Turning Down The Rain Chances & Turning Up The Heat:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* No thunderstorms in the Big Country this morning. The overnight complex developed a litle further south and is moving through Southeast New Mexico and the Permian Basin and West Texas this morning. These storms are moving southeast away from the Big Country and down toward the Concho Valley and Edwards Plateau.

* Mostly cloudy this morning then becoming partly cloudy today with highs in the lower 90s. It will be quite humid and expect one to two thunderstorms to pop up in the area later today. Models develop a complex of storms to the north and west again tonight so will mention rain in the forecast for tonight with lows in the middle
70s.

* Weekend: Partly cloudy and humid with isolated thunderstorms possible for Saturday and early on Sunday. Highs will climb into the middle 90s and lows in the middle to lower 70s.

* Next Week: Ridge builds eastward which brings an end to the rain chances for the Big County and reminds us this is still summer in West Central Texas. Highs in the upper 90s and low 100s with overnight lows in the lower to middle 70s.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastest 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.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick severe weather updates and other random weather information 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 weekend...

More Storms Expected Tonight

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

The storms this morning packed a punch as they moved through - high wind being the main severe weather parameter. Numerous tree limbs were downed around the area. In Potosi, a carport was left twisted and mangled.

Will we see more storms? I believe we will, late this afternoon, tonight, and once again on Friday morning, possibly Friday afternoon. And we will even have enough moisture and instability around this weekend that isolated storms are possible during the afternoon heat both Saturday and Sunday.

Temperatures near 70 tonight, near 90 Friday, near 73 Friday night, near 96 on Saturday and Sunday.

Thursday Morning Forecast Update:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Quick update as I am running a little behind getting the forecast package for Abilene Today ready due to the severe weather. Complex of showers and thunderstorms will continue to move eastward and southeastward this morning. As of 4:30 AM, the severe threat has pretty much shifted east of the viewing area but a few strong storms and some heavy rain in areas remain possible.

* A frontal boundary dropping into the area will fire off more storms later today across the Big Country during the day today, especially if we see some peeks of sunshine later on. There is a slight risk for severe weather today, mainly south of Interstate 20 with the main threat being damaging winds. Highs today between 85-90.

* Another complex of storms is forecasted to develop to the north and west and roll into the Big Country overnight tonight and early on Friday morning. Heavy rain and strong storms are possible. Lows tonight in the middle and upper 60s.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastest 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.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates 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...

More Rain & Storms:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Showers and thunderstorms will continue to more south and eastward this morning across the Big Country. the rain extends well back into the South Plains so we'll see rain and maybe some storms for the next several hours across the area.

* Expect some sunshine to pop out by the afternoon but we could see a storm or two develop in the late afternoon and early evening. Highs today in the upper 80s and lower 90s thanks the rain. Expect another complex of storms to develop to our northwest and work southeastward overnight and arrive in the Big Country early Thursday morning. Locally heavy rain is possible. Overnight lows in the upper 60s and lower 70s.

* Expect rain chances in the forecast through at least Friday. Temperatures will be below normal for a few days, with highs in the upper 80s and lower 90s. Then we will slowly begin to warm back up as we head toward the weekend into the middle and upper 90s.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastest 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.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates 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...

Holding Out for More Rain

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

So far, the rain has been aiming at a few certain counties, so it seems. Eastland County has been the biggest beneficiary of rain the past 24 hours, along with counties north of I-20 here in the Big Country.

There is still ample opportunity for rain this week, now in the forecast through Saturday.

Storms are expected to move across the area tonight (Tues) and be scattered during the day on Wednesday.

It appears are best chance for rain and storms is Thursday when yet another front moves into the area. The front lingers into Friday, keeping our opportunity for rain alive.

Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance for rain/storms. Low 75.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy to partly cloudy with a 40 percence chance for storms. High 95.
Wednesday Night: Scattered showers and storms, low of 75.
Thursday: Thunderstorms and rain showers expected, high of 85.
Friday: Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance for storms.
Saturday: Partly cloudy with a 30 percent chance for storms.

