Good Rain Chance This Weekend:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Another warm day before big changes arrive. Look for partly cloudy conditions and for clouds to increase into the night. An isolated storm is possible this afternoon and evening. We could see an isolated storm overnight. Highs today near 90° but a cooler trend is coming this weekend.

* A strong cold front will move into the area on Saturday and will be the focal point for increased thunderstorm chances during the day on Saturday and into Sunday morning. The San Angelo Nation Weather Service is saying that rainfall amounts will average 1/2 to 1 inch with local amounts of 2 inches possible in stronger storms. This will be the best rain chances for the area. Highs will drop into the 70s over the weekend with lows dipping into the 50s.

* Severe Weather Threat: The SPC has areas west of Sweetwater and Roby outlined in a "slight" risk for severe weather this afternoon. There is a "slight" risk on Saturday just to our south across the Edwards Plateau but we can't rule out a strong to severe storm up this way over Saturday. Clouds cover and beind behind the front should keep instability down for the Big Country.

* Next Week: Cool mornings in the 50s start the week off but daytime highs will slowly climb back into the 80s. Forecast looks dry right now.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastst on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene and the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: Remember you can follow us on twitter anytime for quick severe weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check on news updates via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Have a nice weekend...

A Bit Cooler, Isolated Storms:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* A weak cold front has slipped into the Big Country early this morning and could get a storm or two going later on and could keep a storm or two going into the day today. It will be cooler on Thursday with highs dropping back into the middle 80s across most of the area while areas south of the front could get a bit warmer. The front should wash out later today along Interstate 20. Overnight lows will dip into the 60s. Isolated storms are still possible on Friday.

* A strong cold front will move into the area on Saturday and will be the focal point for increased thunderstorm chances Saturday night and into Sunday morning. This will be the best rain chances for the area. Highs will drop into the 70s over the weekend with lows dipping into the 50s.

* Severe Weather Threat: The SPC has areas west of Sweetwater and Roby outlined in a "slight" risk for severe weather this afternoon. There is a "slight" risk on Saturday just to our south across the Concho Valley and Edwards Plateau but we can't rule out a strong to severe storm up this way over the weekend.

* Next Week: Cool mornings in the 50s start the week off but daytime highs will slowly climb back into the 80s. Forecast looks dry right now.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastst on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene and the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: Remember you can follow us on twitter anytime for quick severe weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check on news updates via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy your Wednesday...

Storms Possible Thursday, More Likely Saturday

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

A cold front will be draped roughly along I-20 Thursday and with the heating of the day, storms are expected to fire up near or along the front. Any storm which develops will have the potential to become severe.

Going into Friday, there is already a slight risk area for severe storms outlined for West Texas, roughly Midland to the Big Bend.

Then another cold front drops into the area Saturday and that's when I expect our best chance for rain will be - Saturday and Saturday night. A few storms could be strong this weekend and drop some heavy rain, especially Saturday night.

Highs middle 80's Thursday, near 90 Friday, middle 70's Saturday and Sunday.

Another Hot Day Today:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Another warm day across the Big Country with highs climbing into the middle 90s. Don't really expect any storms this afternoon as the disturbance that moved through yesterday has departed and the cap in the atmosphere a bit strong today. Lows tonight will drop into the upper 60s.

* A weak cold front will slip into the northern Big Country tonight and could get a storm or two going later on and could keep a storm or two going into the day on Thursday. It will be cooler on Thursday with highs dropping back into the middle 80s.

* Will maintain a chance of an isolated storm for Thursday and Friday afternoons. A better rain chance comes in late Saturday and early Sunday with another cold front. Temperatures cooler this weekend with upper 70s and low 80s and lows overnight into the 50s.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastst on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene and the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: Remember you can follow us on twitter anytime for quick severe weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check on news updates via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy your Wednesday...

Isolated Thunderstorms a Daily Bet

From the KRBC Weather Lab ...

Isolated thunderstorms should develop in the Permian Basin of West Texas this afternoon and drift toward the western KRBC viewing area. Storms will be capable of dropping hail and damaging wind and will tend to move to the northeast.

