Nice Weekend Weather - Set Your Clocks Back !!

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

Will keep this brief because our weather will be nice through most of next week.

FIRST - temperatures Saturday morning will range from 32 to 36 degrees around the area, meaning some frost on the pumpkin in some areas. Temperatures will warm to the mid to upper 60's areawwide Saturday afternoon.

Sunday is equally nice and sunny, highs in the low 70's.

A dry cold front passes through Monday with highs in the upper 60's. Mild weather the rest of next week with near normal highs for this time of year.

SET YOUR CLOCKS BACK !! Saturday night before you go to bed, fall back one hour and enjoy that extra hour of sleep.

Take care and thanks for watching KRBC !!!

AM Clouds & Showers, PM Sunshine:

Good Morning from KRBC Meteorologist Chris Whited...

*** Tornado Watch for areas north of I-20 and east of U.S. 283 until 9:00 AM ***

* Light rain showers continue this morning across West Central Texas along with a decent cloud layer. The showers should end later this morning as the upper level low moves away from Texas. Expect conditions to become partly cloudy by the afternoon but still a cool day with highs in the upper 50s and lower 60s. Mostly clear for tonight but another chilly night ahead with lows in the upper 30s and lower 40s.

* Weekend: For Halloween on Saturday expect a mostly sunny day with highs in the upper 60s. Saturday night will be clear with lows in the middle 40s. On Sunday you can expect the same conditions but a bit warmer with high temperatures in the middle 70s and Sunday night lows in the upper 40s.

* Next Week: Weather looks quiet for the first full week of November with mostly sunny conditions and daytime highs in the upper 60s and lower 70s. The overnight lows will be into the 40s. The forecast for now looks dry.

* Time Change: A reminder we have a time change coming up early Sunday. It's time to "fall back" one hour as we go back to standard time. So don't forget to set the clocks back before you go to bed. It's also a good idea to change the batteries in your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and also check those batteries in your weather radio. We'll stay in standard time until we get to early March, when we'll once again go back to Daylight Saving Time.

* First Freeze Dates: I've had quite a few questions about this topic lately from our viewers. The average first freeze of the fall season for most of us is in the early to middle part of November. Here are just a few of the dates as reported by the San Angelo National Weather Service: Abilene - November 12, Coleman - November 13, Brownwood - November 13, Ballinger - November 9, and Rotan - November 12.

* 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. The 2009 Atlantic hurricane season will end on November 30th.

* 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. Our news and weather coverage continues this afternoon at 5:00 and tonight 6:00 and 10:00 PM on KRBC.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates, especially during severe weather evenings affecting the Big Country 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...

Lingering Clouds & Showers Today:

Good Morning from KRBC Meteorologist Chris Whited...

*** Tornado Watch for areas north of I-20 and east of U.S. 283 until 9:00 AM ***

* Line of strong thunderstorms continues to move east across the Big Country and Heartland this morning and should be out of the area after daybreak. Clouds will linger throughout the day and there is still a chance for a few showers today and tonight as the upper level portion of this storms system drifts to our north. Temperatures cooler today behind the front with gusty northwest winds we'll end up with highs in the upper 50s and lower 60s. A chilly night tonight with upper 30s and lower 40s. Tomorrow looks nice with partly cloudy conditions and cool with highs near 60.

* Weekend: Weather looks great for Saturday across the area with mostly sunny conditions for Halloween with highs in the upper 60s/lower 70s and overnight lows near 40. We can expect about the same conditions as we get into Sunday but a little warmer with lower 70s. Don't forget get we all get an hour back on Sunday!

* Time Change: A reminder we have a time change coming up this weekend. It's time to "fall back" one hour on early Sunday morning as we go back to standard time. So don't forget to set the clocks back before you go to bed. It's also a good idea to change the batteries in your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and also check those batteries in your weather radio. We'll stay in standard time until we get to early March, when we'll once again go back to Daylight Saving Time.

* First Freeze Dates: I've had quite a few questions about this topic lately from our viewers. The average first freeze of the fall season for most of us is in the early to middle part of November. Here are just a few of the dates as reported by the San Angelo National Weather Service: Abilene - November 12, Coleman - November 13, Brownwood - November 13, Ballinger - November 9, and Rotan - November 12.

