Welcoming Winter With 70-Degree Temperatures:

Good Morning from KRBC Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Today may be the day of the Winter Solstice but it's certainly not going to feel like winter across the Big Country, Heartland and Northern Concho Valley on this December Day. Expect a partly cloudy day with highs in the upper 60s and lower 70s across the area. Winds will also be on the increase, so expect breezy conditions the next few days. Expect a mostly cloudy night with still breezy conditions keeping us well above freezing into the upper 40s for lows. Expect about the same forecast to continue on Tuesday with highs once again in the upper 60s and breezy with a partly cloudy sky.

* Next cold front arrives by midweek bring a slight chance for showers across the Big Country, Heartland and Northern Concho Valley come Wednesday, Wednesday night and early on Thursday. For now expect we'll say it's an all rain event as the colder air is not expected to arrive until Thursday. Having said that we'll still keep an eye on the system and it's track across the area. If any moisture is able to wrap around the low then things could be interesting later this week. Otherwise much colder air will be here for Christmas Eve and Christmas with highs in the lower 40s and overnight lows in the middle 20s.

* Winter Outlook: The Climate Prediction Center indicates a moderate El Niño pattern will be in place and will bring West Central Texas a wetter pattern for the winter months. There is also a chance for increased winter precipitation depending on temperature trends. Data suggests equal chances of above or below normal temperatures, so more than likely the numbers will remain near normal for this time of year.

* Drought Information: For the lastest drought information for the state of Texas please visit the U.S Drought Monitor website by clicking here. The data is updated by the government every Thursday morning around 7:30 AM.

* The latest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country is coming up on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM. Our news and weather coverage continues also this afternoon at 5:00 and tonight 6:00 and 10:00 PM on KRBC.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates, especially during severe weather and winter weather events affecting the Big Country by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Have a great Monday...

Nice Weekend Weather - Then ...

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

You should find the weather to your liking this weekend in the Abilene area. Saturday's high near 55. Sunday near 64. Plenty of sunshine this weekend and dry weather.

The wind should pick up on Monday and Tuesday, gusty at times and from the southwest. That means the wildfire danger will increase on those days as highs climb even more, into the mid to upper 60's.

Changes begin on Wednesday as cooler air returns, followed by what looks like a shot of cold Canadian air, just in time for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as highs struggle into the 40's.

Moisture with the cold air is a big question mark at this time, but doubtful. Watch this blog as we update conditions leading up to Christmas.

Nice Weekend Ahead, Changes Next Week:

Good Morning from KRBC Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Chilly start this morning with temperatures into the 30s but we'll warm up nicely again by this afternoon into the upper 50s and lower 60s. A weak cold front arrives on this but don't expect much of a cool down behind this front. The airmass behind this front is Pacific in nature and not from the cold north. Highs will remain in the upper 50s with overnight lows will be near freezing and into the lower to middle 30s. Mostly sunny out there today with a few more clouds in the area by tonight.

* Weekend: Nice and mild over the weekend with high pressure in control. Expect a mostly sunny day for Saturday and Sunday with highs on Saturday in the middle 50s and low 60 during the day on Sunday. Overnight lows will hover near freezing.

* Next Week: Another cold front will arrive on Monday for early next week. New data this morning showing this front a little weaker so not much of a cool down with this front. An even stronger cold front arrives by the middle of the week. Long range models are suggesting a decent cold blast works down across the U.S. and right into Texas just in time for Christmas Eve and Christmas. Models are also bringing some moisture into the area around around late Wednesday and early on Christmas Eve. Very interesting forecast to watch the next few days...

* The Big Game In San Antonio: If you're heading south to San Antonio for the big championship game between Abilene and Katy the weather looks great! Of course the game is inside the Alamo Dome but on the outside expect a mostly sunny day with highs in the lower 60s. It will be partly cloudy with lows in the upper 30s Saturday night. Point here is perfect weather on the outside if you want to head down to the Riverwalk to celebrate the big win by our Abilene High Eagles! Good luck to our home team!

* Winter Begins Monday: I know it has already been cold enough but the official start for Winter is coming on Monday. The Winter Solstice will arrive for Abilene and the Big Country at 11:47 A.M. Central Standard Time. This is also the shortest day of the year and the longest night of the year!

* Winter Outlook: The Climate Prediction Center indicates a moderate El Niño pattern will be in place and will bring West Central Texas a wetter pattern for the winter months. There is also a chance for increased winter precipitation depending on temperature trends. Data suggests equal chances of above or below normal temperatures, so more than likely the numbers will remain near normal for this time of year.

* Drought Information: For the lastest drought information for the state of Texas please visit the U.S Drought Monitor website by clicking here. The data is updated by the government every Thursday morning around 7:30 AM.

