Volume 16 Number 7.1 July 18, 2003

The first half of July has been slightly below normal temperature wise, especially pertaining to the Eastern region of the state. Now the weather on the other hand has been quite interesting. The month began with funnel clouds spotted near the Texas coast, as well as a tornado report in Corpus Christi. On the 7^th, a tornado destroyed 2 buildings and caused damage to homes in Wharton County. The 10^th and 11^th of the month brought numerous reports of hail and wind damage to Texas.

The most significant weather event of this month has been Hurricane Claudette. Texas watched this storm for 9 days as it made its way into the Gulf of Mexico and eventually made landfall in Matagorda Bay on the 15^th. This hurricane was classified as a Category 1 storm, but due to unofficial reports of sustained winds of 97 mph, and a wind gust of 111 mph at Seadrift, Texas, this is proof that Claudette could have possibly been a Category 2 storm. Texans were thankful that this was a quick moving storm, as a slower moving storm would have caused unbelievable flooding and damage. Wind damage was most significant along the Texas coast where the storm first came inland. The storm continued to move in a westerly direction and into Arizona and New Mexico by the 17^th.

Forecast for the Week

For the week of July 21: The summer pattern seems to be kicking in for a majority of this week. Warm and mainly dry conditions will consume the state this week. Temperatures will be in the 90’s across the state with the exception of the Trans Pecos region which could easily see highs in the 100’s. Low temperatures will be in the 70’s for the most part. A slight chance of precipitation remains for most regions throughout the week. There is talk of a cold front sweeping across the state in the latter portion of the week, which will lower temperatures and dew points slightly.

(Forecast material obtained from the National Weather Service)

Monthly Outlook for August 2003

From the Climate Prediction Center: The majority of the state, with the exception of the northern Trans Pecos, and northwestern edge of the High Plains region can expect equal chances of above normal, normal, or below normal temperatures. The northern Trans Pecos and northwestern High Plains regions can expect a 0-5% probability of temperatures above normal for the month of August. The entire state of Texas has an equal probability of experiencing above normal, normal, or below normal precipitation.

Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon (State Climatologist)

Kelsey Curtiss (Undergraduate Assistant)