances dropping in from the north, we stand a better chance for thunderstorms on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

That being said, it appears July begins on a very hot note but ends with below normal temperatures and rainy weather, which we need.

Rain Continues This Morning:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Scattered showers and a few isolated thunderstorms will continue across the Big Country this morning. The best rain chances will be this morning but there could still be a few isolated showers or a thunderstorms later today. Pretty much cloudy today with some sunshine peeking out by late afternoon. Highs in the lower to middle 80s thanks to clouds and rain but if sunshine come sout a bit early, a few spots may creep toward 90. Lows tonight in the middle 60s with partly cloudy conditions.

* The weather pattern will chance slightly for Friday and Saturday as the ridge out west starts to push a bit eastward bringing us much warmer weather. With mostly sunny conditons, highs will climb into the upper 90s. The ridge will shift back westward and rain chacnes will return for Sunday and early next week.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy your Thursday...

More Welcomed Rain

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner.....

I'm writing this update at 3:10pm on Wednesday and watching Triple Doppler radar continue to show a line of thunderstorms stretching from Lubbock to Sweetwater to south of San Angelo, marching east.

Storms will affect Abilene and the majority of the KRBC viewing area throughout the evening. Locally heavy downpours in some storms may produce flash flooding. The main threat from the storms is heavy rain and gusty wind but no tornadoes are expected.

After off and on rain tonight, we should see a gradual decrease in rain early Thursday then transition into a couple of typical summer days Friday and Saturday, hot and dry.

By Sunday, another frontal system approaches form the north, clouds increase, chance for rain returns by Sunday and temperatures drop again as a result.

Wednesday Night: Rain likely, mid to upper 60's.
Thursday: Morning rain, then partly cloudy, high near 90.
Friday: Mostly sunny and 96.
Saturday: Partly cloudy, 97-100.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy, slight chance for rain, low to mid 90's.

More Thunderstorms & Cooler Temperatures:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Scattered showers and thunderstorms this morning across eastern New Mexico and far West Texas will work their way eastward and southeastward this morning. Most of the rain from this complex should be across the western counties but we will mention rain chances for today across all the area. Another (and probably the best chance) round of storms will move across the area tonight and into the day on Thursday. Expect a mostly cloudy day with cooler temperatures in the middle to 80s today and tomorrow and lows in the upper 60s.

* The weather pattern will chance slightly for the end of the week and the early part of the weekend. With mostly sunny conditons, highs will climb into the upper
90s. Another cool down by late weekend and early into next week with scattered storms again possible.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy your Wednesday...

Still Looks Rainy !!

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

I can get used to hearing thunder and smelling the freshness of rain to start my day everyday. It has been nice to see our drought plagued area getting some much needed rain and feeling some temperatures that aren't too bad for this time of July.

I'm keeping rain in your forecast Wednesday and Thursday. Like we've seen in past days, there should be an area of thunderstorms develop in eastern New Mexico or Texas Panhandle Tuesday afternoon and move south into our area overnight, with the western counties of the Big Country more in line to see the best chance for rain.

We also have a cold front draped roughly along I-20 this Tuesday afternoon which can also serve as a focal point for storms.

The front, combined with another uppper level disturbance, should bring our best chance for rain and thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday night across the majority of the Big Country. The rain will continue into Thursday before ending by Thursday night.

Temperatures will stay below normal Wednesday and Thursday, in the upper 80's, but warm back to the 90's Friday and Saturday.

I'm going ahead with a good chance for storms again on Sunday through next Tuesday.

More Storms This Morning & Afternoon:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue to drop south from Texoma, the South Plains and the Red River Valley and into the Big Country this morning. Expect cloudy intervals this morning with clouds breaking some this afternoon. A few isolated storms are possible later this afternoon and tonight. Highs today in the lower 90s with lows tonight in the upper 60s.

* Expect daily rain chances into at least thursday. Looks like the main threat will be storm complexes dropping in from the north and northwest. There will also be a weak front in the area late Tuesday and Wednesday. Drying out and turning a bit hotter by weeks end before another cool down by the late weekend.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy your Tuesday...

Rain Lingers in the Forecast

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ....

I loved the weather today !! Are you kidding me? Temperatures in the low 80's!! Rain !!
It doesn't get much better than this in July. And the good news (for most) is that the rain stays in the forecast through Thursday.

