Thursday Evening Update

From Chief Meteorologist Brandon Rector...

Flooding rains developed over the Big Country this morning and didn't dissapate until this afternoon. Fisher, Nolan, Jones, Taylor, Callahan, Shackelford and Stephens counties were all under Flash Flood Warnings earlier today. There was a wide range of rainfall reports across the area. Abilene Regional Airport received 0.91", Lawn 1.20", Sweetwater 2.06" and Potosi 5.00". A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for much of the area through tomorrow morning. The reason for our rain today was due to outflow boundaries and a surface trough moving over us at the same time.

For tomorrow, the trough should be moving south of the region. We could see some showers and thunderstorms develop in the morning before it leaves. We will also have to keep an eye on any outflow boundaries or upper level disturbances that move into the Big Country. These will be our lifting mechanisms for the moisture that remains in place. Daytime heating will supply our instability. Showers and thunderstorms could develop during the afternoon due to this third ingredient. Our chance for rain is 30% for Friday. Highs look to be in the mid to upper 80s.

There is a slight chance for isolated showers and thunderstorms on Saturday. Highs should be in the low 90s.

An upper level high pressure ridge will build into the central and southern plains during the second half of the weekend. It looks to move into the southeast next week. Highs are expected to be in the mid 90s Sunday through next Thursday. With moisture remaining in place, a stray shower or thunderstorm can't be ruled out during the afternoon and early evening. The chance though is less than slight.

Have a fantastic Friday!