Friday, December 23, 2016

Spring-like Christmas

Forecast Discussion
Hello folks! I hope you all are fans of cloudy, intermittently wet, and balmy conditions because that’s the pattern we are going to be stuck in for the next 5-7 days. Temperatures will be climbing well above average for this time of year thanks to a warm, moist southerly wind flow off of the Gulf of Mexico. Average high/low for this time of year in Austin is 63°F/42°F.

As of 3 p.m. Friday afternoon, temperatures have climbed into the 60s and even lower 70s in a few spots that have received a bit more in the way of sunshine. Southerly winds will continue to increase over the coming days in response to a storm system digging south across the western half of the nation. This storm system will graze the area Christmas Day (Sunday) into Monday and may help to generate some slightly higher rainfall opportunities across the area, especially as a weak frontal boundary stalls near central Texas.

Highs will rebound into the 70s area wide Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with overnight lows staying quite mild in the 60s (that’s where high temperatures should be for this time of year).
While rainfall chances will be in the forecast for the next 5-7 days, the rain that occurs will not be heavy and/or significant. The Weather Prediction Center’s 1-7 Day Accumulated Rainfall Graphic depicts anywhere from a quarter of an inch to as much as an inch of rain to fall across the area between now and New Year’s Eve.


The Austin/San Antonio National Weather Service Forecast Office released some interesting statistics yesterday,
High temperatures on Christmas for Austin, TX are closer to 80°F than 32°F 60% of the time (1900-2015)
High temperatures on Christmas for San Antonio, TX are closer to 80°F than 32°F 76% of the time (1900-2015)

Colder Weather Possible around New Year’s Eve/Day
Long range forecast models are indicating a return of winter temperatures just in time for New Year’s Eve festivities. I will continue to monitor this trend for forecast model consistency. Remember, despite the spring-like temperatures over the next week, it is still winter.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!



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