Unseasonably Warm Today:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Not so cool this morning as temperatures across the area are into the 60s. Expect a mostly sunny day today with breezy conditions and warm with highs today into the lower 90s. Clouds will increase tonight with lows in the lower 70s. Another warm day tomorrow before a cold front arrives in the afternoon. Expect mostly cloudy conditions and there will be a chance for a few thunderstorms. It looks like the best chance for a storm will be across the eastern half of the Big Country (we'll say U.S. 277 and eastward). A few storms could possibly be severe with high winds and large hail the main threats.

* With the front passage expect cooler weather with lows returning to the 50s and and highs in the upper 70s for the weekend. Clouds will increase on Sunday with rain chances returning for late Sunday and into the early partly of next week. A tropical system off the Pacific coast of Mexico is forecasted to lift northward and what's left of it drifting across northern areas of Mexico and into West Texas. This will increase the rain chance for the area. Stay tuned as we track this system.

* Drought Information: For the lastest on the drought here across West Central Texas and the Big Country please visit the U.S Drought Monitor website by clicking here. The data is updated by the government every Thursday morning.

* Tropics: For the latest information please visit the KRBC/NBC Hurricane Season 2009 Tracker on the weather section of our website by clicking here. You can also visit the National Hurricane Center website by clicking on the link here.

* Join us on television this morning for the latest 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 Wednesday...

Interesting Set-Up for Late Weekend

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ....

Let me start with the next couple of days - warm weather Wednesday and Thursday.

Thursday, a cold front blows through the Big Country. It originates in the Pacific Northwest, so it won't be drastically colder, but it will be strong enough to fire off a few thunderstorms. The big question is where will those thunderstorms develop? As of now, Abilene and cities to the northeast, east and southeast, have the best chance to get some thunderstorms late Thursday into Thursday night. Some of the storms may become severe with hail and damaging wind, so stay alert to rapidly changing weather late Thursday.

After that, Friday is dry and so is most of Saturday. But Saturday night into early next week, I have rain in the forecast. This is based on some Pacific moisture being pulled into our area from the southwest. A tropical system out there will feed us a good fetch of upper level moisture while the Gulf of Mexico sends us low level moisture. It all adds up to a rainy Sunday continuing into early next week.

Wednesday: Sunny and 89
Thursday: Partly cloudy with a slight chance for afternoon storms, some severe. High near 90 before the front hits.
Friday: Partly cloudy and around 80.
Saturday: Partly cloudy to mostly cloudy, around 80, a late evening storm possible.
Sunday: Clouds and rain, high around 80.

Warming Trend Before Next Front Arrives:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* A chilly start this morning with temperatures mostly in the lower 50s but a few spots have dipped into the upper 40s. A nice day ahead with plenty of sunshine and highs into the lower to middle 80s. Clear most of tonight but some clouds will return late and temperatures will be warmer tonight with lower to middle 60s. Very warm with partly cloudy conditions on Wednesday with highs near 90°

* Next cold front arrives on Thursday so will bring a slight rain chance into the forecast for late Thursday and early Friday. Friday looks dry but rain chances will slowly return late Saturday and Sunday. Increasing rain chances for the late weekend and early next week with a tropical Pacific system (or what's left of it) working across Mexico and into Texas. Temperatures will cool down Friday and Saturday after the front has passed and warm up some early next week.

* Drought Information: For the lastest on the drought here across West Central Texas and the Big Country please visit the U.S Drought Monitor website by clicking here. The data is updated by the government every Thursday morning.

* Tropics: For the latest information please visit the KRBC/NBC Hurricane Season 2009 Tracker on the weather section of our website by clicking here. You can also visit the National Hurricane Center website by clicking on the link here.

* Join us on television this morning for the latest 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 Tuesday...

Mild Weather Next Few Days

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner .....

After a windy Monday, winds subside and temperatures warm through Wednesday.

The next cold front (not a strong one) is due on Thursday. I'm very hesitant to put rain in the forecast for Thursday, because I think the best chance for rain develops a little to our east.

However, I'm continuing with rain in the forecast from Saturday night through the early part of next week. An interesting scenario is shaping up where moisture from the Pacific remnants of a tropical system may be pushed over our area early next week bringing rain.

Monday Night: Clear and 55. Light east wind 5 to 10.
Tuesday: Sunny and 83. East and southeast wind 5 to 15.
Wednesday: Partly cloudy and 89.
Thursday: Partly cloudy and 82.

