Volume 17 Number 1.1 January 21, 2004

The week of January 12, 2004 was quite soggy, as numerous weather disturbances made their way across the state. Beginning on the 15^th, low-pressure disturbances trekked across Texas and brought with them unsettled weather, including heavy rain in some areas. Rainfall totals over the 3-day event include Austin- 1.41”, Beaumont/Port Arthur- 2.86”, Corpus Christi- 1.20”, Galveston- 1.51”, Lufkin- 2.10”, and Lubbock- 1.56”. Weather conditions were muggy and temperatures remained in the 60’s from the 15^th to the 17^th.

Monthly Outlook for February 2004: From the Climate Prediction Center, the temperature outlook is as follows: the area west of Lubbock, Midland, El Paso, and a majority of the Trans Pecos region can expect a 33-40% chance of above normal temperatures. From a line east of Tyler, Waco, and Victoria, temperatures have a 33-40% probability of being below normal for the month. The remaining two-thirds of the state have equal chances of average, below average, or above average temperatures.

The entire state of Texas with the exception of the Trans Pecos region has equal chances of receiving above normal, normal, or below normal precipitation for February. The Trans Pecos region has a 33-40% probability of below normal rainfall.

Forecast for the Week

For the week of January 19, 2004:

North Central, South Central, and the Trans Pecos regions can expect high temperatures in the 50’s through Saturday. Sunday will bring warmer temperatures to the state. Low temperatures will be in the 30’s in North Texas and Trans Pecos, and 40’s in the South Central region of Texas. A chance of showers and thunderstorms remains in the forecast until Sunday when clearing is expected.

In the High Plains and Low Rolling Plains regions, highs in the 40’s and lows in the 20’s are expected. Showers and thunderstorms will be in the forecast Thursday and Friday. High will warm to the 50’s by Sunday.

The Southern and Upper Coastal regions will have high temperatures in the 60’s, and lows in the 50’s. A decent chance of rain remains in the forecast from Thursday through Saturday.

(Forecast material obtained from the National Weather Service)

Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon (State Climatologist)

Kelsey Curtiss (graduate Assistant)