Spring Pattern Brings Chances for T-Storms

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ..

This is being written around 3:00pm on Thursday and, at this time, no storms are showing up on KRBC Triple Doppler Radar. That doesn't mean storms won't "pop", because they could.

For the remainder of Thursday and into Friday, the chance of the area seeing storms remains around 20 percent.

Our focus shifts to a slightly better chance for thunderstorms from late Saturday into Saturday night. A cold front dropping into the area will increase the percentage to 40%.

This time of year, any storms which develops can become severe in a short period of time with large hail and damaging winds being the main threat.

Temperatures will get close to 90 degrees on Friday but with a cold front in the area by Saturday, temperatures will vary from the 70's in the northern viewing area to the 80's in the southern viewing area. Here in Abilene, 75 to 80 for your high on Saturday.

If you haven't checked out the new interactive radar on Bigcountryhomepage.com, feel free to do so and see how you like it.

Take care!!

Randy

Warm, Breezy & Dry Weather Today:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* First off I will have to say I've been pretty much disappointed with the way the forecast has turned out the last few days as most of the viewing area has not seen the good rains we have been anticipating and the forecast models were predicting. Now having said that, I do know our southern and northern counties have seen some good rains but for most of the area, including here in Abilene, mother nature has not provided for the drought. Today is the last day of the month and Abilene will end April and begin May with a rainfall deficit for the year of well over two inches.

* Storms this morning to the north and east will move away and the clouds will decrease as the thermometer cranks up. The sky will be partly cloudy the next two days with highs in the middle 80s today and approaching 90° on Friday. Overnight lows will be muggy into the middle 60s.

* Rain chances return to the forecast as a front drops into the area over the weekend but don't expect much of a temperature relief from the front as it will cool us only into the lower 80s. The best chance for rain will be on Sunday, with a 40% chance while I am forecasting a 30% chance on Saturday.

* Severe Weather: Most of the SPC forecast outlooks keep any severe weather chances this weekend well to our north along the Red River. We'll keep an eye on things in the event of any changes.

* 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 to middle 80s and lows in the lower 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.

Enjoy your Thursday...

Thunderstorms Today:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* The cluster of strong to severe storms is moving just to our north this morning across Texoma bringing some severe weather to the Vernon and Wichita Falls area. This complex should stay to our north and hug the Red River the rest of the morning.

* Clouds will remain in place today ahead of another upper level shortwave disturbance that will move into Texas later today and tonight. This feature will help enhance showers and thunderstorms later today and overnight. The storms, if and when they do develop, will last into the evening and should be gone by daybreak.

* Severe Weather Threat: The Storm Predition Center has all areas to the west of West Central Texas under a "slight risk" for severe weather today. The primary threats will be large hail and damaging winds, but we can' rule out an isolated tornado. Now having said that, the clouds could play a factor in storm development today. Yesterday the clouds hanged around all day so we didn't see much sunshine and not much instability developed.

* A brief dry period will arrive on Thursday and Friday before another storm system and front will bring another shot at rain and storms over the weekend for West Central Texas.

* 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...

Another Round Of Storms:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* The secondary round of storms we were anticipating late yesterday and last night never materialized. A weak cold front has dropped through the Big Country overnight so it's a bit cooler outside and not so humid but that will change as ther go through the day.

* Clouds will be on the increase today ahead of another upper level shortwave disturbance that will move into Texas later today and tonight. This feature will enhance the chances for showers and thunderstorms later today and overnight. We'll also be watching the dryline later today for any development. Another round of thunderstorms is likley on Wednesday across the area with another disturbance making its way through the region.

* Areas across the Northern Concho Valley and the Heartland will have to pay close attention the next two days for flash floooding as these areas saw several inches of rainfall back on Monday.

* Severe Weather Threat: The Storm Predition Center has all areas to the west of Throckmorton to Cisco to Brownwood line under a "slight risk" for severe weather today and all of our area is outlined for a "slight risk" for tomorrow. The primary threats will be large hail and damaging winds, but we can' rule out an isolated tornado.

* A brief dry period will arrive on Thursday and Friday before another storm system and front will bring another shot at rain and storms over the weekend for West Central Texas.

* 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...

More Rain in the Forecast

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ....

After a quiet afternoon Monday, scattered thunderstorms are expected to redevelop Monday night across a portion of the KRBC viewing area. Tuesday, as a cold front sags into the area, more storms are expected to develop. Some storms may become severe but they may also produce locally heavy rain Tuesday.

Once again on Wednesday we have a relatively slight 30 percent chance for rain. Rain is doubtful on Thursday but with another front nearing the area Friday, the chance goes back to slight. This weekend, however, with another upper level storm coming our way from the northwest, storms should be more numerous Saturday night into Sunday.