A Little Rain Later This Week:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* A quiet morning across the Big Country with temperatures mostly into the 60s. A cold front continues to drop through the area and will bring brezzy conditions and cooler weather today with temperatures about 10° cooler than we say on Sunday. We ended up with middle 90s for highs on Sunday and told we'll see lower to middle 80s. Expect plenty of sunshine today, perhaps a few high clouds at times. A chilly night ahead with lower to middle 50s thanks to mostly clear conditions and lighter winds.

* This Week: The first of two cold fronts arrive today. Temperatures will remain into the 80s this week for highs and overnight lows into the 60s until the second cold front arrives in the Big Country on Thursday. There is a slight chance for some rain/storms with the next front, mostly for Thursday afternoon and night, perhaps early on Friday morning. This front will bring some cooler weather with highs back into the upper 70s by the weekend and lows into the 50s. Another chance for some rain with another front is just entering the picture for Sunday and Monday of upcoming weekend and into next week.

* Drought Information: For the lastest on the drought here across West Central Texas and the Big Country please visit the U.S Drought Monitor website by clicking here. The data is updated by the government every Thursday morning.

* Tropics: For the latest information please visit the KRBC/NBC Hurricane Season 2009 Tracker on the weather section of our website by clicking here. You can also visit the National Hurricane Center website by clicking on the link here.

* Join us on television this morning for the latest 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 Monday...

Two Cold Fronts This Week

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ....

Two cold fronts, one on Monday, the next on Thursday, bring only a slight chance for rain to our area. However, the first part of next week already looks wet.

The first front Monday means a gusty northeast wind most of the day but temperatures will remain mild.

Tuesday and Wednesday we will have some nice weather, highs in the 80's.

The second cold front of the week arrives on Thursday, so have added a slight chance for thunderstorms as the system passes through. Highs should be around 80 at the end of the week and upcoming weekend.

Of interest is the possibility that by next Sunday, moisture from the Pacific Ocean will stream our way. This fetch of remnants of a tropical system has the forecast models bringing a rainy period of weather from Sunday through Tuesday, so a wet first week of October is the forecast as of now.

Sunday Night: Clear and 64. Southwest wind 5 to 15, shifting northerly by sunrise.

Monday: Mostly sunny, windy and mild. High near 82. Northeast wind 15 to 25.

Have a great week !!

Nice Weekend Weather Ahead:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Quite chilly this morning with temperatures into the upper 40s and the lower 50s across the area. Expect abundant sunshine across the Big Country with warmer high temperatures today as we will near 80° this afternoon. A very nice night ahead, especially for high school games. Clear tonight but temperatures will not be as cool as they have been as drop into the lower 60s.

* Weekend: A few high clouds possible overall a plenty of sunshine for the area this weekend. Just as we have got use to the cooler weather the pattern earlier this week we'll begin a warming trend this weekend well into the upper 80s and lower 90s across the area. We're expecting a dry weather pattern for the next seven days. Another front is due early next week but it doesn't appear to be too strong as we'll remain in the 80s bext week.

* B.C. Balloon Fest 2009: Weather looks great this weekend across the Big Country for the annual ballon fest here in the city of Abilene. Expect mostly sunny conditions, light winds and warm temperatures with upper 80s and lower 90s across the area.

* Drought Information: For the lastest on the drought here across West Central Texas and the Big Country please visit the U.S Drought Monitor website by clicking here. The data is updated by the government every Thursday morning.

* Tropics: For the latest information please visit the KRBC/NBC Hurricane Season 2009 Tracker on the weather section of our website by clicking here. You can also visit the National Hurricane Center website by clicking on the link here.

* Join us on television this morning for the latest 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...

A Few Showers Today, Sunshine Tomorrow:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Another nice cool start to the morning with temperatures in the lower 50s across the Big Country. A few showers are drifting across the western counties with a weak disturbance moving through the area. Cloud cover in place across the area. A cold front will drop into the area today. The front along with a weak disturance could bring some spotty showers to the Big Country today. Highs only expected to be in the lower 70s. Clouds will decrease tonight as we expect another chilly night with lows in the lower 50s.

* A few clouds tomorrow but overall a return to more sunshine as we head into the weekend. Just as we have got use to the cooler weather the pattern will shift and we'll begin a warming trend this weekend and next week with highs back well into the 80s across the area. The forecast for now looks dry from Friday and into the middle of next week.