* 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. The 2009 Atlantic hurricane season will end on November 30th.

* 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. Our news and weather coverage continues this afternoon at 5:00 and tonight 6:00 and 10:00 PM on KRBC.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates, especially during severe weather evenings affecting the Big Country 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...

Stormy This Morning - Colder Air Coming !!!

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ....

A little after 1:00am on Thursday and I'm watching a very impressive weather event unfold on radar and satellite.

A rapidly developing line of thunderstorms, long and narrow, stretches from the the Red River near Childress to southwest of San Angelo.

This line was sitting over Colorado City and Snyder where it has rained quite a lot already but no warnings have been issued as of yet. Storms through Thursday morning will be capable of damaging straight line winds, possibly small hail and brief heavy rainfall.

Really impressive cold air pouring through New Mexico early this morning .. Clovis at 36. SNOWING in El Paso and 36. Lubbock sits at 44 with rain. Albuquerque at 33!!!

This time last week the forecast models pretty well laid out this very scenario of colder weather for New Mexico and West Texas and hinted that we'll get a dose of the colder weather too.

Then the models did what sends fear through a forecaster ... they hedged and said wait a minute, not so fast. Probably not as cold, yada yada. Guess what. What the models saw seven days ago is closer in line with what I'm seeing this morning concerning temperatures to our west.

The cold air is being supplied by a very vigorous upper level low, very impressive on satellite and composed of very cold air at its core thousands of feet above ground. That cold is translating down to the surface and we get a dose of it today (Thursday).

The warmest part of our day? Thursday morning. By late Thursday afternoon, it'll be in the 50's. By Friday morning, a range from mid 30's to low 40's across our area. Chilly through the day on Friday too, in the 50's.

Weekend weather looks nice with sunny conditions and low 70's for highs, mid 40's for lows. Trick or treaters Saturday night can expect temps in the 60's early evening to 50's late evening.

Severe Weather Update:

(Refresh the blog page for updates to the radar and alert graphics)

From KRBC Meteorologist Chris Whited...

*** There is a slight risk for severe weather for all of the Big Country, Heartland and Northern Concho Valley tonight and into early morning on Thursday. Stay tuned to KRBC for the latest weather updates.***

* From our conference call this afternoon with the NWS/San Angelo here is a summary of what we can expect for the Big Country, Heartland and the Northern Concho Valley overnight and into the early morning on Thursday. A line of thunderstorms is expected to develop to our west after midnight and sweep across the area into the overnight hours and into early morning on Thursday. There is a slight risk of severe storms and the National Weather Service feels the highest threat for us will be from damaging winds with the Big Country standing the best chance of severe weather. Having said that an isolated tornado is possible along the line as it sweeps through. The line should be out of the eastern counties by 7:00 in the morning.

* 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.

Stay tuned to KRBC for weather updates on television and on our twitter page...

Windy & Warm Today, Strong T'Storm Tonight:

Good Morning from KRBC Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Temperatures are running about 10 to 15° warmer this morning thanks to the south winds. Most areas this morning in the upper 40s to middle 50s. We will see temperatures warming up into the upper 70s with increasing clouds during the day today. Showers and thunderstorms will be likely beginning this evening, overnight and early on Thursday as a cold front moves into the area. Lows tonight into the middle 50s. There is a risk for some strong to severe storms (see the summary of that below) with this system. The heavier rain should end by Thursday morning for most of us, with some lingering showers as the upper level system moves in from the west later in the day Thursday, Thursday night and early on Friday. Temperatures will cool back into the 60s Thursday and Friday.

* Severe Weather Threat: The Storm Prediction Center maintains a "Slight Risk" for all of the Big Country, Heartland and Northern Concho Valley for this evening, tonight and early on Thursday. Large hail, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes will be possible this evening and tonight but the entire system should evolve into a squall line of thunderstorms that will sweep across the area after midnight and toward daybreak. The threat then should transition to more of a damaging wind threat. The severe weather threat will end Thursday morning as the line moves out of the eastern and southeastern counties. Stay tuned for updates on the threat from the KRBC Weather Team...