So, our unsettled and typical Spring weather pattern continues.

Temperatures in the low 60's Monday night, upper 70's Tuesday, mid 60's Tuesday night, near 80 Wednesday, middle 80's Thursday.

Strong To Severe Storms Today:

*** SPC: There is a slight risk for severe weather across all of West Central Texas for today ***

*** Severe T-Storm Watch for areas along and south of US 380 and west of US 183 until 10:00 AM this morning ***

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Quick update due to on-going severe weather threat this morning. An area of showers and thunderstorms will move northeast across the viewing area this morning producing heavy rain, some hail, deadly lightning and gusty winds. Another round of strong to severe storms is expect to develop later into the day to our west and move in from the east. This activity will develop in association with the dryline and another disturbance moving in.

* Weather pattern remains active for the area the next several days. Please refer to the weather headlines graphic above. Stay tuned to KRBC for further weather updates.

* I will have complete weather updates on Abilene Today at 6:00 AM and Abilene Midday at 11:30 AM. We will have constant weather updates throughout the morning here on KRBC.

* 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.

Tornado Watch Northern Big Country Until 10pm

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

THIS IS A PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION...

DESTRUCTIVE TORNADOES...LARGE HAIL TO 3 INCHES IN DIAMETER... THUNDERSTORM WIND GUSTS TO 80 MPH...AND DANGEROUS LIGHTNING ARE POSSIBLE IN THESE AREAS.

THE TORNADO WATCH AREA IS APPROXIMATELY ALONG AND 70 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF A LINE FROM 90 MILES SOUTHWEST OF CHILDRESS TEXAS TO 25 MILES SOUTH SOUTHEAST OF CHANDLER OKLAHOMA.

Severe Weather Likely

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

I'm writing this at 12:25pm Sunday afternoon. Severe thunderstorms were already firing in Oklahoma and Kansas and a lone thundershower was located north of Snyder in our area.

STAY ALERT Sunday afternoon and Sunday night for rapidly changing weather conditions and know where you would go and what to do in the event of a severe weather outbreak in our area.

It is likely going to be a rough ride for a few of us in the KRBC viewing area with the potential for large hail, damaging wind and tornadoes. Of particular interest is the tornado threat which is in the moderate category while further north a high risk of large tornadoes exists in the eastern Texas Panhandle and southwest and central Oklahoma.

The environment for storms is such that damaging winds and large hail are possible, in addition to tornadoes.

Accompanying the thunderstorms this afternoon and tonight will be some heavy rain, a few inches where the heavier storms develop.

Bottom line - be ready to take action should severe weather threaten your area. The KRBC Weather Team is on duty monitoring the situation. Check the latest information by watching KRBC TV or Bigcountryhomepage.com.

Take care,

Randy

Who'll Buy My Trombone?

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ....

As a part of the Money Savers Challenge on KRBC, I'm selling an item to make some extra cash. The item I'm parting with happens to be the trombone I played in school "a few" more years ago than I care to admit. Check out the link below to learn more. And by the way, money goes to charity.

http://bigcountryhomepage.com/content/marketplace/classifieds/items?cat_id=505&item_id=45131

You may recall that in our last Monday Savers Challenge, Downing, Kyna, Michelle and me were given $15 to buy food for a week. This time around, no money, we have to come up with something on our own. If you are like me, you probably have stuff in storage you have held on to, but never use. Such is the case with my trombone. It hasn't been played in 28 years. Chances are, I'm not going to get started now. So see what you think! It will make some band student a good horn with just some TLC.

Needed Rains Returning:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* With daytime heating today, isolated showers and thunderstorms will develop this afternoon along the dryline across the western counties and drift off to the east and northeast into the evening hours. An isoalted severe storm is not out of the question, just like we say pop up in Mitchell County last night. Due to the isolated nature of the storms, we'll only add a 20% chance today and tomorrow with partly cloudy to mostly cloudy conditions. Highs today into the lower 80s and upper 80s for Saturday. Lows at night quite muggy into the middle 60s.

* Increasied rain chances as we head into the late weekend and into the early part of next week. In fact, I have a rain chance in place for every day of next week. We can definately use the rain around here as the lakes and rivers are still very low. The latest update of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows this area is still under stage 3 drought conditions or "severe" stage criteria. Abilene Regional Airport climate data this morning indicates the rain deficit for the year at 1.84" of course it's higher in some areas.

* Severe Weather Threat: The SPC has a slight risk out for the northern areas of the Big Country for Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning with all of our viewing area outlined in a slight risk area for Sunday. Stay tuned for updates over the weekend with Meteorologist Nance Burgin for the lastest information.

* Twitter: Remember you can follow us on twitter anytime for quick 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 weekend...