Heat, Humidity & T-Storms:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* An area of light to moderate rain continues to move across the eastern counties of the Big Country this morning. The heavier rain is up in Southwest Oklahoma and Northwest Texas. This band of rain will slowly continue to dissipate this morning. Expect a little less cloud cover today but we still have a chance for an isoalted thunderstorm or two this afternoon. Highs today expected to be in the middle 90s and lows tonight into the lower 70s.

* Another complex of thunderstorms will develop across the High Plains tonight and drop into Texas. This complex will end up in the Big Country overnight and the early morning hours on Tuesday. Expect decent rain chances on Wednesday as well as a front drifts into the area.

* Expect rain chances in the forecast through at least Friday. Temperatures will be slightly below normal for a few days, then we will slowly begin to warm back up as we head toward the weekend into the middle and upper 90s.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastest 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.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates 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 Tuesday...

Rain in the Forecast

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

Monday Afternoon Update: Rain will stay in my forecast each day this week. Timing of disturbances will be the main forecast issue. We won't see rain constantly, probably about once a day for most areas, but the majority of the KRBC viewing area should get wet at one point or another this week.

I'm going with a 30 percent chance for rain Monday night, 20 percent Tuesday, 40 percent Tuesday night and 40 percent Wednesday with around 30 percent the rest of the week.

It's going to be hot and humid again Tuesday and very muggy with warm temperatures the rest of the week.

Scattered Thundestorms To Start The Week:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* An area of light rain continues to move across the northern counties of the Big Country this morning. The heavier rain is up in Southwest Oklahoma and Northwest Texas. This band of rain will slowly continue to dissipate this morning. An outflow boundard from this complex will work down into the Big Country this morning. This boundary will be a focal point for thunderstorms later today. Highs today expected to be near 90. Expect a mixture of sun and clouds, with more clouds than sunshine.

* Another complex of thunderstorms will develop across the High Plains tonight and drop into Texas. This complex could end up in the Big Country overnight and the early morning hours on Tuesday. Lows tonight in the lower 70s.

* Expect rain chances in the forecast through at least Friday. Temperatures will be slightly below normal for a few days, then we will slowly begin to warm back up as we head toward the weekend.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastest 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.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates 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...

A Rainy Week Ahead

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

We have numerous chances for rain and thunderstorms all this week, starting tonight and continuing through Friday. By the end of the week, most of the KRBC viewing area will have received beneficial rains.

While we should see storms Sunday night and Monday, they won't be as numerous on Tuesday.

Wednesday and Thursday are the two days when we stand the best chance for showers and storms, some which may produce locally heavy rain. We could see some flash flooding situations as we get to the middle of the week.

As for "when" they can happen, just about anytime. Storms will be more prevalent from evenings through overnight and into the early mornings. A few storms may also briefly become severe with high wind the primary threat.

Stay tuned to KRBC for weather updates or check our blog and website, www.bigcountryhomepage.com.

Quick Warm & Dry Pattern, Rain Next Week:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Scattered showers have developed across the Big Country this morning thanks the low level jet across the region. So through mid-morning, there could be a few sprikles in spots, othewise cloudy. As we head into the midday and afternoon hours, the low level jet will weaken as the ridge takes control. Clouds will break and temperatures will warm up into the lower and middle 90s. Lows tonight in the lower
70s.

* The ridge will remain in control of the forecast into Saturday as well pushing temperatures into the upper 90s under a mostly sunny sky. The ridge will shift back westward Sunday which will put the Big Country back under a northwesterly flow. This will allow a weak front to drop down here by Sunday which will help get an isolated storm or two going Sunday and Monday.