* The latest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country is coming up on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM. Our news and weather coverage continues also this afternoon at 5:00 and tonight 6:00 and 10:00 PM on KRBC.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates, especially during severe weather and winter weather events affecting the Big Country by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Have a nice weekend...

Nice Day Ahead For The Area:

Good Morning from KRBC Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Chilly start this morning with temperatures well into the 30s but we'll warm up nicely again by this afternoon into the upper 50s and lower 60s. Expect a sunny day but we still have some clouds over the eastern and southeastern sections of West Central Texas today. A few more clouds should roll in late tonight, lows in the middle 30s across the area. A cold front arrives on Friday but don't expect much of a cool down behind this front. The airmass behind this front is Pacific in nature and not from the cold north. Highs will remain in the 50s, Overnight lows will be near freezing and into the middle 30s.

* Weekend: Nice and mild over the weekend with high pressure in control. Expect a mostly sunny day for Saturday and Sunday with highs on Saturday in the middle 50s and near 60 during the day on Sunday. Overnight lows will hover near freezing.

* Next Week: Another cold front will arrive on Monday for early next week. New data this morning showing this front a little weaker so not much of a cool down with this front. An even stronger cold front arrives by the middle of the week. Long range models are suggesting a decent cold blast works down across the U.S. and right into Texas just in time for late next week around Christmas Eve and Christmas. This is still a few days away so we'll watch how this turns out as we get closer to next week. Models also hint at there being some moisture in the area around this time, so we'll just have to wait and see what happens!

* Winter Outlook: The Climate Prediction Center indicates a moderate El Niño pattern is taking shape and will bring West Central Texas a wetter pattern for the winter months. There is also a chance for increased winter precipitation depending on temperature trends. Data suggests equal chances of above or below normal temperatures, so more than likely the numbers will remain near normal for this time of year.

* Drought Information: For the lastest drought information for the state of Texas please visit the U.S Drought Monitor website by clicking here. The data is updated by the government every Thursday morning around 7:30 AM.

* The latest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country is coming up on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM. Our news and weather coverage continues also this afternoon at 5:00 and tonight 6:00 and 10:00 PM on KRBC.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates, especially during severe weather and winter weather events affecting the Big Country by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy your Thursday...

Hmmmm ... Very Interesting !

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

Let's cut to the chase. IF forecast models verify... IF it gets as cold as it looks like it's going to get around Christmas Eve... IF we have a moisture supply ... we stand a better than average chance of seeing a White Christmas in the Big Country.

That is NOT to say it's going to snow on Christmas Eve ... but ... the long range forecast models have been fairly consistent in bringing a cold Arctic airmass down deep through Texas starting around Christmas Eve and leaving it here through New Year's Eve, give or take a day. Timing is still in question. The models are also trying to generate about three rounds of precipitation between Christmas Eve and News Years Eve.

You can bet the KRBC weather team is having fun prognosticating .. looking at all the data we can get our hands on ... honing in on the busy holiday travel period.

We will post updates here on our blog regularly so check back for the latest.

Thursday through Monday - pleasant weather, a few clouds moving through, dry, near normal temperatures for this time of year (mid 50's to near 60 daytime, low 30's nighttime).

Cold Start But Warmer For Today:

Good Morning from KRBC Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Cold start this morning with temperatures well into the 20s but we'll warm up nicely this afternoon into the lower to middle 50s. Expect a mostly sunny day but a few more clouds could be possible across the Heartland and parts of the Northern Concho Valley. These clouds are spinning up from South Texas where a decent storm is taking shape bringing a good rain down south. Other than those few clouds we will not see anything of this system. A south wind will allow us to warm up today and temperatures will be above freezing tonight into the middle and upper 30s under a mostly clear sky.

* Warmer on Thursday with temperatures in the lower 60s and we'll ease back into the 50s on Friday and the weekend. A cold front arrives on Friday but don't expect much of a cool down behind this front. The airmass behind this front is Pacific in nature and not from the cold north. Overnight lows will be near freezing and into the middle 30s.

* Next Week: Another cold front will arrive on Monday and will bring cooler air for early next week. Highs drop back into the 40s and the overnight lows drop below freezing back into the 20s. Long range models are suggesting a decent cold blast works down across the U.S. and right into Texas just in time for late next week around Christmas Eve and Christmas. This is still a few days away so we'll watch how this turns out as we get closer to next week.

* Winter Outlook: The Climate Prediction Center indicates a moderate El Niño pattern is taking shape and will bring West Central Texas a wetter pattern for the winter months. There is also a chance for increased winter precipitation depending on temperature trends. Data suggests equal chances of above or below normal temperatures, so more than likely the numbers will remain near normal for this time of year.

* Drought Information: For the lastest drought information for the state of Texas please visit the U.S Drought Monitor website by clicking here. The data is updated by the government every Thursday morning around 7:30 AM.