Another Hot Day, Rain On The Horizon:

*** Red Flag Warning and a Wind Advisory in effect for the eastern counties of the Big Country ***

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Well it will be a bit "cooler" today with highs only in the upper 80s and the lower 90s after highs on Wednesday up near and at 100° in many spots across the area. Again Abilene reached 97° which tied the record for the day on the books. Winds will be gusty today out of the southwest about 20-30 miles per hour.

* A very weak disturbance will work across the area today and could help spark some storms along the dryline in West Texas which could drift into the western counties late this afternoon and evening so I included a slight chance in those areas.

* Increasing rain chances as we head into the weekend with the best rounds starting on Sunday and into the early part of next week. We can definately use the rain around here as the lakes and rivers are still very low. The latest update of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows this area is still under stage 3 drought conditions or "severe" stage criteria.

* Special thanks to Meteorologist Nance Burgin for coverning the morning and midday weather shift for me while I was out of town a few days. I'll have more on your forecast on the television side at 6:00 AM on Abilene Today and also at 11:30 AM on Abilene Midday.

* Twitter: Remember you can follow us on twitter anytime for quick 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...

Enough Heat Already !!

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ....

I've talked to lots of people today who weren't quite ready for the heat. And yes, I heard a few complaints. But, the heat is short lived, it won't be as hot Thursday, although it will approach 90 degrees. By this weekend, temperatures return closer to normal for this time of year.

A change from my forecast blog yesterday is the addition of a slight chance for thunderstorms this Thursday night. Otherwise, the next chance for thunderstorms will be late day Saturday, very hit and miss, and again on Sunday.

Signs are pointing to a better chance for thunderstorms Monday and Tuesday of the coming week... at 40 percent at this time.

The wind was gusty today and will be gusty from the south and southwest again Thursday.

Be sure to checkout our new interactive radar on the website, KRBC Weather, with links on the left side of the page.

Take care and have a great rest of the week !!!

Hot and Windy Wednesday !!

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

The hottest air thus far this young Spring season will blow into our area on Wednesday. I'm forecasting a high of 93 in Abilene on Wednesday. In addition, south and southwest wind 20 to 30mph will make for a blow-torch kind of day.

Temperatures should moderate downward Thursday into the weekend, but still stay in the 80's.

The next chance for rain is this weekend, I think at the earliest Saturday night, but more likely Sunday into Monday as our big high pressure bubble of air is replaced by a low pressure trough in the southwest U.S. The high means dry northwesterly wind flow, the low means more of a moisture flow off the Gulf, which could lead to storms to begin next week.

If you haven't checked out the new First at Five newscast with Stephanie Harris and me, I invite you to tune in. And new to our mid-day time slot on KRBC is Deal or No Deal at 11:00am followed by Abilene Midday with Brittany Pelletz and Chris Whited (with Nance Burgin filling in for Chris through Wednesday).

Have a great day !!

Temperature Trend is Warm

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

No chilly weather this week. In fact, hot better describes the weather around here by Wednesday as temperatures top 90 degrees in some areas.

The pattern looks dry through the work week but some changes to the pattern this weekend is worth at least a slight chance for thunderstorms in the forecast on Saturday (across our eastern counties) with a little better chance area wide on Sunday into Monday.

Monday Night: Clear and mild, low 54. Southwest wind 5 to 15.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny and 87. West southwest wind 10 to 15.

Wednesday: Sunny and hot, high of 92.

Warm and Dry Weather Expected This Week

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

It has been a nice weekend with warm and dry weather expected in the upcoming week.

A high pressure ridge will build over our area which keeps us dry. Temperatures will warm this week to about 80 on Monday followed by low to middle 80's Tuesday into Wednesday. Some areas in the western Big Country could approach 90 this week.

By the end of the work week and beginning of the weekend, middle 80's look promising.

I'm not putting any rain in the forecast at this time through the weekend.

Strong To Severe Storms Likely:

*** The Storm Prediction Center has all of the KRBC viewing area outlined for a slight risk of severe weather for today and tonight. Stay tuned to KRBC for the latest weather information during the day and tonight ***


Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* A weak disturbance is working across the area this morning and could kick off a few isolated showers or an isolated storm, mainly in the west and northwest sections of the viewing area. As of the time I am blogging this morning, the area is seeing mostly clear conditions. Otherwise, the main event(s) will occur later today and into the overnight period across the viewing area. Strong storm system continues to take shape out west and make its way toward the area. The dryline will push into the area later today and will be the focal point for the first round of showers and thunderstorms across the area. Meanwhile a cold front moves in and eventually the dryline and front will merge and will be the main area for storm development with another round of storms. Thinking is now this will develop into a squall line or a mini complex of rain and thunderstorms moving across Thursday overnight and Friday morning.