The pattern we're in will lead to a daily and nightly chance for thunderstorms. The ones in Abilene Monday morning brought another .14 of an inch of rain. Flood advisories were issued for heavier downpours in Coleman and Brown counties. I think the rain will try to come to an end on Thursday, at least for a couple of days. But I'm seeing signs of another rainy pattern trying to set up for early next week, so I'll be tracking that for you all this week here on Bigcountryhomepage.com.

Temperatures Tuesday and Wednesday should continue to be below normal and our chance for rain stays at 30 percent Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Storms possible both night and day.

Scattered Storms:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue to drop southeastward from the South Plains and into the Big Country this morning. Scattered storms will pop up in random locations across the area this morning ahead of the storm complex moving in from the South Plains. Expect cloudy intervals this morning with clouds breaking some this afternoon. A few isolated storms are possible this morning and tonight. Highs today in the lower to middle 90s with lows tonight in the lower 70s.

* Expect daily rain chances into at least Wednesday night. Looks like the main threat will be storm complexes dropping in from the north and northwest. There will also be a weak front in the area late Tuesday and Wednesday. Drying out and turning a bit hotter by weeks end before another cool down by the late weekend.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy your Monday...

Rainfall Reports

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ....

The following rainfall reports have been received here in the KRBC Weather Lab ...

Abilene's Official Amount at Abilene Regional Airport - .70 - total for July 1.17 - total for the year 10.08 - still 2.06 behind normal rainfall in Abilene for 2009.

Dyess Air Force Base - 1.13
2 miles northwest of Ballinger - .45
1 mile southwest of Hamlin - 1.14
Valera in Coleman Co. - .62
O.H. Ivie Reservoir- 1.07
Roscoe - .86

Rain Chances & Cooler Weather This Weekend:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited....

* Pattern change here for the weekend. Temperatures will drop back into the lower
90s this weekend with overnight lows in the lower 70s. As the ridge has slipped westward slips westward, the clockwise flow around the high will bring a northerly to northwesterly flow across the area. This pattern brings a weak cold front into the area tonight and early Saturday.

* Rain: The front will help enhance rain chances for the area. Also, a moisture axis that is to our east will shift westward with the high shifting west and with that axis over Texas, storms will develop in the afternoons. The models are also indicating that complexes of storms will develop over the high plains and drift into the area during the overnight hours. Overall message here is much needed rain chances for teh area through the middle of next week.

* Please join us on television this morning for the lastest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy your weekend...

Looking Forward to Some Relief from the Heat !!

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

The daily beat-down of heat is going to stop for a few days, but temperatures will remain warm.

FRIDAY - Temperatures should still approach the century mark, even with a weak cold front running east-west along and north of I-20. South of the front, temperatures in the low 100's will happen one last day. A few hit and miss showers are possible in the afternoon heat.

FRIDAY NIGHT: I'm going with a 30 percent chance for showers to pass through the area during the overnight, some locally heavy.

SATURDAY: More hit and miss showers and thunderstorms, a 40 percent chance, with highs only around 90.

SATURDAY NIGHT: More scattered showers and storms, a 40 percent chance.

SUNDAY: High near 92 with a 20 percent chance for storms.

MONDAY THROUGH NEXT THURSDAY: A daily 20 percent chance for storms with highs in the 90's, not 100's.

Cooler Temperatures & Rain Chances Ahead:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited....

* The ridge is slowly drifting away from Texas but still have a last little bit of influence in our forecast.. Expect sunny to mostly sunny conditions the next two days with highs in the lower 100s and still very warm and uncomfortable at night with lows in the middle 70s.

* Pattern chance ahead for the weekend. Temperatures will drop back into the lower 90s over the weekend with overnight lows in the lower 70s. As the ridge slips westward, the clockwise flow around the high will bring a northerly to northwesterly flow across the area. This pattern should help bring a weak cold front into the area toward the weeekend.

* Rain: A northerly to northwesterly flow returns as the ridge moves out west which will help the front arrive by Saturday. This front will help enhance rain chances for the area. Also, a moisture axis that is to our east will shift westward with the high shifting west and with that axis over Texas, storms will develop in the afternoons. I've added rain chances for Saturday - Wednesday.

* Please join us on television this morning for the lastest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy your Thursday...

Ready for a Change !!

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

Based on my conversations with many folks that I meet from day to day, the general concensus is "we're tired of the hot weather and we NEED SOME RAIN". Of course, we usually always need more rain in these parts.

Well, I have good news. I'm forecasting cooler temperatures starting this weekend AND a chance for rain. Instead of highs in the low 100's, highs on Saturday will be closer to 90.
Instead of no rain in the forecast, we have a 30 percent chance on Saturday and will keep a 20 percent chance Sunday through early next week.