* The latest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country is coming up on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM. Our news and weather coverage continues also this afternoon at 5:00 and tonight 6:00 and 10:00 PM on KRBC.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates, especially during severe weather and winter weather events affecting the Big Country by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy your Wednesday...

Gradual Clearing & Cooler Today:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* A cold start on this Tuesday morning across the area with temperatures in the upper 20s and lower 30s across the Big Country, Heartland and the Northern Concho Valley. Quite cloudy early this morning but as we head into the day we'll see gradual clearning so expect it to be partly cloudy by the afternoon. Highs today will climb into the upper 30s and lower 40s. It will feel much cooler with a north wind, breezy at times. Mostly clear and cold tonight with lows in the middle 20s with the wind out of the northeast and a little lighter.

* Quite weather for the rest of the week with daytime highs near average for December with highs in the 50s and lower 60s and overnight lows near and just above freezing. The next cold front is due into the Big Country come Friday and that will set us up for another shot of cold air in time for the weekend when highs drop back into the 40s and overnight lows dip below freezing. Looking at the model runs, I don't see any rain chances in the forecast the next seven days.

* Winter Outlook: The Climate Prediction Center indicates a moderate El Niño pattern is taking shape and will bring West Central Texas a wetter pattern for the winter months. There is also a chance for increased winter precipitation depending on temperature trends. Data suggests equal chances of above or below normal temperatures, so more than likely the numbers will remain near normal for this time of year.

* Drought Information: For the lastest drought information for the state of Texas please visit the U.S Drought Monitor website by clicking here. The data is updated by the government every Thursday morning around 7:30 AM.

* The latest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country is coming up on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM. Our news and weather coverage continues also this afternoon at 5:00 and tonight 6:00 and 10:00 PM on KRBC.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates, especially during severe weather and winter weather events affecting the Big Country by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Have a nice Tuesday...

Much Colder Tuesday

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

Bottom line, it's going to feel cold all day Tuesday, about 30 degrees colder than it was Monday when the high reached 71 in Abilene.

The front will produce clouds, at least for part of the day Tuesday. Depending on how long they linger, temperatures will be very slow to warm.

We should start the day around 30 degrees and finish the day around 40.

Wind will be northeasterly at 10 to 15.

Well below freezing Tuesday night, in the middle 20's.

Temperatures the rest of the week will be in the low 30's at night and the mid to upper 50's during the day.

It also looks like another cold front drops in on Friday putting our weekend highs around 50.

I'm putting rain in the forecast starting next Monday, with a better chance on Tuesday and Wednesday. Cold temperatures will also flirt with the Big Country early next week. That means we're monitoring the situation closely for your travel plans next week leading up to Christmas.

Thanks for stopping by.

Warmer Temperatures Return This Weekend:

Good Morning from KRBC Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Mostly cloudy conditions will remain in place for your Friday and into Friday night for Abilene and the Big Country. Highs today will range from the the upper 40s to the lower 50s. Temperatures tonight will be above freezing in the middle to upper 30s.

* Weekend: A gradual warming trend starts as we head into the weekend with temperatures back into the 60s by Saturday and even warmer on Sunday with highs in the 70s. Overnight lows will go back above freezing in the upper 30s and lower 40s. Mostly cloudy on Saturday then becoming partly cloudy by Sunday.

* Abilene & Wylie High Games: If your heading to Dallas or Waco for either the Abilene High or Wylie High football games on Saturday expect a mostly cloudy day at both stadiums. There is a chance for an isolated shower or two for both games. Highs in the 60s at both locations.

* Next Week: We're still into the upper 60s and lower 70s on Monday but cooling back into the 40s Tuesday and 50s on Wednesday with our next cold front arriving. No rain with the front based on the model data this morning. We're back below freezing for lows by the middle of next week.

* Winter Outlook: The Climate Prediction Center indicates a moderate El Niño pattern is taking shape and will bring West Central Texas a wetter pattern for the winter months. There is also a chance for increased winter precipitation depending on temperature trends. Data suggests equal chances of above or below normal temperatures, so more than likely the numbers will remain near normal for this time of year.

* Drought Information: For the lastest drought information for the state of Texas please visit the U.S Drought Monitor website by clicking here. The data is updated by the government every Thursday morning around 7:30 AM.

* The latest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country is coming up on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM. More news and weather coverage continues this afternoon at 5:00 and tonight 6:00 and 10:00 PM on KRBC.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates, especially during severe weather and winter weather events affecting the Big Country by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Have a nice weekend ...

High Clouds Return, A Bit Warmer Today:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Another very cold morning out there to start the day with temperatures averaging between 18-25 in the area. Easterly winds are making it feel a bit colder than the actual air temperatures. High level clouds will drift back into the area and today so expect a mostly sunny day with highs a little warmer today thanks to a southeast wind. High temperatures will be in the lower to middle 40s. Partly cloudy and still cold tonight with lows in the upper 20s and lower 30s.

