Thursday Evening Update

From Chief Meteorologist Brandon Rector...

We had a bit of a surprise this morning when showers and thunderstorms moved through portions of the viewing area. It looked as though we were going to be too dry here at the surface to support any precipitation, but the combination of southeast winds and heavy rain caused enough moisture to return to the surface level. The lifting mechanism in this siutation was a weak upper level disturbance that moved through the region. We recieved 1.55" at Abilene Regional Airport which is a record rainfall for this date. According to Doppler radar estimates, there was as much as 3 inches of rain in parts of Jones and Shackelford counties. Highs this afternoon were in the low 80s.

We will remain in a north-northwest flow aloft tomorrow. Due to that and the possibility of an upper level disturbance moving through the area, there is a slight chance for isolated showers and thunderstorms. Highs should be in the mid to upper 80s.

An upper level trough is still expected to move into the southwest U.S. on Saturday and then the central and southern plains Sunday and Monday. This will help push a dryline and cold front across the Big Country. For now Saturday looks dry, but there is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms Sunday and Monday. It is possible that we may see some severe thunderstorms during that time period. As always, we will keep a close eye on the situation and keep you updated on the latest. Windy conditions are expected Saturday and Sundy with winds in the 15 to 25 mph range. Highs should be in the mid to upper 80s this weekend and then cool down to around 80 on Monday.

Tuesday looks dry right with highs in the low 80s under partly cloudy skies.

Another upper level low could cause rain for us Wednesday and next Thursday. The chance for precipitation is slight, but that could increase as we get closer to that time period. Highs are expected to be in the low to mid 80s.

Have a fantastic Friday!