* Weekend: Weather looks great for Saturday across the area with mostly sunny conditions for Halloween with highs in the lower 70s and overnight lows near 40. We can expect about the same conditions as we get into Sunday. Also don't forget get we all get an hour back on Sunday!

* Time Change: Just want to keep reminding you that we have a time change coming up this weekend. It's time to "fall back" one hour on early Sunday morning as we go back to standard time. So don't forget to set the clocks back before you go to bed. It's also a good idea to change the batteries in your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and also check those batteries in your weather radio. We'll stay in standard time until we get to early March, when we'll once again go back to Daylight Saving Time.

* First Freeze Dates: I've had quite a few questions about this topic lately from our viewers. The average first freeze of the fall season for most of us is in the early to middle part of November. Here are just a few of the dates as reported by the San Angelo National Weather Service: Abilene - November 12, Coleman - November 13, Brownwood - November 13, Ballinger - November 9, and Rotan - November 12.

* 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. The 2009 Atlantic hurricane season will end on November 30th.

* 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. Also don't forget to check out our newscasts for more news and weather information this afternoon and tonight at 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 PM.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates, especially during severe weather evenings affecting the Big Country 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...

Warming Up, Thunderstorms Returning Midweek:

Good Morning from KRBC Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* A cold start for the area this morning with lows dropping down into the upper 30s and lower 40s. There is even a bit of frost on some of the car tops this morning! As we go through the day expect mostly sunny conditions but temperatures should be about 10° warmer today as our high temperatures will climb into the upper 60s. A few clouds will return tonight with lows much warmer into the upper 40s and a few spots in the lower 50s.

* Wednesday will see temperatures warming up into the upper 70s with increasing clouds. Showers and thunderstorms will be likely Wednesday night and Thursday as a cold front moves into the area. There is a risk for some strong to severe storms (see the summary of that below) with this system. The rain should end late Thursday for most of us, with some lingering chances on early Friday in the far eastern counties. Temperatures will cool back into the 60s.

* Severe Weather Threat: The Storm Prediction Center now has the Big Country, Heartland and Northern Concho Valley outlined in a "Slight Risk" for severe weather late Wednesday and into the day on Thursday. The latest discussion suggests the main threat would be in the form of damaging winds. There is also a slight chance for large hail and a few isolated tornadoes. The SPC and model data is suggesting a squall line will move across the area late Wednesday and Thursday. Stay tuned for updates...

* Weekend: Weather looks great for Saturday across the area with mostly sunny conditions for Halloween with highs in the lower to middle 70s and overnight lows near 50. We can expect about the same conditions as we get into Sunday. Also don't forget get we all get an hour back on Sunday!

* Time Change: Don't forget we have a time change coming up this weekend.. It's time to "fall back" one hour on early Sunday morning as we go back to standard time. So don't forget to set the clocks back before you go to bed. It's also a good idea to change the batteries in your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and also check those batteries in your weather radio. We'll stay in standard time until we get to early March.

* First Freeze Dates: The average first freeze of the fall season for most of us is in the early to middle part of November. Here are just a few of the dates as reported by the San Angelo National Weather Service: Abilene - November 12, Coleman - November 13, Brownwood - November 13, Ballinger - November 9, and Rotan - November 12.

* 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...

Scattered Showers & Cool Today:

Good Morning from KRBC Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Scattered showers and possibly an isolated thunderstorm will be possible today as a disturbance works across West Central Texas. We're not expecting any severe weather so no issues with that today. Otherwise expect a cloudy and cool day ahead with highs for most of us holding into the middle 50s. The rain will slowly end by afternoon and the clouds will slowly begin to thin out as we head into the night. A cold night ahead with lows in the upper 30s and lower 40s.

* The Week Ahead: A warming trend will occur on Tuesday with highs in the upper 60s and middle 70s on Wednesday with partly cloudy conditions. The next cold front will arrive on Thursday so we'll increase rain chances for Thursday, Thursday night and early on Friday. Temperatures will drop back into the 60s on Thursday and Friday. As far as Halloween goes on Saturday, we'll warm back up with highs in the lower 70s.