* Weekend: A gradual warming trend starts as we head into the weekend with temperatures back into the 60s by Saturday and even warmer on Sunday with highs in the lower 70s. overnight lows will go back above freezing in the upper 30s and lower 40s.

* Next Week: We're still into the upper 60s and lower 70s on Monday but cooling back into the 50s Tuesday and Wednesday with our next cold front arriving. No rain with the front based on the model data this morning. We're back below freezing for lows by the middle of next week.

* I wanted to take a minute to thank everyone who stopped by our KRBC Studio on Wednesday and donated food and money for the annual KRBC Share Your Christmas Food Drive. We have a great year as we collected nearly a half a million pounds of food items (including money donations as $1 = 6.25 lbs of food). Remember you can donate food and money to the Food Bank of West Central Texas any time of the year, not just during our food drive in December each year.

* Winter Outlook: The Climate Prediction Center indicates a moderate El Niño pattern is taking shape and will bring West Central Texas a wetter pattern for the winter months. There is also a chance for increased winter precipitation depending on temperature trends. Data suggests equal chances of above or below normal temperatures, so more than likely the numbers will remain near normal for this time of year.

* Drought Information: For the lastest drought information for the state of Texas please visit the U.S Drought Monitor website by clicking here. The data is updated by the government every Thursday morning around 7:30 AM.

* The latest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country is coming up on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM. More news and weather coverage continues this afternoon at 5:00 and tonight 6:00 and 10:00 PM on KRBC.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates, especially during severe weather and winter weather events affecting the Big Country by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy your Thursday ...

Sunny, Breezy & Cold Today:

Good Morning from KRBC Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* A cold moved across the area overnight and it's very cold out there this morning with lows averaging between 20-28 in the area. Northeast winds are making it feel much cooler than the actual air temperatures. Plenty of sunshine today but it will be breezy and chilly with highs only climbing into the middle 30s. Clear and cold tonight with lows in the upper teens and lower 20s.

* Mostly sunny and a bit warmer for Thursday with highs in the upper 40s and cold tomorrow night with lows near freezing. A gradual warming trend starts as we head into the weekend with temperatures back into the 50s and 60s during the daytime and overnight lows above freezing in the upper 30s and 40s. Another cooling trend will come early next week as colder air returns by Tuesday.

* Share Your Christmas Food Drive: Don't forget the annual KRBC Share Your Christmas Food Drive is today from 7:00 A.M - 7:00 P.M right here at the KRBC Studio located at 4510 South 14th. Stop by and drop off your food items (and money donations as well) as we collect for those in need this holiday season. All your food donations will go to the Food Bank of West Central Texas.

* Winter Outlook: The Climate Prediction Center indicates a moderate El Niño pattern is taking shape and will bring West Central Texas a wetter pattern for the winter months. There is also a chance for increased winter precipitation depending on temperature trends. Data suggests equal chances of above or below normal temperatures, so more than likely the numbers will remain near normal for this time of year.

* Drought Information: For the lastest drought information for the state of Texas please visit the U.S Drought Monitor website by clicking here. The data is updated by the government every Thursday morning around 7:30 AM.

* The latest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country is coming up on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM. More news and weather coverage continues this afternoon at 5:00 and tonight 6:00 and 10:00 PM on KRBC.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates, especially during severe weather and winter weather events affecting the Big Country by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Have a great Tuesday ...

Freezing Drizzle/Fog Early, High Winds & Warm This Afternoon:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Freezing drizzle and fog will continue this morning across the Big Country, Heartland and the Northern Concho Valley. We're had a number of accidents reported across the region with this mess sticking to bridges, overpasses and vehicles. Temperatures are hovering this morning in the upper 20s and lower 30s. The threat for freezing drizzle and fog will continue through mid-morning. We have other winter weather related information on our main station website located at BigCountryHomepage.Com including any school delays/closings that have reported to our news department.

* As we head into midday and the afternoon the clouds will begin to break up. A powerful storm system will lift out of the Four Corners area and move across the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles this afternoon. The pressure gradient with this system will bring extremely high winds to the Big Country, Heartland and Northern Concho Valley into midday and especially this afternoon. High Wind advisories are in effect for for the western counties of the Big Country and the Concho Valley as we could see wind gusts out in these areas to 60 mph later today. Most everyone else will see winds between 20-40 mph with some gusts up to 50 mph at times. These gusty southwest winds will warm us up very quickly into the middle to upper 60s and in some spots the lower 70s down south this afternoon. The low moves out dragging a cold front through overnight.