* B.C. Balloon Fest 2009: Weather looks great for the weekend across the Big Country for the annual ballon fest here in the city of Abilene. Expect mostly sunny conditions, light winds and warm temperatures with upper 80s and lower 90s across the area.

* Drought Information: For the lastest on the drought here across West Central Texas and the Big Country please visit the U.S Drought Monitor website by clicking here. The data is updated by the government every Thursday morning.

* Tropics: For the latest information please visit the KRBC/NBC Hurricane Season 2009 Tracker on the weather section of our website by clicking here. You can also visit the National Hurricane Center website by clicking on the link here.

* Join us on television this morning for the latest 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 Thursday...

Cool Start & A Mild Afternoon:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* A nice cool start to the morning with lows dropping into the upper 40s and lower 50s across the Big Country. Some clouds are drifting in from the south this morning so expect a partly cloudy and mild day with highs climbing into the middle 70s across the area. Clouds will increase tonight ahead of the next front and a low to our south that will throw some moisture back up this way. Lows tonight in the lower to middle 50s thanks to the clouds that should keep us from dropping into even lower.

* Expect more clouds in the area on Thursday with a slight chance of rain across the Big Country with high right around 70 in most spots. This cold front is not a strong as the one that arrived on Monday so not much cooler air with this system.

* Just as we get use to the cooler weather the pattern will shift and we'll begin a warming trend this weekend and next week with highs back well into the 80s across the area. The forecast for now looks dry from Friday and into the middle of next week.

* Drought Information: For the lastest on the drought here across West Central Texas and the Big Country please visit the U.S Drought Monitor website by clicking here. The data is updated by the government every Thursday morning.

* Tropics: For the latest information please visit the KRBC/NBC Hurricane Season 2009 Tracker on the weather section of our website by clicking here. You can also visit the National Hurricane Center website by clicking on the link here.

* Join us on television this morning for the latest 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 Wednesday...

Enjoy the Cooler Weather

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

I've heard from many apparent "cool weather" viewers today who are enjoying the change of temperature provided by last night's front.

I've heard from a few who wished it were always around 80 during the day and 55 at night.

Personally, I was ready for a break from the summer heat. Fall arrives at 6:18pm today and tonight temperatures will feel very fall-like. We stand a chance to see a few more showers Wednesday night and Thursday but the weekend is now looking dry and warmer.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, clear in spots. Low of 49. Light north wind.

Wednesday: Partly cloudy and warmer, high in the low 70's. Northeast wind 5 to 10.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy with a slight chance for showers and thunderstorms. Low of 52.

Thursday: Mostly cloudy, slight chance for storms, highs in the lower 70's.

Friday: Partly cloudy, upper 70's.

Weekend: Partly cloudy to mostly sunny with morning lows in the 60's and afternoon highs in the 80's.

Stormy Weather Monday Night - Much Cooler and Wet Tuesday

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner .....

Thunderstorms are expected to develop along a southeastward moving cold front from late Monday afternoon through Monday night. Some of the storms will be capable of producing strong damaging wind, hail and heavy rain. If you draw a line from Haskell to Abilene to San Angelo, anywhere east of that line, is where the best chance for storms will be.

On Tuesday, it looks like a chilly and rainy day will welcome Autumn (officially arriving at 6:18pm). Showers on Tuesday with high temperatures near 65 in Abilene will combine with gusty north wind to make the real feel of the air more like the 50's so you'll want to carry a coat with you, and an umbrella.

Tuesday night I'm forecasting a low of 49 in Abilene.

Wednesday, the low 70's and temperatures moderate after that but rain sticks around in the forecast Thursday through Saturday.

Feel of Fall in the Air Tuesday

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner .... (Sunday night update)

Like many of you, I'm watching the Cowboy game on KRBC .. but with a little time here at halftime, I'll let you know what kind of weather to expect this week.

Monday is going to be warm and windy. Highs around 90 degrees. Southwest wind 20 to 30 at times, all in advance of a strong cold front, the strongest front we've seen since the Spring. This front should dive into the northern Big Country in the late afternoon, through Abilene by sunset or so, and through the rest of the area overnight.

When the front gets here, thunderstorms should develop .. a few storms could be severe with hail and damaging wind. Rain and storms should continue into Monday night and on into Tuesday.

