Volume 17 Number 10.2 October 22, 2004

The third week of October felt a lot like summer for the state of Texas. A high pressure system settled over the state, and temperatures soared as a result. Precipitation was minimal, as well, with only six first-order stations recording any precipitation. Galveston was the only station that received measurable rainfall (0.52” from the 17-19^th) during the week. Temperatures across the state were in the upper 80s and 90s, and several stations broke records. Austin, College Station, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Waco were all at least 10°F above their average daily temperatures.

Forecast for the Week

For the week of October 22^nd: A cold front is forecast to move across the state this weekend, lowering the record-breaking temperatures of the past week. The western half of the state will have little-to-no chance of rain following the frontal passage, and temperatures will be in the 70s during the day. Lows will be in the 50s out west. The eastern part of the state, including the South Central, North Central, and Edwards Plateau regions, will have 30-40% chances of precipitation on the weekend, and temperatures will cool to the 80s with lows in the 60s. Through the middle of next week, precipitation chances will be 10-20% for most of the state.

(Forecast material obtained from the National Weather Service)

Monthly Outlook for November 2004: From the Climate Prediction Center, the High Plains and Low Rolling Plains region, as well as the counties in the Trans Pecos region that border New Mexico, will have a 33% chance of below normal temperatures. The portion of the High Plains region extending north and west from Lubbock will have a 40% chance of below normal temperatures. The rest of the state will have equal chances of above or below normal temperatures. The entire state has equal chances of above or below normal precipitation.

Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon (State Climatologist)

Michael Hammer (Undergraduate Assistant)