Tuesday Afternoon Update

From Chief Meteorologist Brandon Rector...

We continued to see above average temperatures here in the Big Country today. Highs were in the upper 80s to low 90s. Showers and thunderstorms moved across the northern portions of the viewing area this morning. Isolated to widely scattered showers and thunderstorms developed in Coke, Mitchell, Runnels, Coleman and Throckmorton counties this afternoon. The storms were mainly strong, but one did reach severe limits in northwestern Coke county. It was capable of producing quarter size hail and winds in excess of 60 mph. All of the showers and thunderstorms should weaken after sunset tonight due to the loss of daytime heating.

Showers and thunderstorms will once again be possible tomorrow. An upper level high pressure ridge should remain far enough to our east to allow an upper level disturbance or two to move across the region. Our chance for rain is 30%. Once again some of these storms could be strong and possibly severe. Highs should be in the mid 80s to around 90.

The upper level high pressure ridge to our east is expected to shift back to the west and build into the area for the second half of the week. This will keep us dry and cause our temperatures to remain above average. Highs look to be in the upper 80s to low 90s Thursday through Sunday.

The ridge is expected to break down early next week. This should cause our temperatures to cool down a few degrees. Highs for Monday and next Tuesday will be in the mid to upper 80s.

We are keeping our eye on a tropical wave that is off the east coast of Florida. The latest computer models show this system moving across Florida and into the Gulf of Mexico late in the work week. The water in the Gulf is warm and will be the fuel for this system. This means it could become our next named storm. We will be keeping a close on this system over the coming days. Stay tuned for updates.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!