An isolated storm possible into the early nighttime hours, then mostly cloudy overnight Tuesday night into Wednesday. Low near 71.

On Wednesday, another windy and hot day, highs middle 90's. An isolated late afternoon storm is possible once again. Wednesday night the low should be in the upper 60's.

With a weak front venturing into the area Thursday, another slight chance for thunderstorms.

This weekend, the chance increases a bit, mainly Saturday night, with another front likely causing thunderstorms.

Randy Turner
KRBC Chief Meteorologist

Hot Today, Isolated Storms Tonight:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* A warm front to our south across the Concho Valley and Heartland will slowly begin to drift back northward late today and tonight.Clouds will depart and temperatures will warm up for Tuesday and Wednesday with highs in the lower 90s with dry conditions.

* Focus then turns to thunderstorm chances late this afternoon into tonight when a disturbance embedded in westerly flow aloft enters our area from the west. The best chance should be across the western half of our area between 7 pm and 10 pm... As the disturbance and associated convection move east a slight chance for storms will continue across the viewing area. Much of the western half of our area has a slight risk for severe storms, given the moderate instability and sufficient vertical shear which is expected.

* There is another slight chance for rain on Thursday but the best rain chances will be with a new front this weekend that will bring rain late Saturday and early Sunday.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastst on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene and the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: Remember you can follow us on twitter anytime for quick severe weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check on news updates via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy your Tuesday...

Warm and Windy Tuesday

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

Tuesday should be a much different day than Monday - warmer and windy.

The forecast high is 90 degrees. Wind should gust from the south at 20 to 30. Any thunderstorms Tuesday should be very isolated in nature.

Wednesday will be another warm day as temperatures hover around 90. There is also a slight risk of severe storms across mainly the eastern and southeastern KRBC viewing area.

The chance for storms should improve to around 30 percent this weekend as an active storm track continues just north of our area.

Isolated Storms Today:

* A stalled front to our south across the Interstate 10 corridor will slowly begin to drift back northward late today and tonight as a warm front. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will be possible along and north of the front. Clouds will keep temperatures down north of the front with us only getting into the middle 70s today. It will be warmer tonight thanks the front moving through with lows in the middle
60s.

* Clouds will depart and temperatures will warm up for Tuesday and Wednesday with highs in the lower 90s with dry conditions. There is another slight chance for rain on Thursday but the best rain chances will be with a new front this weekend that will bring rain late Saturday and early Sunday.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastst on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene and the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: Remember you can follow us on twitter anytime for quick severe weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check on news updates via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy your Monday...

A Few Storms Possible Monday

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

Hit and miss showers and thunderstorms are in the forecast going into the work week. A slight chance for storms will exist Monday with a stationary front in the area. Storms which manage to develop may become severe and produce hail and high wind.

Temperatures Monday will likely vary the way they did Sunday with cooler readings across the northern counties of the KRBC viewing area to warmer temperatures south of Abilene. Here in Abilene, the afternoon high should be around 78, highly dependent on the location of the front and amount of cloud cover which lingers through the day.

Going into Tuesday, it appears the cooler air which has been in place this weekend will be pushed back to the north with a warm front. The West Texas dry line will set up and could spark off some isolated storms Tuesday as is approaches our area. Tuesday also looks like a very windy day with gusty south wind 20 to 30.

Later in the week, we have a slight chance for storms Wednesday night and Thursday then another slight chance for storms late Friday and Saturday.

Record Breaking & Dangerously Hot Today:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Abilene officially reached 100° on Thursday, which marks the first 100° day for the Key City of 2009. Get ready to add another one today as afternoon highs will climb well above the century mark. The record for today in Abilene is 100° from back in 2000 and it is most likely we will break that here in the city. We could also set another record this morning, called a record-low maximum. That means it is the warmest overnight low on record for the day. Many spots will only drop into the lower 70s this morning.

* Heat ridge is still centered over the Rio Grande Valley. Today will be the warmest day with widespread low 100s across the area. I am averaging late afternoon highs between 102 - 107° for the area so please be careful outside and remember your hot weather safety tips! Humidity will be bad this morning but the dryline is expected to cross through most of the Big Country this afternoon which will kill the humidity for most of us. With the dryline pushing through and dry air behind it, that's why we expect the numbers to get really hot later today.