* Severe Threat: The Storm Prediction Center has all of West Central Texas outlined in a "slight" risk area for severe thunderstorms for today and tonight. The main threat should be large hail and damaging winds but we can't rule out an isolated tornado as well.

* How Much Rain? Most everyone should see a good inch of rainfall out of this event but there will be some areas that could get a really good soaking out of this. One of our in-house forecast models is saying some isolated spots could see two to three inches of rain. As of this morning, most spots are running between 1.75 to 2.50" below normal on rainfall for 2009.

* Looking Ahead: Clouds will be on the decrease on Saturday and Sunday looks nice as well with highs in the 70s across the Big Country. Weather also looks quiet going into early next week as well with highs in the 70s and low 80s.

* Twitter: Remember you can follow us on twitter anytime for quick 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...

Thunderstorms Ahead:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Rain Chances: A weak disturbance will move across tonight and could kick off an isolated storm in the west and northwest sections of the viewing area. Otherwise, the main event(s) will occur on Thursday and into Thursday night and Friday across the viewing area. Strong storm system continues to take shape out west and make its way toward the area. The dryline will develop and push into the area on Thursday and will be the focal point for the first round of showers and thunderstorms across the area. Meanwhile a cold front moves in and eventually the dryline and front will merge and will be the main area for storm development with a squall line or a mini complex of rain and thunderstorms moving across Thursday overnight and Friday morning.

* Severe Threat: The Storm Prediction Center has all of West Central Texas outlined in a "slight" risk area for severe thunderstorms on Thursday and Thursday night. The main threat should be large hail and damaging winds but we can't rule out an isolated tornado as well. Also we should mention that if the system slows some, there could be some very heavy rain which could cause some minor urban and stream flooding (what typically happens around here when we get a good rain)in spots.

* Looking Ahead: Clouds will be on the decrease on Saturday and Sunday looks nice as well with highs in the 70s across the Big Country. Weather also looks quiet going into early next week as well with highs in the 70s and low 80s.

* Twitter: Remember you can follow us on twitter anytime for quick 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...

Dry Now, Rain Later This Week:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* High pressure continues dominate the weather forecast today and tomorrow across a large part of Texas. Daytime highs today will soar to near 80° and lows tonight will remain in the middle 50s. Same story for tomorrow across the area with the same temperature ranges. Winds will begin to pick up today across the area, but the good news is the winds are coming out of the southeast bringing in moisture.

* Rain Chances: Another strong storm system will take shape to our west and move into the area for Thursday and Friday across the Big Country bring rounds of showers and thunderstorms to the area. The storms could be severe at times, in fact, the Storm Predicition Center already has the entire viewing area under a "slight" risk for severe storms on Thursday and mentions the chance for severe weather on Friday. It looks like another event like we saw this weekend with a line or complex of rain and thunderstorms moving across the area overnight Thursday and into Friday morning across the Big Country. Stay tuned for updates on the event.

* Weekend: Weather looks nice for the weekend with a quick warm-up on Saturday before another front will cool us back down into the lower 70s for Sunday and into Monday.

* Twitter: Remember you can follow us on twitter anytime for quick 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...

Nice Start To The Week:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* A nice start to the week across the area with some high clouds but sunshine will domainte as we get into the day today with highs near 70° in most spots. Lows tonight will drop into the upper 40s with clear conditions.

* High pressure will dominate the weather forecast through the middle of the week. Highs will hold in the 70s with a few 80s in spots and very mild nights with lows in the lower to middle 50s. Breezy conditions will be expect through the week across the Big Country.

* Rain Chances: Models bring a strong storm system into the area over the later half of the week that will bring rounds of showers and thunderstorms from Thursday afternoon through Saturday. Looks like the best rain chances, for now, could be on Friday. The Storm Predicition Center is already noting in theur Day 4-5 outlook that our area could see some severe storms. Stay tuned through the week for updates on the weather event as it develops.

* Wildfire Threat: Right now, the threat has been improved some thanks to the rains over the weekend across West Central Texas. South winds will pick up through the week so the moisture will slowly evaporate. Areas should remain on fire alert! Another chance for rain comes later this week.

* Twitter: Remember you can follow us on twitter anytime for quick 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...

Rain Reports Only So-So

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

The rainfall at Abilene Regional Airport totaled a little over a half inch Saturday night into Sunday morning. Sweetwater picked up a quarter of an inch, up to three quarters of an inch around Breckenridge, but a half inch is a pretty good average across the area.

Maybe we'll see more rain in a few days. We have another chance for thunderstorms both Thursday and Friday.

Temperatures will feel chilly when you step out the door Monday morning, in the mid to upper 40's. Highs will be around 70 Monday afternoon. Wind from the northwest at 10 to 15.

Highs Tuesday through Thursday will be closer to 80 degrees. We'll keep you updated on the chance for rain as we go through the week.