The reason for the change is a shift in our upper level pattern. The high pressure causing the heat will leave Texas, head west and take up residence near the Arizona/New Mexico border. This will allow systems from the north to drop south into our part of the state, meaning cooler weather and a chance for rain.

Looking Ahead Toward A Pattern Change:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited....

* The ridge continues to sit over Texas and the south central parts of the country which is keeping the current weather pattern very hot and dry. Expect sunny to mostly sunny conditions the next two days with highs in the lower 100s and still very warm and uncomfortable at night with lows in the middle 70s.

* We will see a pattern chance toward the weekend. The high pressure should slowly shift westward by Friday which will take the edge off some of the heat by the weekend. Temperatures will drop back into the lower 90s over the weekend with overnight lows in the lower 70s. As the ridge slips westward, the clockwise flow around the high will bring a northerly to northwesterly flow across the area. This pattern should help bring a weak cold front into the area toward the weeekend.

* Rain: A northerly to northwesterly flow in summer is usually our best chance some rain chances. Complexes of storms will develop over the high plains and drift south and southeastward down toward northern Texas. We'll watch for this activity toward next week. Otherwise, a moisture axis that is to our east will shift westward with the high shifting west and with that axis over Texas, storms will develop in the afternoons. I've added 20% chances for Saturday - Tuesday.

* Please join us on television this morning for the lastest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy your Wednesday...

Shift in the Pattern Coming Soon

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ....

Hang in there a couple more days and then a pattern shift means some cooler temperatures and a chance for showers.

The oppressive high pressure ridge over us now is forecast to gradually slide to the west and be centered in New Mexico by Friday. This allows some frontal systems and upper level disturbances to drop in from the north. Bottom line is temperatures should be a little cooler with the high not directly over us and showers and storms which develop to the north of our area can slide southward through our area Saturday through Tuesday of next week.

Until the weekend though, it is still going to be hot and dry.

Tuesday Night: Clear and 76. South wind 5 to 15.
Wednesday: Sunny and hot, near 102. Southeast wind 10 to 15.
Wednesday Night: Clear and warm, near 76.
Thursday: Mostly sunny to partly cloudy, high near 100.
Friday: Partly cloudy, high near 98.
Saturday: Partly cloudy, 20 percent chance for thunderstorms, high near 94.
Sunday: Partly cloudy, 30 percent chance for thunderstorms, high near 90.

Still Hot & Dry For The Big Country:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited....

* Same old song and dance in the weather department. It's still hot and it's still dry across Abilene and the Big Country. The ridge continues to sit over Texas and the south central parts of the country which is keeping the current weather pattern very hot and dry...as noted earlier. Expect sunny to mostly conditions the next several days with highs in the lower 100s and still very warm and uncomfortable at night with lows in the middle 70s.

* Models this morning still indiciating we will see a pattern chance toward the weekend. The high pressure should slowly shift westward toward the middle and end of the week which will take the edge off some of the heat. Temperatures will drop back into the middle 90s over the weekend with overnight lows in the lower 70s. As the ridge slips westward, the clockwise flow around the high will bring a northerly to northwesterly flow across the area. This pattern should help bring a weak cold front into the area toward the weeekend.

* Rain? A northerly to northwesterly flow in summer is usually our best chance (other than a tropical system coming inland and drifting up this way)for some rain chances. Complexes of storms will develop over the high plains and drift south and southeastward down toward northern Texas. We call these mesoscale convective systems(or MCS for short)which are pretty much a a large cluster of thunderstorms. We'll watch for this activity toward Sunday and early next week as the models are hinting at some isolated rain chances. I've went ahead and added a 20% chance for Sunday and Monday. Will have to monitor as this is still several days away.

* Please join us on television this morning for the lastest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy your Tuesday...

Guess What - It's Hot !!

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ....

High pressure directly overhead leads to more heat and no rain through the work week.
Temperatures this week at their hottest today and Wednesday before backing down a tiny bit Thursday into the weekend, but nothing significant.

Forecast models are trying to hint at a slim chance for rain around Sunday into early next week, but it doesn't look to hopeful at this point. Hopefully that will change.

Talking numbers around 103 on Tuesday, 101 on Wednesday, 100 on Thursday. At night, 74-78 each night.

Be safe in the heat!

Hot & Dry Weather Dominates:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited....