* Weekend: Cold front will arrive late tonight into early Saturday and cools us back down into the 70s over the weekend. There could be an isolated storm tonight. Models are showing a slight chance for an isolated storm or two over the weekend and into Monday. I've still maintained a 20% chance for the three day period in my forecast package.

* Next Week: Looks like a gradual warming trend beings next week with highs climbing backi well into the 80s to near 90 by midweek. For now, other than the rain chance on Monday, things look dry.

* May We Help Cool You Off? We want to give you a chance to win 4 tickets to Schlitterbahn Water Park Resort in New Braunfels, Texas! Take your family, take the kids, take your friends, take all your boyfriends, take all your girlfriends. Enter as many times as you want to, but you have to vote before 2pm on Friday. All you have to do is correctly guess the time it will hit 100 degrees on the afternoon of Friday, May 8th, 2009 at the Abilene Regional Airport weather reporting station for the National Weather Service. The time must include hours and minutes, for example 4:05 can be entered in the time box, we're not counting seconds, just the hour and the minute. The National Weather Service will report the data for the day on Saturday, we will announce the winner here on Monday, May 11th. Enter as many times as you want to at BigCountryHomepage.Com but hurry, the entry deadline is 2pm on Friday, May 8th. If more than one person guesses the correct time, all of the correct guessers will be put into a random drawing for the prize.


* Join us on television this morning for the lastst on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene and the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: Remember you can follow us on twitter anytime for quick severe weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check on news updates via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Have a Great Weekend!

Record Heat Forecast Friday

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

Record high temperatures are likely Friday in Abilene and across much of West Central Texas.

Some of our normal summer safety tips include:
* Limit outdoor activities, if possible, to early to mid morning or late in the evening
* Drink plenty of water, stay hydrated
* Wear sunscreen if you plan to be out in the sun for an extended period
* Don't leave children unattended in an automobile - temperatures soar inside the car
* Make sure your pets have plenty of water and food and shade
* Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing, hat, sunglasses all help protect you from the sun
* Don't overdo - take frequent work breaks when working outside

As hot as it's going to be on Friday, it's going to get suddenly much cooler on Saturday with a cold front arriving. We will go from around 100 Friday to around 70 on Saturday. Expect the middle 70's on Sunday.

As for rain, some isolated thunderstorms are possible this weekend and on into Monday. Most areas will miss out on rain, but some storms are possible here and there.

Feeling More Like Summer Than Spring:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Morning clouds and areas of patchy fog are once again developing across the area this morning so again give yourself a little extra time heading to work and school. This all should burn off by mid-morning. The low clouds will dissipate later this morning and will not be a factor in the forecast like they were yesterday keeping temperatures down.

* A heat ridge is centered over the Rio Grande Valley and has built northward across most of West Central Texas. Daytime highs will climb into the upper 90s to low 100s this afternoon. Friday will be the warmest day with widespread low 100s across the area. Remember your hot weather safety tips during the two day period. One issue we'll deal with is the fact it will be very humid this time around to that will add a factor to the heat.

* Records: The record high for Abilene today is 106° which is pretty much safe. I think the record on Friday which is 100° most likely will be broken as I am forecasting low 100s.

* Weekend: Cold front will arrive late Friday night and cool us back down into the
70s over the weekend. Models are showing a slight chance for an isolated storm or two over the weekend and into Monday. I've went ahead and inserted a 20% chance for the three day period.

* Next Week: The heat begins to build again with highs into the ower 90s toward the middle of next week. Other than the slight rain chance on Monday, next week for now looks warm and dry.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastst on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene and the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: Remember you can follow us on twitter anytime for quick severe weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check on news updates via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy Your Thursday...

The Heat is On !!

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

Summer-like heat is the big weather story the rest of the week. Highs both Thursday and Friday will range from 95 to 100 degrees across the KRBC viewing area.

With temperatures this hot, make sure you stay hydrated, drink plenty of water, wear light colored loose fitting clothing, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen are just a few tips to stay out of the sun's direct ultra-violet rays.

Don't forget the pets! Make sure they have plenty of water and shade.

