Weather conditions are quiet across the region on this Friday. Wednesday night’s very wet pattern ended early Thursday morning as the remnant circulation of Pamela pushed east into the Gulf of Mexico. All eyes are now focused on a strong autumn cold front that is quickly pressing south through the state. This cold front will be bringing a blast of cooler air that looks to remain across the area through the middle of next week.
As of noon Friday, the cold front stretched from just east of Dallas, to near Burnet, Rocksprings, and Del Rio. Behind the front across West and Northwest Texas, the wind was out of the north at 15-25 mph and temperatures were in the 60s. The cold front is forecast to reach the Austin and Interstate 35 corridor in the early afternoon, the La Grange area around 3-4 pm, and the middle Texas coast just after sunset. No rain is expected along the front when it crosses Central Texas. However, there will be a slight chance for a few spotty showers or isolated thunderstorms as the front approaches and moves through the Interstate 10 corridor. Rain amounts, if any, should only total around a tenth of an inch.
Mostly sunny, breezy and cooler weather can be expected this afternoon as the front moves through the area. Look for north winds to increase to a range of 10-20 mph. Temperatures ahead of the front are predicted to warm into the mid and upper 80s. But behind the front, readings will fall through the 70s. Clear, breezy and noticeably cooler weather is forecast Friday night. Lows Saturday morning will range from the upper 40s across the Hill Country, to the mid-50s across the coastal plains. Expect north strong winds at 10-20 mph, with occasional gusts to 30 mph.
Sunny, cool and fantastic fall weather is forecast across the region and the state this weekend as a large dome of Canadian high pressure settles to the south. A good north breeze of 10-15 mph is forecast through late Saturday afternoon. Wind speeds are expected to decrease to just 5-10 mph Saturday night and Sunday. The combination of a clear sky and light winds Saturday and Sunday nights will allow the temperature to cool off nicely.
- Lows Sunday and Monday mornings will include the low and mid-40s across the Hill Country, the mid and upper 40s across Central Texas and be near 48-50 degrees across the coastal plains. Many low spots across the Hill Country will likely see readings dip into the 30s.
- High temperatures Saturday and Sunday will generally be in the low and mid-70s.
Sunny and pleasant weather is forecast Monday through Wednesday. Both daytime and nighttime temperatures will be a little warmer as light southerly breezes return to the region.
- High temperatures Monday will be in the upper 70s, warming to the low 80s for Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Lows Tuesday morning will be in the low and mid-50s.
- Lows Wednesday morning will be in the upper 50s to low 60s.
Some changes in the weather are forecast for next Thursday and Friday when a Pacific cold front pushes south into Texas out of the Plains states. Moisture returning ahead of the front is expected to cause a few light showers and isolated thunderstorms Thursday afternoon into Friday morning. Rain amounts are forecast to average around a quarter inch, with a few isolated higher totals. High temperatures Thursday and Friday will be in the low and mid-80s, with low temperatures in the 60s.
Partly cloudy and dry weather is forecast next Saturday. However, another chance for rain and thunderstorms is forecast to develop next Sunday when a second and slightly stronger cold front pushes south through the area. High temperatures will fall to around 80 degrees, with lows in the upper 50s to low 60s.
Tropical Weather Outlook
Weather conditions are quiet across the tropical Atlantic, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.
National Hurricane Center forecasters are monitoring the area more than 500 miles southeast of Bermuda where an elongated area of low pressure located is beginning to merge with a larger mid-latitude trough. While earlier satellite wind data indicated this system was producing gale force winds, the associated shower and thunderstorm activity remains disorganized. Strong upper-level winds are expected to prevent additional tropical development of this system as it accelerates to the east-northeast over the next several days. NHC forecasters are giving this system a zero chance for tropical development over the next 5 days.
Elsewhere, there are no systems in place which pose a threat for tropical development over the next 5 days.
International Observe the Moon Night 2021
Saturday, October 16th, is International Observe the Moon Night. NASA started the event in 2010 to help instill a sense of awe in our closest cosmic neighbor and to inspire us to learn more about its history and science. International Observe the Moon Night is normally scheduled for a Saturday in September or October, as close to a first-quarter phase as possible. This Saturday, the Moon will be waxing gibbous, several days past first quarter. Scheduling the event for a first-quarter Moon in the fall means that it’s high enough in the late afternoon or evening sky, when it’s already sufficiently dark for observing — people don’t have to stay up until the wee hours of the morning, and younger observers don’t have to miss their bedtimes (or the experience). The waxing gibbous Moon is perfect for observing craters, valleys, and ridges, especially near the terminator — that’s the line between the lit and unlit portions of the Moon — where you see these features in dramatic contrast. During a full Moon, the Sun shines directly onto the lunar surface, washing out most features.
The best thing about the Moon is that to enjoy it you need do nothing else than step outside and look up. Even in urban environments, you can see detail on the Moon’s surface. And no matter what you use to observe the Moon, you’ll find things to keep you busy for quite a while.
Have a great fall weekend!
Bob
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