* Time Change: Don't forget we have a time change coming up this weekend.. It's time to "fall back" one our on early Sunday morning back to standard time. So don't forget to set the clocks back before you go to bed. It's also a good idea to change the batteries in your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and also check those batteries in your weather radio. We'll stay in standard time until early in March.

* First Freeze Dates: The average first freeze of the fall season for most of us is in the early to middle part of November. Here are just a few of the dates as reported by the San Angelo National Weather Service: Abilene - November 12, Coleman - November 13, Brownwood - November 13, Ballinger - November 9, and Rotan - November 12.

* 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...

Showers & T-Storms Tonight & Monday

(Refresh the blog page for updates to the radar and alert graphics)

Good Evening from KRBC Meteorologist Chris Whited...

*** There is a slight risk for severe weather for areas east of U.S. 277 tonight and early on Monday morning. Stay tuned to KRBC for the latest weather updates.

* Quick update from the NWS/San Angelo: Showers and thunderstorms are likely tonight as a cold front moves through. There is a slight risk of severe thunderstorms along and east of an Throckmorton to Abilene to San Angelo line. The main threat is large hail. Locally heavy rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches however are also possible. Lows tonight into the middle 40s. Showers with isolated thunderstorms will continue Monday morning, ending in the afternoon. Highs tomorrow quite cool with numbers only into the middle 50s.

* First Freeze Dates: The average first freeze of the fall season for most of us is in the early to middle part of November. Here are just a few of the dates as reported by the San Angelo National Weather Service: Abilene - November 12, Coleman - November 13, Brownwood - November 13, Ballinger - November 9, and Rotan - November 12.

* 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.

* 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.

Stay tuned to KRBC for weather updates...

Thoughts on the Next Two Cold Fronts

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ....

Updated at 4:30pm Friday, October 23rd ....

Analyzing the next seven days worth of weather, we will have two cold fronts that will impact our region and bring a chance for rain.

The first front arrives late Sunday night or early Monday morning. I expect rain to develop along and behind the front but amounts shouldn't be too great in our area. The farther east and south of here, heavier amounts. Given the timing of the first front, we will be able to get our weekend activities in with dry weather, then watch the clouds increasing Sunday afternoon, then bring in the rain Sunday night.

Temperatures Monday are going to be chilly, close to 60.

Temperatures warm up Tuesday and Wednesday prior to another, and stronger, cold front on Thursday.

As of now, this looks to be the coldest air we've seen this season. I've forecast a high of 53 on Thursday and a low that night of 35.

The big question is moisture. This looks to be a fast moving system so amounts look light at this point, so I'm holding with a slight 20 percent chance of rain Thursday.

The good news is the system is fast moving, out of here by Friday and temperatures start a slow climb but it will be very chilly for your Halloween night trick or treating.

Bottom line - good weekend, colder and wet for Monday, warm Tuesday and Wednesday, coldest air of the season Thursday with a little rain. Will need to monitor the weather next Thursday as these cold systems are tricky and I need to leave a little wiggle room to adjust the forecast as we get closer ....

Have a great weekend everybody !!

Randy

Warmer This Weekend, Major Cold Blast Next Week:

Good Morning from KRBC Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* A very cold start for this Friday morning with temperatures in the upper 30s and lower 40s. A mostly sunny day is ahead with temperatures a little warmer with our afternoon highs in the upper 60s and lower 70s. Tonight will be mostly clear but not as cold with overnight lows in the middle 40s. Weather looks great for Friday night football games around the Big Country, Heartland and Northern Concho Valley.

* Weekend: A nice Saturday but we'll start to see the winds picking back up out of the south. This will warm us up into the upper 70s and maybe near 80 in a few spots. Saturday night temperatures will drop into the middle 50s. Temperatures drop back into the lower to middle 70s on Sunday. A weak cold front arrives late Sunday and early Monday. There is a slight chance for a few showers with the front.

