Big weather changes are on the way for North and Central Texas over the next several days. An arctic cold front is moving quickly through the Texas Panhandle at this time and will sweep across the region this evening and tonight. This frontal timing is significantly faster than previously thought, and this is one of the biggest changes to the forecast. We still expect freezing rain to occur over the northwestern and western counties Friday, but with the earlier frontal arrival, the freezing rain will begin in our northwestern counties as early as tonight; possibly before daybreak. After the light freezing rain Friday and Friday night, the other change is sleet will now occur as early as Saturday night through early Monday morning. The greatest potential for accumulating frozen precipitation (sleet) is still on Sunday and much of North and Central Texas could be affected by this round of winter weather. A set of images has been included to graphically depict the areas and timing. > BOTTOM LINE > > Winter precipitation is possible over portions of North Texas early Friday morning through Monday, causing some impacts to roads, particularly west of Interstate 35/35W. > > An arctic cold front will sweep across the region this evening and tonight. Temperatures will fall sharply behind the front; as much as a 20 degree drop is possible within the first 30-60 mins behind the frontal passage. Strong north winds of 15 to 25 mph with higher gusts will occur behind the front. By daybreak, temperatures across the region will vary from near 30 degrees in the northwest to the upper 40s in the southeast; however, wind chill readings will be in the teens to lower 30s. Much of the region will remain in the 30s throughout the day on Friday. The cold airmass will remain in place throughout the weekend and early next week. > > As the cold front moves through the region, a line of showers and storms will develop along the front. A few of the storms could be strong to marginally severe producing hail and gusty winds. Otherwise, a chilly rain is expected in many areas of North and Central Texas on Friday and Friday night. > > > In areas northwest of a Gainesville to Mineral Wells to Comanche line, light freezing rain is possible on Friday. The rain could turn to freezing rain as early as 4 am tonight northwest of a Bowie to Stephenville line. On Friday night and Saturday morning, light freezing rain will be possible west of a line from Sherman to Weatherford to Lometa line. Due to warm ground temperatures, most of this ice should be confined to elevated surfaces, limiting widespread impacts on roads. > > Another round of precipitation is expected area-wide Saturday night into early Monday. This precipitation is likely to fall as sleet or a rain/sleet mix. Significant sleet accumulation may occur, mainly on bridges, overpasses, and a few secondary roads with the most likely locations to receive accumulating sleet along and west of a line from Comanche to Weatherford to Gainesville. Some rain mixed with sleet will likely also fall farther east to a Killeen-Corsicana-Canton line Sunday night, perhaps producing slick spots on elevated surfaces. > > As is usually the case, there is still considerable uncertainty regarding the exact evolution of the temperature profiles across our area this weekend. This affects the degree of confidence we have in this winter weather scenario. > > Emergency Management, elected officials, school safety officials, storm spotters, transportation, or anyone responsible for public safety should closely monitor the weather for the Friday through Monday time period. Be prepared to activate your winter weather plans. >
Posted on: Thu, 21 Nov 2013 19:17:25 +0000
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