Wind will be gusty from the north Monday night and Tuesday as cloudy skies and intermittent rain continues. It will be very cool on Tuesday, highs only in the middle 60's.

Then, on Wednesday morning, you'll need a jacket as temperatures drop to near 50 degrees !!

I'm keeping rain and cloudy skies in the forecast Wednesday through Saturday as highs stay in the 70's mid week into the weekend with overnight lows in the 50's.

ENJOY !!!

Strong Cold Front Late Monday

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner .....

The next significant weather change coming our way is a cold front late Monday. This is the strongest front we've seen in quite some time, meaning a reduction in temperatures and a chance for thunderstorms.

As it looks now, the best chance for rain will come Monday night - thunderstorms likely and a few could even become severe with large hail and damaging winds. I'm also leaving showers in the forecast on Tuesday.

Between now and Monday, we will continue to see occasional very light showers on Friday, mostly cloudy skies Saturday and Sunday with a little sunshine peaking through this weekend.

Temperatures are forecast at 80 on Friday, 83 on Saturday and 84 on Sunday and Monday.

Temperatures Tuesday will be coolest of the week, 70's with showers, followed by highs nearing 80 again.

More Clouds, Some Showers Today:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* The upper low that brought the rain this past weekend has slowly drifting back eastward into Texas. We saw some showers across the eastern counties yesterday and we can expect the same deal for today, maybe a few more. Expect a mainly cloudy day with breezy conditions at times. Highs in the upper 70s and lows into the lower 60s. An isolated shower still possible tomorrow with mostly cloudy conditions.

* Weekend: Expect partly cloudy conditions with highs in the lower 80s and lows into the lower 60s. The forecast looks dry for now.

* Cool Blast Coming: A very strong cold front will arrive early next week. A few showers or a storm possible Monday and Tuesday. Highs only into the 70s Tuesday and Wednesday with lows well into the 50s! This looks to be our first real good taste of fall-like weather.

* Drought Information: For the lastest on the drought here across West Central Texas and the Big Country please visit the U.S Drought Monitor website by clicking here. The data is updated by the government every Thursday morning.

* Tropics: For the latest information please visit the KRBC/NBC Hurricane Season 2009 Tracker on the weather section of our website by clicking here. You can also visit the National Hurricane Center website by clicking on the link here.

* Join us on television this morning for the latest 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 Thursday...

Clouds Rolling Back Into The Area:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* A little patchy fog out there again this morning that will remain in place through the mid-morning and slowly burn off. Expect clouds to roll in from the east today so mostly cloudy for the afternoon hours. High highs in the lower 80s and lows tonight back well into the 60s.

* Next Few Days: The upper low that brought the rain this past weekend is still hanging out over the Ark-La-Tex and models show it slowly drifting back eastward today and tomorrow. With that said, expect more clouds the next few days and also a slight chance for a shower today and tomorrow. Best chance (although a small percentage) will be east of Abilene. Cloudy intervals will remain in place through the weeeknd. Added another slight rain chance for Sunday and Monday with a strong cold front moving into the Big Country. Long range data showing a decent cool down coming next week. I kept numbers average early next week but I wouldn't be surprised to have to lower the temperatures as we get new data.

* Drought Information: For the lastest on the drought here across West Central Texas and the Big Country please visit the U.S Drought Monitor website by clicking here. The data is updated by the government every Thursday morning.

* Tropics: For the latest information please visit the KRBC/NBC Hurricane Season 2009 Tracker on the weather section of our website by clicking here. You can also visit the National Hurricane Center website by clicking on the link here.

* Join us on television this morning for the latest 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 Wednesday...

A Little More Sunshine Today:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Patchy fog out there this morning that will remain in place through the mid-morning and slowly burn off. Expect low clouds this morning and still some clouds today with high highs in the lower 80s and lows tonight back well into the 60s.

* Next Few Days: Expect partly cloudy conditions to continue through the upcoming weekend with temperatures slowly warming back into the lower and middle 80s with nice cool nights with lower to middle 60s. I addded a slight chance of rain for Wednesday and Thursday as some models are suggesting some moisture from the upper low to our east may try to work back in our direction but it looks like maybe just the eastern areas would see that 20% chance even if it happens. The weekend low talked about yesterday doesn't look as impressive this morning so I took the weekend chance out of the forecast.