* Next Week: A major cold front will arrive by the middle of next week. Models the last few days have been advertising a major cold blast working down from Canada across a large part of the country. This morning the models bring the coldest of the air into West Central Texas around Halloween. The freezing line will be in the area so a good chance that there could be maybe a little "frost on the pumpkin and everything else." Let me again say this far out on the models is "voodoo land" so we'll see how things pan out the next few days. Just be advised it could be a lot cooler late next week. Stay tuned...

* First Freeze Dates: The average first freeze of the fall season for most of us is in the early to middle part of November. Here are just a few of the dates as reported by the San Angelo National Weather Service: Abilene - November 12, Coleman - November 13, Brownwood - November 13, Ballinger - November 9, and Rotan - November 12.

Models are looking very interesting for next week. The last few runs are hinting at a pretty strong cold blast working down across the country including here in Texas. It looks like this may be the first major "Blue Norther" of the fall season as the models show much cooler air in here late next week. The models show some moisture in the area too.
* 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...

Decreasing Clouds & Cooler Today:

Good Morning from KRBC Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* What is left of the rain is slowly exiting the eastern counties this morning. Clouds will hang around through most of the morning but slowly the coverage will decrease. Expect mostly sunny conditions by afternoon but cooler with highs in most areas in the upper 50s and lower 60s. Clear and cold tonight with lows in the upper 30s and lower 40s. Sunny for Friday with highs in the upper 60s.

* Weekend: Temperatures will warm up before another cold front arrives by late weekend. There is a very small chance for rain late Sunday and early Monday for the Big Country. Highs Saturday in the upper 70s, lows upper 40s. Expect highs near 70 on Sunday with lows near 50.

* Next Week: Models are looking very interesting for next week. The last few runs are hinting at a pretty strong cold blast working down across the country including here in Texas. It looks like this may be the first major "Blue Norther" of the fall season as the models show much cooler air in here late next week. The models show some moisture in the area too. Let me say this far out on the models is "voodoo land" so we'll see how things pan out the next few days. For now I'll just say it could be quite cold late next week and toward Halloween.

* 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...

End in Sight for the Rain - Much Colder Next Week

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

The rain has been widespread and heavy at times mainly across the western and northern Big Country today. But, the rain is going to be over by late tonight. Clouds, however, should linger into Thursday.

A cold front will press through the area late tonight, shifting winds to the northwest, rather gusty, and dropping temperatures to the middle 40's in Abilene by early Thursday morning.

With clouds lingering Thursday, and a few peaks of sunshine too, temperatures will be slow to warm up, thanks to that cool north wind. Look for a high of 60 Thursday in Abilene.

Thursday night (Friday morning) is going to be even colder with my projected low being 38 degrees.

Friday after we will see sunny skies and highs in the middle 60's. Friday night football games will be typically chilly for this time of year - jackets certainly needed with game time temperatures in the upper 50's, falling to the low 50's during the game.

Saturday is very nice, sunny and in the 70's. Sunday some clouds will pass through, doubtful they'll bring any rain, but wouldn't be surprised to see an isolated shower as a cold front moves through, nothing major though.

What is very interesting in the forecast is what looks to be our strongest cold front of the season forecast to arrive next Thursday or Friday. Circle October 29th and 30th on your calendar for a big chill and, yes, there is moisture associated, rain looks very likely. But with cold temperatures, dare I mention the "s" word? Stay tuned - too early to tell.

Rain / T-Storms Likely Wednesday

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ......

Wednesday looks to be a rainy day areawide. Moisture from Pacific hurricane Rick, moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and an approaching cold front bring us the rain chance.

The most likely time to see rain in the Big Country will be during the course of the day Wednesday, moving through the area Wednesday night and ending from west to east on Thursday morning.

Rain will be heavy at times. While severe weather isn't too likely, one or two storms may become strong with gusty wind and small hail.

Temperatures should hover around 70 on Thursday and drop to the mid 40's Wednesday night.

With a north wind blowing Thursday and clouds gradually decreasing, I expect highs only around 60.

Thursday night will be chilly, near 40.

Friday through early next week expect highs to range in the 70's and dry weather.