* Not much chance in the forecast as we start a new week across Abilene and the Big Country. The ridge continues to sit over Texas keeping the current weather pattern very hot and dry. Expect mostly sunny conditions the next several days with highs in the lower 100s and still very warm and uncomfortable at night with lows in the middle 70s.

* Models indicate this morning that the high pressure should slowly shift westward toward the middle and end of the week which will take the edge off some of the heat. Having said that, temperatures will still be in the middle to upper 90s, with overnight lows in the middle 70s. As the ridge slips westward, the clockwise flow around the high will bring a northerly to northwesterly flow across the area. This pattern should help bring a weak cold front into the area by the end of the week, so the models are indicating. It's a case of wait and see I'm afraid.

* Please join us on television this morning for the lastest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy your Monday...

Heat, Heat and More Heat !!

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ....

The heat isn't going anywhere, so we must adapt. Highs at or just above 100 degrees can be expected this weekend with no chance for rain. Overnight lows will be in the mid to upper 70's. A south or southeast breeze during the day of 10 to 20 mph with lighter wind 5 to 10 at night.

No major changes to the forecast going into early next week. Afternoon highs should be slightly lower but still upper 90's. The high pressure causing the heat looks to be locked in for the next seven days or more keeping storm systems away.

Be safe in the hot weather !!

Hot Weather Continues Into The Weekend:

Good Morning from Meterologist Chris Whited...

* The heat ridge continues over Texas and the Big Country so today will be another warm day with highs averaging across Abilene and the Big Country between 101 -105° and still very warm at night with lows only dropping into the middle to upper 70s.

* New data this morning keeps the triple digits in the forecast through the weekend with not much of a cool down early next week as we only drop highs into the upper 90s.

* Records: We will be watching closely the record high for Abilene today which is 106° from 1918.We will break close to this record high today as I am forecasting a high of 104° for the Key City today. Some places will be warmer than this today.

* Safety Tips: Remember during this very hot weather to stay cool and drink plenty of water. If you have to be outside, you will need the sunscreen because you will burn very easily in this extreme heat. Check out the Hot Weather Safety Tips graphic posted above the discussion here for tips for dealing with the heat.

* Please join us on television this morning for the lastest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy your Friday & Stay Cool...

Hot Now - But Major Changes for the Fall

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ....

The heat wave will persist through the upcoming weekend, dangerously hot so take necessary precautions.

That being said, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued a news release today concerning El Nino. You may be familiar with this phenomenon that tends to increase our chance for rain, which we need. Hopefully this shift in the weather pattern leads to a rainy Fall and Winter around here.

For now, however, hot and dry.

Thursday Night: Clear and 80. South wind 5 to 10.

Friday: Sunny and 103. South wind 10 to 20.

Saturday: Mostly sunny and 101.

Sunday: Partly cloudy and 100.

Record Heat On This Thursday:

Good Morning from Meterologist Chris Whited...

* The core of the heat ridge is now over Texas and the Big Country so today will be the warmest day so far with highs averaging across Abilene and the Big Country between 102 -106° and still very warm at night with lows only dropping into the middle to upper 70s. New data this morning keeps the triple digits in the forecast through the weekend with not much of a cool down early next week as we only drop highs into the upper 90s.

* Records: We will be watching closely the record high for Abilene today which is 103° from 1978, 1964 & 1918. I do expect we will break this record high today as I am forecasting a high of 104° for the Key City Today. Some places will be warmer than this today. The record high for Friday is 106° from 1918.

* Safety Tips: Remember during this very hot weather to stay cool and drink plenty of water. If you have to be outside, you will need the sunscreen because you will burn very easily in this extreme heat. Check out the Hot Weather Safety Tips graphic posted above the discussion here for tips for dealing with the heat.

* Please join us on television this morning for the lastest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy your Thursday & Stay Cool...

Blistering H O T !!!

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

Frying an egg on the sidewalk may be possible Thursday as hot weather pounds down on the Big Country. I'm forecasting a high of 104 on Thursday in Abilene. The record high for Thursday is 103 which has been in the record books since 1978.

The high pressure ridge will be around to bring us the blast furnace through Saturday before temperatures back off a few degrees by early next week, still very hot though.

The forecast high for Friday is 102 and 100 for Saturday.

No rain is in the forecast at this time !!!

Be safe in the heat !!

Very Hot Weather Is Here:

Good Morning from Meterologist Chris Whited...

* The heat ridge has settled right over Texas and the Big Country so expect extremely warm temperatures starting today and lasting into Saturday. Daytime highs will range between 100-106° (of course I wouldn't be surprised if some spot gets above 106°) and not much of a cool down with lows between 74-78° each night. The ridge will keep the air sinking so mostly sunny conditions and no rain chances the next seven days.