* Drought Information: For the lastest on the drought in our area, please visit the U.S Drought Monitor website by clicking here. The data is updated by the government every Thursday morning.

* Tropics: For the latest information please visit the KRBC/NBC Hurricane Season 2009 Tracker on the weather section of our website by clicking here. You can also visit the National Hurricane Center website by clicking on the link here.

* Join us on television this morning for the latest 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 Tuesday...

Weather Settling Down - Nice Temperatures

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

There was a feeling of Fall in the air this morning in Abilene as the temperature bottomed out at 63 degrees. That isn't very cool, but a nice relief from the 70's we've grown accustomed to.

The clouds will continue to hang on through Tuesday and a few light showers are possible across our eastern viewing area in places like Breckenridge, Cisco and Eastland - areas closer to the still spinning upper level low which will be slow to move east this week.

Because of the position of the low, and the wind flow around it, our wind will continue to come our way from the north at 5 to 15mph tonight and through Tuesday, into Wednesday.

We have another very slight chance for rain on Wednesday with rain chances not looking as good this weekend as they did yesterday.

Temperatures will remain in the low 60's in the morning to the low 80's in the afternoon for the next several days.

Drying Out & Warming Up This Week:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Most of us are dealing with patchy fog and drizzle across there area this morning but there are still a few isolated showers across the Big Country as well. Overall the rain event that been with us the last five days is slowly coming to an end. The low pressure center that has been sitting over Texas keeping the rain chances in place is slowly moving off to the northeast today. I can't rule out a few more isolated showers today as some moisture is still wrapping around the low down into the Big Country today. Clouds are going to hang tough today, although there might be a few breaks in the western counties as dry air starts to help thin them out over that way. Tonight look for mostly cloudy conditions with low clouds and a few areas of fog developing overnight. Expect highs today to be back into the 70s and lows tonight again into the lower and middle 60s.

* The Week Ahead: Expect partly cloudy conditions this week with temperatures in upper 70s today and slowly warming back into the lower and middle 80s throughout the week with nice cool nights with lows into the lower to middle 60s. Some data is trying to keep a slight shower chance in for Tuesday but I don't buy it so I am leaving it out of the forecast package. Expect another slight rain chance by Saturday and Sunday for the Big Country but for now it is just a small chance as a low drops down toward us from the Pacific Northwest.

* Drought Update: Even though weekend activities had to dodge the rain at times, this was such a beneficial rainfall for the Big Country. Looking back on the climate data, Abilene was -2.86" below normal on rainfall back on Thursday. According to the official Sunday climate summary that was issued between 2:00 annd 3:00 AM this morning we are sitting at only -0.44" below normal. Shackelford County has remained the bullseye of the worse of the drought here in late summer and that area got quite a good rain the last five days just like everyone else. It will be interesting to see how this will affect our status on the U.S. Drought Monitor update that we'll receive from the government on Thursday.

* Tropics: For the latest information please visit the KRBC/NBC Hurricane Season 2009 Tracker on the weather section of our website by clicking here. You can also visit the National Hurricane Center website by clicking on the link here.

* Join us on television this morning for the latest 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 Monday...

Rain Machine Running Out of Water

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner .....

The upper level low, which has accounted for much needed rain since late last week, will slowly exit stage right, but still influence our weather through Tuesday.

Monday, continued mostly cloudy with a few showers still wrapping around the low, bringing spotty rain from the north.

By Tuesday, most of the rain should be to our east, but one or two showers are still possible.

Abilene's official rain total from Sunday, as of 5:30pm, was 1.11. For the month of September, we have now had 3.28. That brings Abilene to 16.00 inches for the year, now slightly over a half-inch behind where she should be this time of year.

I put more rain in the forecast for the upcoming weekend, 30 percent at this time, on both Saturday and Sunday.

Temperatures this week will feature morning lows in the low 60's and afternoon highs in the low 80's most of the week.

A Wet & Cooler Weekend Ahead:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Expect a mainly cloudy day with another round of showers and thunderstorms by late morning and into the afternoon and evening hours. Highs today will be in the middle and upper 70s only thanks to clouds and rain with lows tonight into the lower 60s. Expect about the same pattern for your Saturday as well.

* Cooler Weather Coming: A strong cold front is due into the Big Country on Saturday. The front will help enhance the chance for scattered showers and thunderstorms but also brings in fall-like temperatures. Highs will be in the lower 70s and lows in the lower 60s. Expect decent rain chances throughout the weekend.