Wonderful Weekend Weather !!

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ....

If we could figure out a way to bottle up this weekend's weather, we would be rich.

Near perfect Autumn weather can be expected through the first part of next week.

Mornings will be cool, dipping into the 40's. Afternoons will be mild, into the 70's.

Rain isn't in the forecast (although we could always use a little more), until the middle of next week.

A cold front will bring the rain chance as early as Tuesday night, continuing Wednesday, then moving out of the area, and taking the chance for rain with it, by next Thursday.

The extended forecast paints more rain on the Big Country canvas around the 28th through 31st of this month.

Have a great weekend .. and enjoy the weather !!!

A Pleasant Weekend Ahead:

Good Morning from KRBC Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* A pleasant day ahead with ample sunshine and highs in the upper 60s and lower 70s with an east wind. Mostly clear tonight and chilly again with upper 40s for most of the area. Temperatures in the evening will drop from the lower 60s at the start of the high school football games to upper and middle 50s by the end of the games.

* Weekend: Perfect weekend weather for the Big Country, Heartland and Northern Concho Valley. Mostly clear conditions with highs in the lower 70s and expect overnight lows in the upper 40s and lower 50s. We have homecoming games for all three Abilene area universities on Saturday and the weather will be great!

* Next Week: Clouds and warmer temperatures will return as we get into the day on Monday. The next cold front arrives by the middle of the week so we'll see an increasing chance for showers and thunderstorms toward Wednesday. Once this front passes we see another cool down for late next week.

* Boo at the Zoo: Perfect weather for the annual Boo at the Zoo event here in Abilene tomorrow afternoon and evening. Temperatures should be in the upper 60s and lower 70s during the event. Bring the kids out and have a great time. Be sure to stop by the KRBC booth and get some candy and meet our news team. Remember there is a $2.00 fee to get into the Boo at the Zoo event.

* 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...

AM Clouds, PM Sunshine & Cooler:

Good Morning from KRBC Meteorologist Chris Whited...

*** Dense Fog Advisory for the areas along and north of Interstate 20 until 9:00 AM this morning ***

* At the time I am updating the KRBC Weathering The Storm Blog the cold front is sitting along Interstate 20 and slowly moving southward. The front should be near Ballinger, Coleman and Brownwood between 9:00 and 10:00 this morning as it continues to move southward. Post-frontal low clouds are in place and we once again have areas of fog, especially north of the frontal boundary. This fog will burn off by mid-morning across the area. We'll start the day with clouds but plenty of sunshine with a few clouds by the afternoon. Much cooler temperatures today with highs averaging between 68-72° across the Big Country, Heartland and Northern Concho Valley. A mostly clear sky for tonight with some chilly temperatures with lows between 48-52° and a cool north breeze. Not a bad looking Friday with mainly sunny conditions and highs near 70° for most of us.

* Weekend & Next Week: Pleasant weather for the weekend with highs in the upper 60s and lower 70s and lows at night into the upper 40s and lower 50s. No rain expect with mainly sunny conditions. Clouds and warmer weather return next week ahead of the next system that brings some rain chances by the middle of next week.

* Boo at the Zoo: Perfect weather for the annual Boo at the Zoo event here in Abilene on Saturday afternoon and evening. Temperatures should be in the upper 60s and lower 70s during the event. Bring the kids out and have a great time. Be sure to stop by the KRBC booth and get some candy and meet our news team. Remember there is a $2.00 fee to get into the Boo at the Zoo event.

* 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...

AM Fog, Afternoon Sunshine & Warmth:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* We have areas of patchy fog across West Central Texas this morning so give yourself a little extra time heading to your morning destinations. A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect for portions of the KRBC viewing area. The fog should burn off by late morning.

* The good news is after days of cloudy and gloomy weather the sunshine is back! Of course with the sunshine comes the heat. A stationary front that is having an identity crisis will lift northward as a warm front today so expect unseasonably warm temperatures by afternoon with highs near 90° for most of us. Some clouds will remain in place tonight with mild temperatures as we drop into the lower to middle
60s. The front will be back tomorrow morning as a cold front which will bring in cooler weather for the late week and into the weekend. Highs tomorrow in the middle 70s.

