Wednesday Night Update

From Chief Meteorologist Brandon Rector...

It was hot and humid across the area this afternoon with highs in the 90s. We also had some strong to severe thunderstorms develop along a weak dryline during the prime heating hours. They lingered into the evening thanks to outflow boundaries off of the day's earlier activity. The storms were capable of producing up to quarter size hail and winds in excess of 60 mph. Abilene Regional Airport reported a 55 mph wind gust around 8:23 p.m. this evening and a rainfall total of 0.94". Some portions of the viewing area received 2 to 3 inches.

We have a 30% chance for more showers and thunderstorms tomorrow. A cold front that moved into the area tonight will stall through Thursday night. An upper level low that is currently in southeast Colorado is expected to move towards the Red River tomorrow as well. This feature will send some disturbances our way. These two lifting mechanisms could trigger some rain for us. Highs look to be in the upper 80s to low 90s under mostly cloudy skies.

The front should fizzle out by Friday morning, but the low looks to remain either in or just north of the viewing area. Our chance of rain for the end of the work week is 40%. Highs should be in the mid to upper 80s under mostly cloudy skies.

The upper level low will be cut off from the main jet stream flow this weekend and is expected to meander around the state. If it ends up west of our area, it will be a very wet weekend for us. If it ends up east of us, then it will be drier. Right now, I am leaning towards the wetter scenario. The chance for showers and storms is 40% on Saturday and 30% on Sunday. Highs look to be in the mid to upper 80s under mostly cloudy skies.

By early next week, the low should have moved out of the area. However, a slight chance for rain will continue due to another cold front that is expected to arrive late Monday into Tuesday. Highs look to be in the in the upper 80s to low 90s.

Have a terrific Tuesday!