* FNL & West Texas Fair & Rodeo: Expect another wet Friday night for high school football games likely again this week across the Big Country. The same can be said for the West Texas Fair & Rodeo. Rain chances on Friday and Saturday stand at 50% now in my forecast package and 30% for Sunday. Highs in the upper 70s and around 80° and lows in the lower 60s.

* Tropics: For the latest information please visit the KRBC/NBC Hurricane Season 2009 Tracker on the weather section of our website by clicking here. You can also visit the National Hurricane Center website by clicking on the link here.

* Join us on television this morning for the latest 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...

Another Round of Thunderstorms Today:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Expect a mostly cloudy day with another round of showers and thunderstorms by late morning and into the afternoon and evening hours. Highs today will be in the middle and upper 80s with lows tonight into the middle 60s. Expect about the same pattern for your Friday as well.

* Cooler Weather Coming: A strong cold front is due into the Big Country on Saturday. The front will help enhance the chance for scattered showers and thunderstorms but also brings in fall-like temperatures. Highs will be in the upper 70s and lower 80s and lows in the lower 60s. The best rain chances look to be on Friday and Saturday.

* FNL & West Texas Fair & Rodeo: Expect another wet Friday night for high school football games likely again this week across the Big Country. The same can be said for the West Texas Fair & Rodeo. Rain chances on Friday and Saturday stand at 50% now in my forecast package and 30% for Sunday. Highs in the upper 70s and around 80° and lows in the lower 60s.

* Tropics: For the latest information please visit the KRBC/NBC Hurricane Season 2009 Tracker on the weather section of our website by clicking here. You can also visit the National Hurricane Center website by clicking on the link here.

* Join us on television this morning for the latest 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 Thursday...

Rain Chances Continue:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Some clouds out there this morning with showers to our west. Expect scattered showers and storms today across the area with highs in the upper 80s to near 90° and overnight lows in the upper 60s and lower 70s. Rain chances will continue for tonight, mainly this evening then expect a mostly cloudy night.

* Expect scattered storms the next couple of days with shortwave disturbances working across West Central Texas the next couple of days, combined with daytime heating and low-level moisture to produce storms. A weak front will drift into the area tomorrow before an even strong front by early weekend Temperatures will hover in the upper 80s with lows in the middle 60s under a partly to mostly cloudy sky.

* Changes This Weekend: A strong cold front is due into the Big Country late Friday night and early on Saturday. The front will bring scattered showers and thunderstorms but also much noticeably cooler temperatures. Highs will be in the upper 70s and lower 80s and lows in the lower 60s. The best rain chances look to be on Friday and Saturday.

* West Texas Fair & Rodeo: You know the routine, the fair and rodeo is in town and so is the rain. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible late this week and into the weekend. Highs will be in the upper 70s and lower 80s and lows in the lower 60s. As mentioned above, the days that look to be wettest are Friday and Saturday.


* Tropics: For the latest information please visit the KRBC/NBC Hurricane Season 2009 Tracker on the weather section of our website by clicking here. You can also visit the National Hurricane Center website by clicking on the link here.

* Join us on television this morning for the latest 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 Wednesday...

Keep the Rain Gear Handy

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ... Tuesday Afternoon Update

In looking over the new weather data coming into the KRBC Weather Lab this afternoon, I'm going to increase our chance for rain this week.

We have a nice fetch of moisture flowing out of the Pacific Ocean. This southwest flow usually has embedded disturbances in it, so counting on that, I lean to a better chance for rain this week.

Plus, coming in early weekend is our strongest cold front in a while, meaning more rain is likely, especially Friday and Saturday, but lingering into Sunday befor ending on Monday.

Our surface winds are also going to be out of the east most of the time, and we already have an abundance of Gulf moisture in place, evident by 60+ degree dewpoints.

So we combine our low level moisture, with upper level Pacific moisture and periodic disturbances, go give us a daily chance for rain that I'm putting at 40 percent Wednesday and Thursday, 50 percent or higher Friday and Saturday, tapering off Sunday and Monday.

Stay tuned here for updates and I'll see you on TV at 5, 6 and 10.

Also, thanks for your support Monday of the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon to make it such a big success for our local MDA clients.

