Volume 17 Number 8.1 August 9, 2004

The first week of August was not a typical August for the state of Texas. The first few days were warm and dry as a high-pressure system remained in place over the state. Temperatures hit the triple digits in Austin (101°), Del Rio (102°), Houston (100°), San Angelo (100°), and Wichita Falls (101°). A cold front began to move across the state on the 5^th, dropping temperatures well below their normal values. Highs were in the 80s across the state between the 5^th and the 8^th. On the 6^th, the Low Rolling Plains region saw the heaviest storms with 0.72” of precipitation in Lubbock. There were also several reports of hail, including 2.50” in Lubbock County. As the frontal system moved away, temperatures warmed up slightly on the 8^th, but remained colder than normal. For the first week, all first-order stations except Lubbock and Victoria were below normal for precipitation.

Forecast for the Week

For the week of August 9: Chances for rain will be fairly high through Tuesday as a shortwave trough moves over the state. A cold front is expected to cross the state on Wednesday, and temperatures will cool off significantly. In the eastern half of the state, temperatures will be in the 90s and lows in the 70s with precipitation chances around 40% in the north and as high as 60% in the South Central and Upper Coast regions. Temperatures will cool to the mid-80s as the front passes, but will warm up throughout the remainder of the week. In the western half, temperatures will drop to the high-70s and low-80s with the front, and precipitation chances will remain in the 10-20% range through the end of the week. By Friday, temperatures will be around 90 across the state.

(Forecast material obtained from the National Weather Service)

Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon (State Climatologist)

Michael Hammer (Undergraduate Assistant)