Volume 17 Number 4.2 April 19, 2004

The second week of April saw much warmer, drier weather than the previous week. Clear skies dominated most of the state as a high pressure system moved over the area. Following rain on Monday, only a trace of rainfall was seen in the first-order stations. Temperatures soared as highs all over the state rose from 50s and 60s on Monday to the upper 70s and 80s by Friday. Over the weekend, temperatures even reached the lower 90s in the Panhandle.

Forecast for the Week

For the week of April 19, 2004: Warmer, more humid weather is in the forecast for most of the state during the third week of April. Clouds will be prevalent everywhere, especially in the eastern half of the state where clouds will increase throughout the week. The Upper Coast, North Central, East, and South Central Texas have chances of showers for the entire week with precipitation probabilities running from 10 to 50%. The Coastal Bend, Southern, and Lower Valley regions will see partly to mostly cloudy skies all week, but the chance of rain will be minimal. Friday appears to be the day with the greatest chance for precipitation across the state. Temperatures will remain warm throughout the week. In North Central Texas, highs will be the upper 70s to lower 80s all week while South Central Texas and the Upper Coast will see highs in the lower to mid 80s. Lows throughout these regions will be in the 60s. Further south, highs could get up to the lower 90s while lows will stay in the 70s.

(Forecast material obtained from the National Weather Service)

MAY 2004 OUTLOOK

From the Climate Prediction Center: The month of May 2004 looks to be wetter and warmer for large portions of the state. The High Plains, Trans Pecos, Low Rolling Plains, Edwards Plateau, and the western counties of North Central Texas can look for a 33% chance of above normal precipitation. The area of the High Plains region in between Lubbock and Midland will have a 40% chance of experiencing above normal rainfall. The eastern portion of the state will have equal chances of precipitation being normal, above, or below normal. There will also be a 33% chance of above normal temperatures for regions on the east side of Interstate 35 running from Dallas to San Antonio, as well as the entire border between Texas and Mexico. The rest of Texas can expect equal chances of normal, above or below normal temperatures for the month.

Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon (State Climatologist)

Michael Hammer(Undergraduate Assistant)