Severe Thunderstorms Possible Tomorrow

From Chief Meteorologist Brandon Rector...

We had a beautiful day here in the Big Country today. Highs were in the mid 70s to low 80s. Winds weren't too bad for much of the day, but by late this afternoon it was a bit breezy from the south-southwest. Moisture began returning to the region, so there was an increase in clouds.

Mostly cloudy skies are expected to be with us through the day tomorrow. This will help cause cooler temperatures with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s. Winds will be from the south at 20 to 25 mph. A dryline should develop in the western portions of the state. It looks to move through our area tomorrow night bringing us the chance for showers as well strong to possibly severe thunderstorms. With the jetstream expected to be in the region during this time period as well, the ingredients are there for us to possibly experience severe weather. The Storm Prediction Center has most of us under a slight risk for severe weather. It looks like Knox, Stonewall, Haskell, and Throckmorton counties are under a moderate risk. This means you have a better chance at seeing damaging winds, large hail, and possibly some tornadoes than the rest of us. As always, we will be keeping a close eye on this situation and keeping you up to date on the latest.

Any showers or thunderstorms in the area should come to an end early Saturday morning. With a strong low pressure system just to our north, we will have very strong winds with us for the first half of the weekend. Sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph look likely with gusts of 50 to 60 mph. With winds expected to be that strong, most of the viewing area is under a High Wind Watch. This means that there is a potential for a hazardous high wind event. There could be areas of blowing dust in the Big Country as well. Any areas that receive rain Friday night will quickly dry back out on Saturday with winds that strong. The entire viewing area is under a Fire Weather Watch for Saturday. This means that critical fire weather conditions are possible. Please be careful with the fire danger. Don't throw cigarette butts out of the window. Put off any welding that you may have had planned. Also, don't park your vehicle in grassy areas. With a cold front moving through the area during the day, highs are expected to be in the mid to upper 60s.

Sunday through Tuesday look dry and less windy. Highs will be in the 60s.

Another cold front is expected to move through the region on Wednesday bringing cooler temperatures to the area on Thursday. There is a slight chance for rain the middle of next week.

Have a fantastic Friday!