Volume 17 Number 4.1 April 12, 2004

Severe weather was quite prominent across the state of Texas the week of April 5, 2004. The beginning of the week was unstable as a stationary front and low pressure system lingered in the Trans Pecos region of Texas sparking numerous showers and thunderstorms. Hail reports accumulated as the low pressure system slowly trekked eastward. Brewster, Jeff Davis, Reeves, Midland, Edwards, Bastrop, and Williamson Counties reported hail on the 5^th, with the largest report of 4 inch diameter hail from Heath Canyon, in Brewster County. This same system continued to destabilize the atmosphere leading to the development of powerful thunderstorms and severe weather on the 6^th, with tornadoes reported in the Upper Coastal region, in the Victoria vicinity. East Texas was affected by the same system on the 7^th as upwards of 20 hail reports were made to the Storm Prediction Center, with the largest report of 2 inch hail in Gregg County.

Impressive hail of 2.75 inches in diameter occurred again on Friday as a late season cold front moved south across Texas. Severe weather evolved once more on the 10^th, as the cold front caused the development of severe thunderstorms to pound the Montgomery County area with 4.25 inch hail. By Easter Sunday the entire state of Texas had winter-like temperatures generally in the 50’s and rainy conditions.

Forecast for the Week

For the week of April 12, 2004: A cool start to the week will yield beautiful warm conditions toward mid-week with the exit of the current cold front system. Temperatures throughout the state through Tuesday will be on the chilly side with high’s in the 50’s and 60’s and lows ranging from the 30’s in North Texas, to the 50’s in Deep South Texas. By Wednesday a moderating trend will develop with highs more spring-like in the 70’s and 80’s, and lows in the 50’s. This trend will continue through the end of the work week. There are no chances for significant showers or thunderstorms for the entire state after Tuesday.

(Forecast material obtained from the National Weather Service)

Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon (State Climatologist)

Kelsey Curtiss (graduate Assistant)