Severe Thunderstorms to Yield to Near-Freezing Temperatures

SAN ANGELO – Residents in West Central Texas are advised to brace for a dramatic weather shift as severe thunderstorms threaten the area before making way for near-freezing temperatures in the upcoming days.

Currently, areas north of a Sterling City to Cross Plains line are experiencing showers accompanied by a few thunderstorms, albeit sub-severe. However, gusty winds exceeding 40 mph intermittently are observed. The atmosphere is ripe for further storm development, fueled by ample moisture at various atmospheric levels, residual surface boundaries from prior convection, and the persistent inflow of shortwave energy aloft. While the ongoing activity is not expected to escalate to severe levels, the possibility remains, with some storms nearing the severe threshold.

Following the passage of these storms eastward, a temporary respite from the turbulent weather is anticipated, extending through the evening hours. However, later tonight, a more defined shortwave is projected to advance from the west, coinciding with the westward retreat of a surface dryline into the western Concho Valley and Northern Edwards Plateau regions. This convergence of atmospheric features is poised to reignite thunderstorm activity, particularly late tonight and into the early hours of Friday, primarily east of an Abilene to San Angelo to Ozona line. Once again, the combination of abundant moisture, instability, and favorable shear could foster the development of severe storms, with large hail, damaging winds, and even isolated tornadoes posing as primary hazards.

Looking ahead into the long term, Friday will witness the departure of any lingering shower and thunderstorm activity as an upper-level trough traverses the Southern Plains, ushering in a cold front that will sweep southward across the forecast area. This frontal passage will introduce much cooler temperatures accompanied by brisk north winds. Highs will range from the low to mid-60s across the Big Country to the upper 60s to mid-70s elsewhere. Subsequent to the front's passage, temperatures are expected to steadily decline, with overnight lows dipping into the mid to upper 30s, resulting in wind chill values in the upper 20s to lower 30s.

Saturday will see continued cool temperatures, with highs in the upper 50s to lower 60s. Sunday morning holds the promise of near-freezing temperatures, particularly in low-lying areas and river valleys, with lows dipping into the low to mid-30s.

However, a gradual warming trend is anticipated from Sunday into the middle of next week, with highs rebounding into the 60s on Sunday and climbing back into the 70s by Monday. By Wednesday, temperatures are forecasted to soar into the low to mid-80s.