* The above mentioned front will cool us back into the 40s for highs on Wednesday and Thursday and get us down to freezing Wednesday and Thursday morning. The rest of the week looks quiet. We'll slowly begin a warming trend heading into the weekend with highs back into the 50s and 60s and overnight lows back above freezing into the middle and upper 30s. Expect a partly cloudy conditions for this period.

* Share Your Christmas Food Drive: Don't forget the annual KRBC Share Your Christmas Food Drive is coming up on Wednesday from 7:00 A.M - 7:00 P.M right here at the KRBC Studio located at 4510 South 14th. Stop by and drop off your food items (and money donations as well) as we collect for those in need this holiday season. All your food donations will go to the Food Bank of West Central Texas.

* Winter Outlook: The Climate Prediction Center indicates a moderate El Niño pattern is taking shape and will bring West Central Texas a wetter pattern for the winter months. There is also a chance for increased winter precipitation depending on temperature trends. Data suggests equal chances of above or below normal temperatures, so more than likely the numbers will remain near normal for this time of year.

* Drought Information: For the lastest drought information for the state of Texas please visit the U.S Drought Monitor website by clicking here. The data is updated by the government every Thursday morning around 7:30 AM.

* The latest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country is coming up on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM. More news and weather coverage continues this afternoon at 5:00 and tonight 6:00 and 10:00 PM on KRBC.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates, especially during severe weather and winter weather events affecting the Big Country by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Have a great Tuesday ...

Chilly Today, Warm & Extemely Windy Tomorrow:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* After a mild Sunday we're all waking up to a very cold morning thanks to a cold front that moved through overnight. Mostly clear this morning but clouds will return later into the day giving us a mostly cloudy day. It will be cool as well as highs will only climb into the upper 30s and lower 40s. Becoming cloudy tonight the front lifts back northward as a warm front. Patchy fog and drizzle are possible overnight and into early on Tuesday before we clear up.

* A powerful storm system will lift out of the Southwestern U.S. and move across the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles. The pressure gradient with this system will bring extremely high winds to the Big Country, Heartland and Northern Concho Valley into the day on Tuesday. A High Wind Watch is already out for the western counties of the Big Country. Winds will blow out of the southwest between 20 and 40 miles per hour, with some gusts up to 50 mph. A few clouds and much warm with those winds as highs climb into the upper 60s. The low moves out dragging a cold front through overnight Tuesday which will cool us back into the 40s for highs on Wednesday and Thursday. and get us down to freezing Wednesday and Thursday morning.

* The rest of the week looks quiet. We'll slowly begin a warming trend heading into the weekend with highs back into the upper 50s and lower 60s and overnight lows back above freezing into the middle and upper 30s. Expect a partly cloudy day Friday - Sunday.

* Share Your Christmas Food Drive: Don't forget the annual KRBC Share Your Christmas Food Drive is coming up on Wednesday from 7:00 A.M - 7:00 P.M right here at the KRBC Studio located at 4510 South 14th. Stop by and drop off your food items (and money donations as well) as we collect for those in need this holiday season. All your food donations will go to the Food Bank of West Central Texas.

* Winter Outlook: The Climate Prediction Center indicates a moderate El Niño pattern is taking shape and will bring West Central Texas a wetter pattern for the winter months. There is also a chance for increased winter precipitation depending on temperature trends. Data suggests equal chances of above or below normal temperatures, so more than likely the numbers will remain near normal for this time of year.

* Drought Information: For the lastest drought information for the state of Texas please visit the U.S Drought Monitor website by clicking here. The data is updated by the government every Thursday morning around 7:30 AM.

* The latest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country is coming up on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM. More news and weather coverage continues this afternoon at 5:00 and tonight 6:00 and 10:00 PM on KRBC.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates, especially during severe weather and winter weather events affecting the Big Country by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy your Monday...

Snow Bands Staying South, Warming Up This Weekend

Good Moring from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Winter Weather Advisory in effect until Noon for Coleman, Brown, Runnels, Coke and Comanche County of the Heartland and Northern Concho Valley. The main band of snow has been well south of Interstate 20 this morning in a band from Midland & Odessa to San Angelo to Brady. A light band of snow will be possible across the Big Country but any measurable snow accumulation should now be well south of Interstate 20. This is why the National Weather Service dropped Sweetwater, Abilene and Baird areas from the Winter Weather Advisory early.

* Areas of light snow will continue this morning with any accumulation well south of the Interstate 20 corridor down across the Concho Valley and the Heartland. A few light snow showers and flurries are possible north of I-20 though midday. Snow will end my midday with clouds breaking up by the late afternoon. Highs today will range from 35-39 for all of us. Partly cloudy this evening then mostly clear overnight and very cold with lower 20s across the arae.

* Weekend: Winds will pick up out of the south warming us up to near 50° on Saturday and we're near 60° on Sunday with mostly sunny conditions. Overnight lows will be into the 30s. Not to bad for weekend activities and for those of you heading out to do some shopping.