* Weekend: Cooler and drier air will be in place for the area so a pretty nice fall weekend for the Big Country, Heartland and Northern Concho Valley. Highs will average from the upper 60s to lower 70s and lows at night in the upper 40s and lower to middle 50s. Mostly sunny but some clouds will return toward 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 Wednesday...

Showers/T'Storms Today:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Showers and thunderstorms will continue across the Big Country, Heartland and Northern Concho Valley during the day today. The best coverage will be this morning but rain chances will continue this afternoon. As we head into the night, some showers will remain possible with continued cloudy conditions. Patchy fog this morning and also some fog at times during the day is possible. Highs today in the upper 60s and lower 70s, a tad cooler in some spots with rain. Lows tonight into the middle 60s.

* Decreasing clouds on Wednesday with warmer temperatures into the upper 80s ahead of a cold front that will move in late Wednesday. Mostly sunny with cooler weather for late week and into the weekend with highs in the lower/middle 70s and lows at night into the lower 50s. Forecast looks dry for now...

* 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...

Rain in the Tuesday Forecast

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner .....

Upper level disturbances coming out of Mexico and moving northeast will bring areas of rain and thunderstorms Monday night and Tuesday. The rain may be heavy at times. No severe weather is anticipated.

Temperatures in the middle 60's can be expected Tuesday followed by low 60's Tuesday night. You will feel a warm-up Tuesday night going into Wednesday as warm southwest winds return to the area.

Wednesday looks to be the warmest day of the week but a cold front by Thursday morning pushes temperatures back into the 70's for highs and 50's for lows.

No rain in the forecast at this time for the latter half of the week and upcoming weekend. We will look toward more rain possible just past our seven day forecast period.

Cloudy Conditions Stay Put, Some Drizzle:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* We saw cloudy and cool weather over the weekend. Changes are a coming this week. First of all let me say my confidence in my forecast isn't that high because the forecast models are having a horrible time forecasting short term trends. This is normal, especially at the start of season transitions in weather patterns. Clouds will more than likely remain in place today but it will be a tad warmer with lower 60s across the Big Country. Patchy fog this morning and a little drizzle possible at times during the day. Southwesterly flow in the mid-levels of the atmosphere will bring disturbance across Mexico and into West Texas tonight and tomorrow, which will bring the chance for showers and thunderstorms. Lows tonight in the middle 50s. Highs Tuesday in the upper 60s. We should finally begin to clear out on Wednesday but it will be warmer with upper 80 before a strong cold front arrives. Late week look for mostly sunny conditions with cooelr highs in the lower 70s and lows in the lower 50s.

* 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...

Rain Ends, Sunshine & Cooler Air Returns:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Rain event slowly coming to an end across the Big Country, Heartland and Northern Concho Valley. Cloudy this morning but clouds will slowly decrease throughout the day with some sunshine by afternoon. A much cooler day with highs in the upper 50s and lower 60s. A chilly night ahead with clear conditions and lows near 40° in many areas. Expect a mostly sunny to partly cloudy Saturday with highs in the upper
60s/low 70s. Another strong cold front will arrive late Saturday. Very cold for Sunday with highs near 50° after a morning start with temperatures near 40° once again.

* Increasing clouds for early in the week with rain chances and warmer temperatures returning. We should be back in the upper 70s/low 80s by midweek with an increase in rain chances with the next front/system arriving.

* 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...

Strong T'Storms Today:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

*** There is a slight risk for severe thunderstorms across the Big Country for later today and tonight ***

* A strong upper level storm system and cold front will move into the Big Country later today and into tonight. Showers and thunderstorms are expected across the area. These storms may also approach severe levels with large hail and damaging winds the main severe weather threats. The Storm Prediction Center has placed most of the Big Country, Heartland and Concho Valley under a slight risk for severe weather today and tonight. In addition to the storm threats locally heavy rainfall will also be possible across the area and the threat of flash flooding will be possible across the area. A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for the eastern counties of the Big Country. Highs today between 80-85° with breezy south to southeast winds. Winds will shift northwest overnight with lows in the 50s thanks to the front and rain in the area.

