SW LA/SE TX Winter 2013-2014

[vbhoutex]

Woke up to light rain and 43f this am. Just emptied the rain gauge with 1.01" in it from overnight. That and over an inch earlier this week makes over 2" so far this month which is more than we had in the last 2 months. We still need more to stay out of drought but it is a good start though.

[vbhoutex]

And the cold just keeps on coming. Jeff Lindner's latest.

Late season cold front plowing toward the area this evening.

Strong cold front will cross SE TX prior to sunrise Wednesday with a dramatic increase in wind speeds Wednesday morning. North winds will increase into the 25-30mph range with gust to 40mph as strong 925mb winds mix to the surface. Gust across the coastal bend and along the I-35 corridor could be even stronger. RH values will tumble during the morning hours with strong cold air advection throughout the day. Tempers starting in the mid 50’s will only warm into the low to mid 60’s even with sunny skies and that now higher March sun angle. RH values fall to near 35-40% Wednesday afternoon and with gusty winds we are very near critical fire weather conditions. Think most regional grasses have started the spring green-up and widespread wetting rains last week have helped wet fine fuels. With that said areas west of I-45 and especially around Matagorda Bay are still very dry and with the strong winds fire danger will be increased. Areas west of I-45 are very borderline for Red Flag Warning conditions and a slightly lower afternoon RH or higher afternoon temperature will be enough to pull the trigger on the warnings early Wednesday. It will be even drier on Thursday, but luckily winds will be much weaker and this should preclude a significant wildfire threat.

Thursday morning lows under clear skies, low dewpoints, and light winds suggest mid to upper 30’s for most areas and would not be surprised the see another freeze in some of the typically colder locations…ie Conroe.

Moisture return begins on Friday with dewpoints starting to climb again sitting the stage for a warm and muggy weekend with scattered showers possible and the return of the pesky sea fog along the coast.