And every year we hear tragic stories about youngsters left in automobiles in the heat and die as a result. Don't do it! Temperatures inside a car can climb to over 120 degrees in a short amount of time so practice your summer safety tips Thursday and Friday.

The next change to our pattern comes this weekend, just in time for Western Heritage Classic. It looks like a front drops into the area, highs will be closer to 80, instead of 100. A few showers or isolated thunderstorms may try to develop, but the chance looks pretty low. I wouldn't worry about a weekend washout.

Early next week, temperatures return to the upper 80's.

Hot Weather Ahead:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Thunderstorms well off to the northwest of the Big Country this morning but there is quite a bit of patchy fog out there this morning so give yourself some extra time heading off to work or taking the kids to school this morning. The fog should begin to burn off around mid-morning across the area.

* A weak front will drift down into the area this morning and will turn our winds northwestly which will shed a few degrees off the thermometers today with highs in the middle and upper 80s. Winds turn southeasterly tonight and it will warm up with lows dropping down to near 70.

* Turning Up The Heat: A heat ridge over Mexico builds northward across Texas today and through the end of the week. Daytime highs will climb into the upper 90s to low 100s on Thursday. Friday will be the warmest day with widespread low 100s across the area. A front is expected late Friday/early Saturday and most always see things really warm up before a front arrives this time of year so expect that Friday.

* Rain Chances: Models are showing a slight chance for an isolated storm or two ove the weekena dn into Monday. I've went ahead and inserted a 20% chance for the three day period.

* Weekend/Next Week: Highs will drop back into the upper 70s and lower to middle 80s over the weekend due to the front and the slight rain chances. Next week the heat begins to build again with highs in the upper 80s and lower 90s on Monday and Tuesday.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastst on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene and the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: Remember you can follow us on twitter anytime for quick severe weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check on news updates via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Enjoy Your Wednesday...

Hot Weather on the Way

From the KRBC Weather Lab ....

Tonight we tracked a large supercell thunderstorm which developed on the east side of Breckenridge then slid southeast toward Stephenville. Along the way, it developed a wall cloud and funnel and dropped some very large hail described as the size of baseballs and grapefruit around the Thurber area.

Abilene received a light shower on the south side of town, but that's about it as of 9:00pm.

What's to come? Hot weather. It was hot enough today (92 the official high in Abilene) and will be around 90 on Wednesday. There is a slight chance for more thunderstorms across the eastern Big Country and into the Heartland around Brownwood.

Thursday is our "furnace day" as highs approach 100 degrees, likely our hottest day yet this year.

Friday is hot again, middle 90's for the Western Heritage Classic.

This weekend, I've made some changes to the forecast, cooling temperatures to around 80 each day with a cold front lingering and adding a slight 20 percent chance of rain both Saturday and Sunday - a chance which may increase as we get closer to the weekend.

Isolated Strong Storms Today:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Rain Chances Today & Tonight: A warm front will lift north across the area today bringing moist and unstable air to the Big Country. At the same time the dryline will sharpen out west and creep into the western counties. The combination of the warm front nearby, the dryline and very warm temperatures will initiate isolated thunderstorms. The atmosphere will be primed with instability so any storms that form could be severe. A few storms could linger or develop into the evening but should be gone by late tonight:

* The Mercury Rises: * A heat ridge over Mexico will continue to build northward across Texas. Highs spreading daytime highs well into the 90s the rest of the work week. Thursday will be the warmest day with highs in the upper 90s with a few slots into to the low 100s. Also looking warm on Friday with middle and upper 90s in the area.Lows at night will be muggy into the middle and upper 60s.

* Looking Ahead: Highs will drop back into the middle 80s over the weekend with a slight chance for storms late Saturday night and early on Sunday. Next week will start on a dry note.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastst on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene and the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: Remember you can follow us on twitter anytime for quick severe weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check on news updates via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Have a nice Tuesday...

Chance for Storms Tuesday

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

I'm keeping thunderstorms in your forecast Tuesday. A northward advancing warm front, coupled with an eastward advancing dry line, and ample moisture supply, provide the instability needed for a few thunderstorms to develop Tuesday.

