Volume 15 Number 8.4 August 26, 2002

Last week Texas was characterized by a dry and warm weather pattern, with little rainfall reported statewide. The most significant rainfall totals were from those cities in close proximity to the coast, which is the prime area for the development of afternoon sea-breeze thunderstorms. Victoria reported .83" on August 23^rd, Houston observed .63" on August 22^nd, and Beaumont/Pt.Arthur recorded .89" on August 21^st. The week was also calm for the most part in reference to severe weather occurrences with a handful of hail reports in the Upper Panhandle on August 24^th , and a few high wind reports on August 25^th in North Texas.

Forecast for the Week

For the week of August 26:

Maximum and minimum temperatures can be expected to be normal to a few degrees slightly above normal the entire week.

In the North Central Texas region high temperatures can be expected to range from the low to mid 90's and near 100 west. There is a slight chance of an afternoon thunderstorm the entire week. Low temperatures from the lower to mid 70's can be expected.

Highs in the mid to upper 80's to near 90 will characterize the High Plains region of Texas this week, along with a chance of thunderstorms all week. Lows will range from around 60 to the mid 60's. In the Low Rolling Plains region high temperatures will fluctuate between 92-102 degrees fahrenheit, and lows will range between 63-75 degrees fahrenheit. There is also a chance of thunderstorms on Tuesday.

In South Central Texas, there is a chance of experiencing a shower or thunderstorm during the duration of the week. Also, highs will range from the upper 90's to near 100, and lows will be in the 70's. Highs in the triple digits and lows from 70-75 degrees fahrenheit can be expected in the Trans Pecos region of Texas this week.

Along the Upper Coast region there is a good chance of seeing a shower or thunderstorm during the afternoon hours, as well as experiencing highs from the low to mid 90's, and lows from 65-75 degrees. Record high temperatures will more than likely be broken in the South Texas region this week, with highs ranging from 92 to 106 degrees. Lows will be in the range of 74-82, with a slight chance of a shower or thunderstorm from Thursday through Saturday.

The region of Edwards Plateau will experience high temperatures in the lower triple digits, and lows ranging from 75-80. The hot and dry pattern will prevail this week.

(Forecast material obtained from the National Weather Service)

Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon (State Climatologist)

Kelsey Curtiss (Undergraduate Assistant)