* Records: The record high for Abilene today is 105° from 1978. The record high Thursday is 103° from 1978 as well. The record for Friday is 106° from 1918 and the record for Saturday is 104° form back in 1998. We're going to have to watch the records the next few days as forecast temperatures will be close to, if not a bit warmer than the records.

* Safety Tips: Remember during this very hot weather to stay cool and drink plenty of water. Check out the Hot Weather Safety Tips graphic posted above the discussion here for tips for dealing with the heat.

* Please join us on television this morning for the lastest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy your Wednesday & Stay Cool...

Brutally Hot Rest of the Week

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ....

Find yourself a cool spot and stay there for the rest of the week. The hottest temperatures yet this summer will find their way into our area starting Wednesday.

I'm forecasting 101 for a high Wednesday, 104 for Thursday and 102 for Friday before temperatures return to the upper 90's over the weekend.

Practice heat safety tips such as: 1) drink plenty of water; 2) wear light colored loose fitting clothing; 3) make sure pets are watered properly; 4) limit outdoor work to early mornings or late evenings, if possible; 5) check on the elderly often to make sure they have ample cooling and water; 6) wear sunscreen if in direct sunlight for any length of time.

We should get a little, not much, relief from the heat this weekend as more cloud cover will be around and the high pressure ridge won't be sitting right on top of us as it is now.

No rain in the forecast at this time.

Turning Hot:

Good Morning from Meterologist Chris Whited...

* Quiet weather today but temperatures will begin to warm up with highs climbing back into the lower to middle 90s and lows tonight into the lower 70s. Expect a partly cloudy day but I think the rain chances are very low so I'm not including a chance in my forecast package this morning. Will monitor and may add a chance later today for my midday forecast package if anything changes.

* Heat ridge begins building over Texas today with some very hot temperatures by the later half of the week for the Big Country. Highs expected between 100-105° (perhaps some spots even warmer) and lows in the middle 70s. Heat ridge and high in place will keep the air sinking so no rain chances in the forecast later this week.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Have a great Tuesday...

The Heat Soon to Return !!

From the KRBC Weather Lab and Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

There remains a slight chance for thunderstorms Monday night as upper level winds, blowing from the northwest, may push some storms into our area. Plus, south of Abilene, isolated storms may develop Monday evening in proximity to a boundary there.

Heavy rain fell early Monday morning across the Heartland counties such as Coleman and Brown. Rain amounts between 1 and 3 inches were common in that area.

The big weather story over the next several days will be the return of oppressive heat. High temperatures Tuesday should be in the middle 90's, but Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will be 100 degree days, so be ready. No rain is forecast Tuesday through the upcoming weekend.

Some Storms Today, Otherwise Cloudy:

Good Morning from Meterologist Chris Whited...

* A band of showers and thunderstorms continues across the Heartland and northern areas of the Concho Valley this morning. At the time I'm blogging this, the Brownwood airport has recorded 2.26" of rainfall and 0.93" at the airport in Comanche. [Update here at 10:30 AM... officially Brownwood picked up 3.75" of rainfall since midnight! Comanche has picked up 1.68" of rainfall. Not a drop for Abilene...] Expect some areas of flooding along small streams and arroyos in that area this morning. Most of the activity is along and south of U.S. Highway 67. Most of this activity will move out of the southern viewing area by mid-morning. Otherwise, just cloudy and humid across the Abilene area, as well as Sweetwater, Anson, Haskell, Rotan and Albany.

* Scattered thunderstorms will be possible across the Big Country today. I'm putting the rain chance at about 30% in my forecast package this morning for the area. Any storms that do develop could produce some quick heavy rainfall. Isolated storms will remain in the forecast for tonight and Tuesday. Highs today only in the middle and upper 80s thanks to the clouds and rain chances, lows tonight near 70. Fewer storms and less clouds will allow us to warm up Tuesday into the middle 90s.

* Heat ridge really building in this week again from the east over Texas with some very hot temperatures by the later half of the week for the Big Country. Highs between 100-105° (perhaps some spots even warmer) are possible Wednesday - Saturday with mostly sunny conditions. Heat ridge and high in place will keep the air sinking so no rain chances in the forecast later this week.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday at 11:30AM.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Have a great Monday...

Scattered Thunderstorms Sunday Night / Monday

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner.....