* Storms will end Friday morning and we should begin to see some clearing by afternoon. Weather should be alright for football games later in the evening. Temperatures much cooler with highs in the 60s and lows Friday night into the upper 40s.

* Weekend: Partly cloudy with cool temperatures as high will average into the upper 60s and a few lower 70s. Cool at night with lows in the upper 40s and lower 50s. The weekend forecast looks dry for now.

* Next Week: Temperatures will begin to warm back up some for the Big Country by early next week. The models also hint at rain chances back into the picture so I've added a slight chance for Monday - Wednesday.

* 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...

Cloudy, Showers Today:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* A cool moring with some drizzle and patchy fog in the area. Expect clouds to stay with us today with a chance for a few showers or a storm. Highs only in the low to middle 70s today. A warm front will move through tonight so overnight lows will hold into the upper 60s. A stronger cold front brings increased storm chances for Thursday, Thursday night and early on Friday. Highs in the 80s tomorrow. Cooler weather by the weekend but there is also a slight rain chance for Sunday and early next week, based on the model runs this 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...

Thunderstorms Likely Today:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Scattered showers and thunderstorms are beginning to develop to our north across Texoma this moring ahead of the cold front which will drop south into the Big Country this morning and afternoon. The main concern for the short term will be the the chance for severe thunderstorms ahead of a cold front that will push south across West Central Texas. The cold front will approach the Interstate 20 corridor by mid morning and approach the Concho Valley and Heartland by early afternoon. Highs today will hover in the middle 70s.

* Cooler weather expected tonight with a few scattered showers and storms still possible with lows in the lower 50s. A cool day still with a chance of rain in the forecast for Wednesday with highs in the lower 70s.

* Stronger cold front brings more thunderstorm chances by Thursday and Friday. This front will bring much cooler air by the weekend with highs in the upper 60s/low 70s and overnight lows in the upper 40s/lower 50s. The forecast for the weeknd looks to be dry.

* 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...

Rain Likely on Tuesday

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ....

A cold front will push into the Big Country on Tuesday and that spells R-A-I-N, and even some thunderstorms. Locally heavy downpours will be possible too.

We're also going to see another cold front late Thursday, followed by our coldest one yet about Monday of next week. The one early next week brings the coldest chill from Canada we have seen thus far in this new Fall season.

I have rain in the forecast again on Wednesday, Thursday and ending on Friday but we won't totally get away from rain in the near future as systems come and go and each one bringing us a chance for rain.

Temperatures in the mid 60's are expected tonight, mid 70's tomorrow (based on considerable clouds and rain) then around 70 on Wednesday.

More Rain In The Forecast:

Good Morning from Meterologist Chris Whited...

* Patchy fog and a bit of drizzle out there this morning with temperatures in the upper 50s and lower 60s. Expect cloudy intervals during the day today with a few showers and perhaps an isolated storm later in the day. Clouds will remain tonight with increasing rain chances for the Big Country. Highs today in the upper 70s and lows tonight in the upper 60s. A cold front will arrive tomorrrow and will help enhance the rain chances for the area. Warmer with highs in the middle 80s.

* 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...

Nice Today, Rain Returns This Weekend:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* A cool start this morning with upper 40s and lower 50s. A pleasant day ahead with adundant sunshine and cooler afternoon high in the upper 70s. Clouds will increase by tonight with rain chances returning Saturday and into next week. The remains of a tropical system that moved across Mexico will lift northeastward into West Texas. This will increase the rain chance for the area. Also a pretty decent trough will dig across the west and will keep a few upper level disturbances moving across our area. Locally heavy rainfall could be possible at times and some isolated flash flooding could be possible. Highs this weekend in the 70s and lower 80 with lows in the 60s. Stay tuned to KRBC 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 weekend...

Front Arrives Today, Few Storms Possible:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* A warm morning with clouds conditions across the area The cold front arrives in the afternoon hours. Expect cloudy intervals 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 by late weekend with rain chances returning for late Saturday and into 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 Thursday...