* Next Week: The northwesterly flow will help complexes of storms to form over Colorado, New Mexico and Oklahoma. These complexes will drop south and southeast in the mean flow which means more rain for the area. Also cooler temperatures expected once again in the lower 90s.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastest 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.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates 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...

Warmer and Drier Next Two Days

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ....

A few showers were lingering around the area Thursday afternoon, and a few showers may develop into the evening, but this round of rain is just about over.

The next rainy spell, however, is just around the bend, with showers possible again as early as Sunday.

Temperatures Friday and Saturday will be warmer than they have been the past couple of days. I'm forecasting 93 on Friday and 99 on Saturday. Saturday should be our hottest day for a while.

Sunday, a cold front approaches from the north, so a slight chance for rain returns but temperatures should still make at least 90 degrees.

By Monday, with a front in the area and upper level disturbances dropping in from the north, we stand a better chance for thunderstorms on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

That being said, it appears July begins on a very hot note but ends with below normal temperatures and rainy weather, which we need.

Rain Continues This Morning:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Scattered showers and a few isolated thunderstorms will continue across the Big Country this morning. The best rain chances will be this morning but there could still be a few isolated showers or a thunderstorms later today. Pretty much cloudy today with some sunshine peeking out by late afternoon. Highs in the lower to middle 80s thanks to clouds and rain but if sunshine come sout a bit early, a few spots may creep toward 90. Lows tonight in the middle 60s with partly cloudy conditions.

* The weather pattern will chance slightly for Friday and Saturday as the ridge out west starts to push a bit eastward bringing us much warmer weather. With mostly sunny conditons, highs will climb into the upper 90s. The ridge will shift back westward and rain chacnes will return for Sunday and early next week.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastest 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.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates 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...

More Welcomed Rain

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner.....

I'm writing this update at 3:10pm on Wednesday and watching Triple Doppler radar continue to show a line of thunderstorms stretching from Lubbock to Sweetwater to south of San Angelo, marching east.

Storms will affect Abilene and the majority of the KRBC viewing area throughout the evening. Locally heavy downpours in some storms may produce flash flooding. The main threat from the storms is heavy rain and gusty wind but no tornadoes are expected.

After off and on rain tonight, we should see a gradual decrease in rain early Thursday then transition into a couple of typical summer days Friday and Saturday, hot and dry.

By Sunday, another frontal system approaches form the north, clouds increase, chance for rain returns by Sunday and temperatures drop again as a result.

Wednesday Night: Rain likely, mid to upper 60's.
Thursday: Morning rain, then partly cloudy, high near 90.
Friday: Mostly sunny and 96.
Saturday: Partly cloudy, 97-100.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy, slight chance for rain, low to mid 90's.

More Thunderstorms & Cooler Temperatures:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Scattered showers and thunderstorms this morning across eastern New Mexico and far West Texas will work their way eastward and southeastward this morning. Most of the rain from this complex should be across the western counties but we will mention rain chances for today across all the area. Another (and probably the best chance) round of storms will move across the area tonight and into the day on Thursday. Expect a mostly cloudy day with cooler temperatures in the middle to 80s today and tomorrow and lows in the upper 60s.

* The weather pattern will chance slightly for the end of the week and the early part of the weekend. With mostly sunny conditons, highs will climb into the upper
90s. Another cool down by late weekend and early into next week with scattered storms again possible.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastest 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.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates 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...

Still Looks Rainy !!

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ...

I can get used to hearing thunder and smelling the freshness of rain to start my day everyday. It has been nice to see our drought plagued area getting some much needed rain and feeling some temperatures that aren't too bad for this time of July.

I'm keeping rain in your forecast Wednesday and Thursday. Like we've seen in past days, there should be an area of thunderstorms develop in eastern New Mexico or Texas Panhandle Tuesday afternoon and move south into our area overnight, with the western counties of the Big Country more in line to see the best chance for rain.

We also have a cold front draped roughly along I-20 this Tuesday afternoon which can also serve as a focal point for storms.