Hit & Miss Storms Today

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Just as we saw on Monday, expect a few scattered showers and thundestorms across the Big Country today. Storms that do develop will not move much and isolated areas of locally heavy rainfall are possible. We had a few flood advisories yesterday afternoon with storms that popped up north of US 180. Storms will remain possible tonight mainly in the evening hours but generally ending before sunset. Expect highs today the low 90s with lows tonight once againaround the upper 60s and lower 70s.

* Expect a hit and miss storm chance the next few days with shortwave disturbances working across West Central Texas the next couple of days, combined with daytime heating and low-level moisture to produce storms. Temperatures will hover in the lower 90s with lows in the upper 60s under a partly cloudy sky.

* Changes This Weekend: A strong cold front is due into the Big Country late Friday night and early on Saturday. The front will bring scattered showers and thunderstorms but also much noticably cooler temperatures. Highs will be in the lower 80s and lows in the lower to middle 60s. Models show this as a decent front and temperatures could be a bit cooler than I'm calling for here so stay tuned the next few days as we get closer to the event.

* Tropics: For the latest information please visit the KRBC/NBC Hurricane Season 2009Tracker on the weather section of our website by clicking here. You can also visit the National Hurricane Center website by clicking on the link here.

* 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 Tuesday...

Rain Chances On This Labor Day:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* An shortwave disturbance will work across West Texas today and will help bring scattered showers and thundestorms across the Big Country on this Labor Day. We'll keep the rain chances at 30% percent today so some areas can expect a wet afternoon. Storms will remain possible tonight as well, especially in the evening before sunset. Expect highs today around 90 with lows tonight around the upper 60s.

* Expect off and on rain chances this week with shortwave disturbances working across West Central Texas, combined with daytime heating and low-level moisture to produce storms. Temperatures will hover in the lower 90s with lows in the upper 60s. (not too far from the normals of 89 and 67)

* Big Weekend Changes: A strong cold front is due into the Big Country toward the end of the week and this weekend. The front will bring scattered showers and thunderstorms but also much noticably cooler temperatures. Highs will be in the lower and middle 80s and lows in the lower to middle 60s. This is still a few days out so we'll have to keep an eye on things for changes as we get closer.

* Tropics: For the latest information please visit the KRBC/NBC Hurricane Season 2009Tracker on the weather section of our website by clicking here. You can also visit the National Hurricane Center website by clicking on the link here.

* 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 Labor Day...

Unsettled Pattern Means Showers

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ....

A few isolated showers were popping up on our Triple Doppler Radar Sunday afternoon.

I'm watching an upper level low which was move east through New Mexico Sunday afternoon. The disturbance will pass over West Central Texas Monday and that is expected to bring more scattered thunderstorms for your Labor Day.

Storms which develop Monday will be capable of dropping brief heavy rain and may produce strong and gusty wind. Lightning will be the primary danger on Monday.

I can't rule out showers again on Tuesday, although not as numerous as Monday.

Wednesday looks dry, Thursday a slight chance for rain then a better chance for storms Friday and Saturday with a cold front in the area.

While it's too early to say with confidence, Friday night football games may be facing more thunderstorms, as many did this past Friday night.

Stay tuned to KRBC for weather updates through the week.

Have a great Labor Day and be sure to spend a little time with KRBC and the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon on Monday. Better yet, send in your pledge and help us help Jerry's Kids find a cure for Muscular Distrophy. Our live local broadcast will take place at Ashley Furniture so come on by and watch and make your donation in person.

Randy

Scattered Storms Across The Area:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible during the day today with a weak front now across the northern areas of the Big Country. Also quite a few outflow boundaries out there was well to help get storms going with daytime heating. Mostly cloudy otherwise today with highs around 90° and dropping into the 60s tonight. Scattered thunderstorms possible this evening so take an umbrella or poncho with you to the football games just in case. Mostly cloudy still tonight with isolated storms overnight.

* Labor Day Weekend: Scattered thunderstorms are possible Saturday, Saturday Night and early on Sunday. Late Sunday and Monday look dry. Expect highs in the middle to upper 80s and lower 90s with partly cloudy conditions and overnight lows into the middle and upper 60s. Don't forget to check out the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon here on KRBC on Monday!

* Tropics: For the latest information please visit the KRBC/NBC Hurricane Season 2009Tracker on the weather section of our website by clicking here. You can also visit the National Hurricane Center website by clicking on the link here.

* 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...

Storms Chances The Next Few Days...