In fact, there is a potential for some storms or showers to develop earlier in the day, rather than later, perhaps some ongoing Tuesday morning as we start the day.

The Storm Prediction Center has placed our area under a Slight Risk for storms capable of being severe with large hail and damaging wind.

The other big weather story this week is the heat. Temperatures will get back to the middle 80's on Tuesday, 90 by Wednesday then stay in the 90's the rest of the work week.

It's Western Heritage Classic time in Abilene this week - looks like the rain stays away but the heat takes its place.

Randy

Storms Tuesday, Hot Weather Midweek:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Warming Trend Coming: After a cool Sunday, we will start a warming trend today with highs climbing into the middle 70s across the area. Clouds will be on the increase as well today and tonight. A warm front will move up into the area overnight and will be north of the Big Country on Tuesday. This will bring very warm air into the area as a heat ridge builds northward from Mexico across Texas. Highs tomorrow jump into the middle 90s and we stay in the lower to middle 90s through the weekend. Thursday will be the warmest day with highs in the upper 90s. Lows at night will be muggy into the lower and middle 60s.

* Rain Chances Tuesday: A warm front will move up into the area overnight and will be north of the Big Country on Tuesday. At the same time the dryline will sharpen out west and creep into the western counties. The combination of the warm front nearby, the dryline and very warm temperatures could initiate thunderstorms. The atmosphere will be primed with instability so any storms that form could be severe.

* Severe Weather Threat: The SPC has the Big Country outlined for a "slight" risk of severe weather on Tuesday. The main threats would be large hail, damaging winds and an isolated tornado. Stay tuned for updates from the KRBC Weather Lab.

* Looking Ahead: As mentioned above the hot weather will dominate the weather headlines this week as well as dry weather conditions.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastst on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene and the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: Remember you can follow us on twitter anytime for quick severe weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check on news updates via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Have a nice Monday...

Storms Possible Again on Tuesday

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

We will begin the work week with some cooler than normal temperatures, but it won't take long for temperatures to increase well above normal, just in time for the middle to end of the week.

First, we have another system left that may bring more storms and rain. Even on Monday an isolated storm could pop across mainly the northern counties of the area. But on Tuesday, we are in a Slight Risk area for severe storms, capable of large hail and damaging wind, areawide.

Hot air originating in Mexico will begin pushing north into our area by Wednesday as highs reach 90 or slightly above. Thursday looks to be our hottest day with a highs in the mid to upper 90's.

While temperatures cool a little Friday into the weekend, they are still going to be close to 90.

A dry weather pattern is forecast Wednesday through the weekend.

Thunderstorm Chances This Weekend:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* A very warm day ahead for the Big Country was daytime highs will climb into the upper 80s and lower 90s in the area. Partly cloudy conditions will prevail and there could be an isolated storm in the peak heating of the afternoon. Tonight clouds will increase as the front gets closer to the area and we could see an isolated storm or two with lows in the middle 60s.

* Weekend: The cold front will slip southward into the Big Country on Saturday and will help bring some thunderstorms to the area. An upper level shortwave of lifting energy will work across late Saturday and Sunday and will help bring the best chance for rain and storms to the Big Country. Otherwise it will be cloudy to mostly cloudy across the area. Highs will be in the upper 70s on Saturday and lower 70s on Sunday.

* Severe Weather: The SPC maintains a "slight risk" for all of our area for Saturday and Saturday night. The main threat from the storms that do develop will be large hail and damaging winds with an isolated tornado possible. Stay tuned for updates.

* Next Week: Dry weather for Monday and Tuesday and then a slight chance for rain returns by the middle of next week. Highs in the lower 80s to start the week and slowly increase into the middle to upper 80s and lower 90s by midweek. Lows in the middle 50s to start the week before climbing into the 60s.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastst on your forecast as well as news from around Abilene and the Big Country on KRBC's Abilene Today at 6:00 AM and on Abilene Midday at 11:30 AM.

* Twitter: Remember you can follow us on twitter anytime for quick severe weather updates by visiting the KRBC Weather Twitter. You can also check on news updates via twitter also by visiting the Big Country Homepage Twitter.

Have a nice weekend...