The front, combined with another uppper level disturbance, should bring our best chance for rain and thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday night across the majority of the Big Country. The rain will continue into Thursday before ending by Thursday night.

Temperatures will stay below normal Wednesday and Thursday, in the upper 80's, but warm back to the 90's Friday and Saturday.

I'm going ahead with a good chance for storms again on Sunday through next Tuesday.

More Storms This Morning & Afternoon:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue to drop south from Texoma, the South Plains and the Red River Valley and into the Big Country this morning. Expect cloudy intervals this morning with clouds breaking some this afternoon. A few isolated storms are possible later this afternoon and tonight. Highs today in the lower 90s with lows tonight in the upper 60s.

* Expect daily rain chances into at least thursday. Looks like the main threat will be storm complexes dropping in from the north and northwest. There will also be a weak front in the area late Tuesday and Wednesday. Drying out and turning a bit hotter by weeks end before another cool down by the late weekend.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastest 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.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates 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 Tuesday...

Rain Lingers in the Forecast

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ....

I loved the weather today !! Are you kidding me? Temperatures in the low 80's!! Rain !!
It doesn't get much better than this in July. And the good news (for most) is that the rain stays in the forecast through Thursday.

The pattern we're in will lead to a daily and nightly chance for thunderstorms. The ones in Abilene Monday morning brought another .14 of an inch of rain. Flood advisories were issued for heavier downpours in Coleman and Brown counties. I think the rain will try to come to an end on Thursday, at least for a couple of days. But I'm seeing signs of another rainy pattern trying to set up for early next week, so I'll be tracking that for you all this week here on Bigcountryhomepage.com.

Temperatures Tuesday and Wednesday should continue to be below normal and our chance for rain stays at 30 percent Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Storms possible both night and day.

Scattered Storms:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited...

* Scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue to drop southeastward from the South Plains and into the Big Country this morning. Scattered storms will pop up in random locations across the area this morning ahead of the storm complex moving in from the South Plains. Expect cloudy intervals this morning with clouds breaking some this afternoon. A few isolated storms are possible this morning and tonight. Highs today in the lower to middle 90s with lows tonight in the lower 70s.

* Expect daily rain chances into at least Wednesday night. Looks like the main threat will be storm complexes dropping in from the north and northwest. There will also be a weak front in the area late Tuesday and Wednesday. Drying out and turning a bit hotter by weeks end before another cool down by the late weekend.

* Join us on television this morning for the lastest 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.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates 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...

Rainfall Reports

From KRBC Chief Meteorologist Randy Turner ....

The following rainfall reports have been received here in the KRBC Weather Lab ...

Abilene's Official Amount at Abilene Regional Airport - .70 - total for July 1.17 - total for the year 10.08 - still 2.06 behind normal rainfall in Abilene for 2009.

Dyess Air Force Base - 1.13
2 miles northwest of Ballinger - .45
1 mile southwest of Hamlin - 1.14
Valera in Coleman Co. - .62
O.H. Ivie Reservoir- 1.07
Roscoe - .86

Rain Chances & Cooler Weather This Weekend:

Good Morning from Meteorologist Chris Whited....

* Pattern change here for the weekend. Temperatures will drop back into the lower
90s this weekend with overnight lows in the lower 70s. As the ridge has slipped westward slips westward, the clockwise flow around the high will bring a northerly to northwesterly flow across the area. This pattern brings a weak cold front into the area tonight and early Saturday.

* Rain: The front will help enhance rain chances for the area. Also, a moisture axis that is to our east will shift westward with the high shifting west and with that axis over Texas, storms will develop in the afternoons. The models are also indicating that complexes of storms will develop over the high plains and drift into the area during the overnight hours. Overall message here is much needed rain chances for teh area through the middle of next week.

* Please join us on television this morning for the lastest 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.

* Twitter: You can follow us on twitter anytime for quick weather updates 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...