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Quiet weather once again this morning across the area with temperatures in the upper 60s and lower 70s. Mostly clear now but expect cloud cover to increase during the day today. Daytime heating will help an isolated storm develop later in the day today. A weak front will move into the area tonight and linger in the area on Friday. Another weak front will slip into the area early Saturday. Northwesterly flow will bring disturbances down through West Central Texas the next few days. Expect scattered thunderstorms the next few days for the area.

* Labor Day Weekend: We have the slight chance for a storm or two on Saturday but Sunday and Monday look dry. Expect highs in the upper 80s and lower 90s with partly cloudy conditions and overnight lows into the middle and upper 60s. Don't forget to check out the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon here on KRBC on Monday!

* Tropics: For the latest information please visit the KRBC/NBC Hurricane Season 2009Tracker on the weather section of our website by clicking here. You can also visit the National Hurricane Center website by clicking on the link here.

* 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 Thursday...

Some Rain Chances Return Tomorrow:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Quiet weather again this morning across the Big Country with temperatures in the lower 70s as I blog this in most areas. Expect a partly cloudy day as cloud cover from Hurricane Jimena off the Pacific coast of Mexico is streaming across most of Texas south of I-10 and should work up into the area later today. Otherwise, temperatures will be warmer today with highs in the middle 90s and overnight lows tonight only dipping down into the lower 70s.

* Northwesterly flow will help bring an upper level disturbance or two into the area starting tomorrow afternoon and into the early part of the weekend. A weak back door front will slip across North Texas and will also help be a focal point for showers and storms. The best chance looks to be Thursday night and into Friday. Still expecting to see clouds the next few days off of Jimena but don't expect us to see any moisture that could translate into the rain. The ridge set up between Texas and the southwestern states blocks what will remain of Jimena as it drifts into Arizona. Temperatures into the lower 90s the next couple of days and settling back into the upper 80s by the weekend. Then we'll see lows dip back into the 60s by the weekend.

* Labor Day Weekend: Looks like we could see an isolated shower or storm for the weekend but we should be dry by Labor Day on Monday. Highs in the upper 80s to near 90° with lows into the 60s over the weekend. Don't forget to check out the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon here on KRBC on Monday!

* Tropics: For the latest information please visit the KRBC/NBC Hurricane Season 2009Tracker on the weather section of our website by clicking here. You can also visit the National Hurricane Center website by clicking on the link here.

* 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 Wednesday...

Staying in the 90's !!

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ....

It looks like summer will hang on til the bitter end. Expect temperatures in the mid 90's through Thursday but cooling slightly to near 90 this weekend. Morning lows are expected to be in the upper 60's through the forecast period.

We can all enjoy a big full moon for the next few days, but more clouds are forecast to hinder our view by the end of the week.

Rain is still in the forecast to the tune of 20 percent Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

It's hard to believe September is here. September is traditionally Abilene's second wettest month, behind June. We average 2.91 inches of rain in September but looking forward to October, too, because it's our third wettest month, averaging 2.90 inches.

Here's to a wet and cooler September !!!

Randy

Getting A Bit Warmer:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Quiet weather this morning across the Big Country with temperatures a tad warmer into the middle and upper 60s. Expect a partly cloudy day as cloud cover from Hurricane Jimena off the Pacific coast of Mexico are streaming across into Texas. Otherwise, temperatures will be a bit warmer today with highs near 90° and overnight lows tonight only dipping down into the upper 60s.

* Still expect rain chances to return to the picture by Thursday and into the day on Saturday but it is a very small chance for rain due to northwesterly flow bringing in a disturbance or two by the time period. Still expecting to see clouds the next few days off of Jimena but don't expect us to see any moisture that could translate into the rain. A ridge should set up between Texas and the southwestern states which should block what will remain of Jimena as it drifts into Arizona. Still expect some of the high clouds from the system to drift eastward later this week. Highs a bit warmer into the lower to middle 90s and lows at night into the upper 60s and lower
70s.

* Labor Day Weekend: Other than the small chance for rain on Saturday, the holiday weekend should be nice with partly cloudy conditions and temperatures easing back into the upper 80s with lows into the middle 60s. Don't forget to check out the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon here on KRBC on Monday!

* Tropics: For the latest information please visit the KRBC/NBC Hurricane Season 2009Tracker on the weather section of our website by clicking here. You can also visit the National Hurricane Center website by clicking on the link here.

* 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 Tuesday...