* Winter Outlook: The Climate Prediction Center indicates a moderate El Niño pattern is taking shape and will bring West Central Texas a wetter pattern for the winter months. There is also a chance for increased winter precipitation depending on temperature trends. Data suggests equal chances of above or below normal temperatures, so more than likely the numbers will remain near normal for this time of year.

* Drought Information: For the lastest drought information for the state of Texas please visit the U.S Drought Monitor website by clicking here. The data is updated by the government every Thursday morning around 7:30 AM.

* Join us on television this morning for the latest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM. More news and weather coverage continues this afternoon at 5:00 and tonight 6:00 and 10:00 PM on KRBC.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates, especially during severe weather and winter weather events affecting the Big Country by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy your weekend...

KRBC Weather Alert - Winter Weather Advisory

From the KRBC Weather Lab:

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAN ANGELO TX
302 PM CST THU DEC 3 2009

...SNOW EXPECTED ACROSS WEST CENTRAL TEXAS TOMORROW MORNING...

.AN UPPER-LEVEL STORM SYSTEM WILL MOVE INTO WEST TEXAS LATER TONIGHT AND BRING THE POSSIBILITY FOR SNOW TO WEST CENTRAL TEXAS. LOOK FOR SNOW TO BEGIN ACROSS WEST CENTRAL TEXAS MAINLY AFTER MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT. WITH SURFACE TEMPERATURES FALLING BELOW THE FREEZING MARK ACROSS WEST CENTRAL TEXAS EARLY THIS EVENING...EXPECT ANY PRECIPITATION THIS SYSTEM PRODUCES TO FALL AS SNOW.

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO NOON CST FRIDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SAN ANGELO HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO NOON CST FRIDAY.

EXPECT LIGHT SNOW TO INITIALLY DEVELOP THIS EVENING...MAINLY WEST OF A HASKELL...TO SAN ANGELO...TO OZONA LINE. BETWEEN 6 AM CST AND NOON CST TOMORROW AND FOR LOCATIONS MAINLY ALONG AND SOUTH OF INTERSTATE 20...BRIEF MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL IS POSSIBLE. THUS...ACCUMULATIONS RANGING FROM ONE HALF TO ONE INCH ARE POSSIBLE. IN ADDITION...SOME LOCATIONS ACROSS THIS AREA MAY HAVE HIGHER ACCUMULATIONS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW MAY CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES. ALSO...USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

* Twitter Alerts: You can follow us on twitter anytime for weather updates, especially during the threat of severe or winter weather events affecting the Big Country by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC on twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter

Stay tuned to KRBC for the latest weather information...

Snow Expected - Very Cold Friday Night - Warming This Weekend

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ... 8:45pm Thursday night

A complex weather situation was taking shape late Thursday night. An upper level storm system was moving out of New Mexico into West Texas. Snow is expected in Abilene, but the heaviest snow may well stay south of Abilene. Snowfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are forecast across the Big Country. Lightest around Abilene, heaviest toward San Angelo, Ballinger, Coleman and Brownwood. Wherever bands of snow set up, isolated amounts greater than 3 inches are possible.

A Winter Weather Advisory will be in effect for Nolan, Taylor, Callahan, Coke, Runnels, Coleman, Brown, Comanche and Mills counties from early Friday morning through the noon hour.

The system will move northwest to southeast. Areas along and either side of a line from Midland to San Angelo to Austin have a good chance at a Winter Wonderland.

The Big Country will see the biggest impact from the storm around sunrise Friday through the mid afternoon hours, then it's over.

Primary impacts will be travel problems from the snow which may also become a sheet of ice due to traffic. Temperatures are likely going to stay around freezing at their highest Friday, limiting any melting. This will further cause driving issues Friday night and Saturday morning as temperatures drop to near 20. Temperatures warm above freezing on Saturday afternoon.

A slow warming trend is forecast Sunday through early next week with no precipitation.

KRBC Weather Alert - Winter Weather Advisory

From the KRBC Weather Lab:

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAN ANGELO TX
302 PM CST THU DEC 3 2009

...SNOW EXPECTED ACROSS WEST CENTRAL TEXAS TOMORROW MORNING...

.AN UPPER-LEVEL STORM SYSTEM WILL MOVE INTO WEST TEXAS LATER TONIGHT AND BRING THE POSSIBILITY FOR SNOW TO WEST CENTRAL TEXAS. LOOK FOR SNOW TO BEGIN ACROSS WEST CENTRAL TEXAS MAINLY AFTER MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT. WITH SURFACE TEMPERATURES FALLING BELOW THE FREEZING MARK ACROSS WEST CENTRAL TEXAS EARLY THIS EVENING...EXPECT ANY PRECIPITATION THIS SYSTEM PRODUCES TO FALL AS SNOW.

