Volume 17 Number 11.2 November 19, 2004

After a dry beginning to November, the third week brought copious amounts of rainfall to the entire state of Texas. An upper-level low pressure system moved from northern Mexico across the state and caused heavy rainfall and flooding in many areas. From the 14^th-16^th, rainfall totals exceeded 2” in Wichita Falls; over 3” fell in San Antonio, Midland, Lubbock, and Abilene; and more than 4” in Del Rio and San Angelo. Most stations had at least five consecutive days with measurable precipitation. As the system moved, stations in the eastern portion of the state were hit hard as well. From the 16^th-17^th, totals topped 1” in College Station, Dallas, and Galveston; at least 2” fell in Waco and Victoria; Houston recorded over 3”; and Austin had 5.03” in just two days. On the 16^th, tornadoes were reported in Travis, Gillispie, and Bexar Counties, and Harris County reported 4 tornadoes on the 17^th.

Even though there are 11 days remaining in the month, NINE first-order stations have already cracked their top 10 wettest Novembers ever. Del Rio, Lubbock, and Midland already have set new records for monthly rainfall in November with Midland already doubling its previous record of 2.32” set back in 1968. For the month-to-date, Midland has received 4.70” of rain.

Forecast for the Week

For the week of November 19th: The wet weather will continue this weekend for most of the state. North Central Texas will see showers and thunderstorms through Monday with highs in the 60s and lows in the 50s. Further south in the South Central and Upper Coast regions, temperatures will be in the 70s and upper 60s with thunderstorms this weekend and clearing skies next week. To the west in the Edwards Plateau and Trans Pecos regions, a cold front will drop temperatures to the 40s on Monday, but chances of rain are small through next Wednesday. In the Panhandle, highs will drop into the 40s and upper 30s with a chance of snow on Monday. Skies will clear after that, though, with temperatures rebounding into the 50s.

(Forecast material obtained from the National Weather Service)

Monthly Outlook for December 2004:

From the Climate Prediction Center – The wetness appears it will continue next month, as well. The entire state will have at least a 33% chance of above normal precipitation. The area extending from Del Rio to Wichita Falls and eastward will have a 40% chance of above normal precipitation. The entire state will have equal chances of above normal, below normal, or normal temperatures.

Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon (State Climatologist)

Michael Hammer (Undergraduate Assistant)