As of mid-afternoon Sunday, showers and thunderstorms were bringing more much needed rain to the Big Country. As of 3:30pm, there were light showers moving northeast from Abilene and towns south of Abilene. There was another line of thunderstorms across the northern Big Country, stretching east to west, along highway 380 but that area was trying to drift south.

I'm forecast scattered thunderstorms to affect most of the Big Country Sunday evening and Sunday night. The remnants of a weak cold front will linger Monday so we should see more storms develop with the greatest chance south of I-20 on Monday.

Temperatures will remain below normal Monday with a high near 88, thanks to additional cloud cover.

Temperatures by Tuesday climb back to the mid 90's.

High pressure regains control of our weather pattern by Wednesday meaning dry and hotter weather. Expect temperatures around 100 Wednesday through Friday.

Hot Holiday Weekend, Rain Next Week:

Good Morning from Meterologist Chris Whited...

* The ridge will dominate the weather pattern for the Big Country until at least Independence Day. Expect highs each afternoon into the upper 90s and lows in the middle 70s with mostly sunny conditions.

* July 4th Holiday: Weather looks great for the holiday but it will be "hot as a firecracker" with afternoon highs near 100° under a partly cloudy sky. Only a light south wind.

* Rain Chances: Models continue to bring rain chances back into the picture for Sunday, Monday and into Tuesday. I've kept a 30% chance in my forecast package for Sunday and Monday and a 20% chance for Tuesday. A bit cooler on Monday but the otherwise temperaures will only drop into the middle 90s with the ridge easing up somewhat across the area and allows a weak front to drift across Northern Texas.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday at 11:30AM.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Have A Safe Holiday Weekend...

Hot Weather for the 4th !!

From the KRBC Weather Lab ....

No surprise !! Hot weather is on tap for the 4th of July in the Big Country. Daytime highs in the upper 90's, overnight lows in the mid 70's are forecast Friday through Sunday.

I'm leaving a slight chance for thunderstorms in the forecast each afternoon Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. A weak cold front will try to make its way into the area to give us a slight chance for storms.

Wind will be from the south, light at night, 10 to 20 in the afternoon over the next several days.

Observe the heat safety tips:
1) Drink Plenty of Water
2) Wear light colored, loose-fitting clothing
3) Make sure your pets have plenty of water
4) Wear sunscreen if in direct sunlight for an extended period of time
5) Limit outdoor work to mornings or very late evenings, if possible

Temperatures Getting Hotter:

Good Morning from Meterologist Chris Whited...

* Unlike the last few mornings, the radar over West Central Texas is quiet. Expect a mostly sunny day with highs into the middle 90s with our lows dropping into the lower 70s overnight. The ridge that is to our west has drifted eastward and will dominate the weather pattern for the Big Country until at least Independence Day. Expect highs each afternoon into the upper 90s and lows in the middle 70s with partly cloudy conditions.

* Rain Chances? Models are bringing some slight rain chances back into the picture for late Sunday, Monday and into Tuesday so I've added a 20% chance to my forecast package this morning. A bit cooler on Monday but the otherwise temperaures will only drop into the middle 90s with the ridge easing up somewhat across the area.

* July 4th Holiday: Weather looks great for the holiday but it will be "hot as a firecracker" with afternoon highs near 100° under a partly cloudy sky. Only a light south wind.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastst on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday at 11:30AM.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Have a great Thursday...

Back to Hot Weather ... Again

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

Temperatures are on the climb once again, but I think they'll stop a little short of the triple digit numbers we saw last week. That is based on the ground being wet from recent rains which doesn't allow the ground to heat up as much as it would if it were dry.

Still, highs between 95 and 98 look likely Thursday through the upcoming weekend.

The next chance for rain is slight, beginning late Sunday and continuing into Monday and Tuesday of next week.

Look for overnight lows to be in the low to mid 70's.

Drying Out Today:

Good Morning from Meterologist Chris Whited...

* Scattered thunderstorms this morning south of the Colorado River. An isolated storm or two is possible today mainly south of Interstate 20, otherwise look for a partly cloudy day with highs in the lower 90s. Overnight lows tonight in the lower
70s.

* Ridge begins to build back over the area this week which will dry us out and warm us ack up with highs climbing into the upper 90s and overngiht lows in the middle
70s. Expect mostly sunny conditions.

* July 4th Weekend: Looks to be partly cloudy and hot with highs near 100° and lows in the middle 70s.

* Next week: Some isolated storms are still possible early next week but temperatures will remain on the hot side in the upper 90s.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastst on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene on KRBC's Abilene Today at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday at 11:30AM.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy Your Wednesday...