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO NOON CST FRIDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SAN ANGELO HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO NOON CST FRIDAY.

EXPECT LIGHT SNOW TO INITIALLY DEVELOP THIS EVENING...MAINLY WEST OF A HASKELL...TO SAN ANGELO...TO OZONA LINE. BETWEEN 6 AM CST AND NOON CST TOMORROW AND FOR LOCATIONS MAINLY ALONG AND SOUTH OF INTERSTATE 20...BRIEF MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL IS POSSIBLE. THUS...ACCUMULATIONS RANGING FROM ONE HALF TO ONE INCH ARE POSSIBLE. IN ADDITION...SOME LOCATIONS ACROSS THIS AREA MAY HAVE HIGHER ACCUMULATIONS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW MAY CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES. ALSO...USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

* Twitter Alerts: You can follow us on twitter anytime for weather updates, especially during the threat of severe or winter weather events affecting the Big Country by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC on twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter

Stay tuned to KRBC for the latest weather information...

Next Winter Storm Arrives Late Tonight:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* A very cold start this morning with temperatures ranging between 25-30° for most of us with a partly cloudy sky. Be alerted that there could be some patches of ice on the roads where there is still a little water left over from the melted snow/wintry mix/cold rain from yesterday. Clouds will continue to increase today ahead of the next winter storm for us. Highs today will mostly be in the upper 30s, although a few spots will creep into the the very low 40s. Very cold tonight with lower 20s and of course our snow developing and falling after midnight. The rest of the blog this morning will update the storm and the impacts on us here in the KRBC viewing area. This information was put of from the National Weather Service in San Angelo early this morning in a special weather statement on the event.

* With cold air already in place an approaching upper level storm system will bring a good chance of snow to all of West Central Texas. It appears the snow will start across the northwest Big Country (northwest of Abilene) after midnight Thursday night and then spread across the remainder of West Central Texas during the daylight hours on Friday. although the amount of moisture remains uncertain and it appears that an inch or two of snow accumulation will be possible across most of West Central Texas by the time the snow ends Friday evening. In addition to the threat of snow very cold temperatures are possible Saturday morning. If skies clear as expected behind the storm system temperatures will fall rapidly perhaps reaching into the teens across parts of the area.

* Roadways Tonight/Friday Morning: Given the cold conditions seen the last few days temperatures on area roadways have likely cooled to the point where some of the snow may create icy spots on area roadways.

* Winter Outlook: The Climate Prediction Center indicates a moderate El Niño pattern is taking shape and will bring West Central Texas a wetter pattern for the winter months. There is also a chance for increased winter precipitation depending on temperature trends. Data suggests equal chances of above or below normal temperatures, so more than likely the numbers will remain near normal for this time of year.

* Drought Information: For the lastest drought information for the state of Texas please visit the U.S Drought Monitor website by clicking here. The data is updated by the government every Thursday morning around 7:30 AM.

* Join us on television this morning for the latest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM. More news and weather coverage continues this afternoon at 5:00 and tonight 6:00 and 10:00 PM on KRBC.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates, especially during severe weather and winter weather events affecting the Big Country by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Stay tuned to KRBC for the latest winter weather information. Enjoy your Thursday...

One Storm Departs, Another Heads Our Way:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Light snow and wintry mix will continue this morning as the upper level low drifts out of the area. The precipitation should be out of here by midday with clouds sticking around most of the remainder of the day before slowly breaking up overnight. So far this morning we've seen anywhere from 1/2" to 1" of snow across the area. Roads so far are ok at the time of this blog update but the bridges are a bit slippery so give yourself plenty of time going to your morning destinations. Highs today will eventually rise from at and near freezing this morning into the middle and upper 40s this afternoon. A very cold night ahead with lows dipping into the middle and middle 20s for everyone. Tomorrow looks ok but we'll see clouds increasing late day ahead of the next storm that brings more wintry weather.

* The next storm brings the chance for winter precipitation late this week as an upper level disturbance in northwest flow aloft will move across the area come late Thursday and Friday. Light snow is expected to develop across much of the area Thursday night and into Friday as the disturbance moves across the area . Models indicate a few inches of snow could fall out of this system and we'll tweek the forecast based on new data.

* Winter Outlook: The Climate Prediction Center indicates a moderate El Niño pattern is taking shape and will bring West Central Texas a wetter pattern for the winter months. There is also a chance for increased winter precipitation depending on temperature trends. Data suggests equal chances of above or below normal temperatures, so more than likely the numbers will remain near normal for this time of year.

* Drought Information: For the lastest drought information for the state of Texas please visit the U.S Drought Monitor website by clicking here. The data is updated by the government every Thursday morning around 7:30 AM.

* Join us on television this morning for the latest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM. More news and weather coverage continues this afternoon at 5:00 and tonight 6:00 and 10:00 PM on KRBC.

* Twitter Alerts: You can follow us on twitter anytime for weather updates, especially during the threat of severe or winter weather events affecting the Big Country by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC on twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter

Stay tuned for weather updates from the KRBC Weather Team...

KRBC Weather Alert - Winter Weather Threat

From the KRBC Weather Lab:

* An upper level storm system will approach West Central Texas this afternoon and move across the area later this evening and overnight. A wintry mixture of snow, sleet and rain is possible this afternoon over the western portions of the Big Country and the northwestern areas of the Concho Valley. Some very light accumulations are possible mainly on grassy surfaces as well as bridges and overpasses. Elsewhere, precipitation is expected to remain mostly rain but some sleet could mix in at times late this afternoon as the upper low moves closer. A mixture of light rain and snow will be possible during the overnight hours mainly over the Big Country, Heartland and Northern Concho Valley as moisture wraps around the upper system. At

this time little or no accumulation is expected.

* Another storm brings the chance for winter precipitation late this week as an upper level disturbance in northwest flow aloft will move across the area come late Thursday and Friday. Light snow is expected to develop across much of the area Thursday night and into Friday as the disturbance moves across the area with some light accumulations possible.

* Twitter Alerts: You can follow us on twitter anytime for weather updates, especially during the threat of severe or winter weather events affecting the Big Country by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC on twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Stay tuned for weather updates from the KRBC Weather Team...

KRBC Weather Alert - Winter Storm Arriving:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* The blog this morning is a bit lengthy but the winter weather is the main forecast concern for now and this forecast update will primary concern the current event. Another winter event may arrive by late week, which is discussed on down the blog page here. You can refresh this blog page to get updated radar and alert graphics above.

* An upper level storm system will move across West Central Texas today and tonight. A wintry mixture of snow, sleet and rain is possible beginning during the day over portions of the Big Country and Concho Valley, moving into all of the Big Country inthe afternoon and night. Locally heavy rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible. There is the potential for light snow accumulations this morning and tonight over the Western Big Country and the Northwest Concho Valley. Uncertainty remains on the path andtiming of the storm system and it temperatures will be cold enough to support snow.

* Winter precipitation will end by midday on Wednesday with gradual clearning by late afternoon and overnight. Another cold front will arrive on Wednesday as well bringing in more colder air for the area. An upper level low is forecasted to drop down in the northwesterly flow come Thursday and Friday. Model data is suggesting that there will be moisture in place and with cool temperatures, a wintry mix is again possible late Thursday and changing over to an all light snow event on Friday morning. Accumulation issues hard to target right now as main forecast concern is on the current winter weather event.

* Winter Outlook: The Climate Prediction Center indicates a moderate El Niño pattern is taking shape and will bring West Central Texas a wetter pattern for the winter months. There is also a chance for increased winter precipitation depending on temperature trends. Data suggests equal chances of above or below normal temperatures, so more than likely the numbers will remain near normal for this time of year.

* Drought Information: For the lastest drought information for the state of Texas please visit the U.S Drought Monitor website by clicking here. The data is updated by the government every Thursday morning around 7:30 AM.

* Join us on television this morning for the latest on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene & the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today starting at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday later this morning at 11:30 AM. More news and weather coverage continues this afternoon at 5:00 and tonight 6:00 and 10:00 PM on KRBC.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates, especially during severe weather and winter weather events affecting the Big Country by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Stay tuned to KRBC for the latest winter weather information on this developing storm...

KRBC Weather Alert - Wintry Precipitation Expected Tuesday & Wednesday

(Click on graphics to view a larger image)
(Note: Refresh the blog page to update weather graphics)

From the KRBC Weather Lab...

* Special Weather Statement from the National Weather Service in San Angelo: A strong upper level low pressure system over Northern Mexico is expected to move east into the big bend region on Tuesday and then east across the i-10 corridor Tuesday night. The best snowfall accumulations could be north of a line from Ozona to San Angelo to Ballinger to Cross Plains. Light snowfall accumulations around an inch or less are possible. Since uncertainty still exists with the track of the winter storm system, snowfall amounts could be higher than currently forecasted. Temperatures are expected to become cold enough for the rain to change over to snow or sleet over the western sections early in the day on Tuesday. A rain and snow mix is expected to develop over the remainder of West Central Texas Tuesday night The precipitation should become all snow late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning and continue through mid day as the upper system moves east of the area.

* Twitter Alerts: You can follow us on twitter anytime for weather updates, especially during the threat of severe or winter weather events affecting the Big Country by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check out news updates from KRBC on twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Stay tuned for weather updates on this winter storm from the KRBC Weather Team...