Volume 16 Number 9.2 September 18, 2003

The week of September 8^th, 2003 had only a few severe weather events to mention. On the 9^th, 1.75 inch hail was reported in Yoakum County as well as 60 and 62 mph thunderstorm gusts in Hartley County. Instability increased as a cold front approached, which contributed to weather events this week.

The following day, the 10^th, there was hail of up to 2.75 inches in diameter reported in Scurry County, as well as a 60 mph thunderstorm gust in Ochiltree County. Two very impressive thunderstorm gusts occurred on the 11^th, with 85 mph in Jeff Davis County, and 83 mph in San Patricio County.

Temperatures began the week quite mild across the state with highs generally in the 80’s. A slight warming trend evolved as the week progressed, and temperatures crept back into the 90’s.

Forecast for the Week

For the week of September 22: Looking ahead after the passage of the cold front…high temperatures in the Panhandle will be in the middle 70’s and lows in the middle 40’s. The remainder of the state should expect high temperatures in the low 80’s and lows in the upper 50’s to lower 60’s, with the exception of the Upper Texas Coast, with lows in the lower 70’s. The chance of precipitation on Monday should diminish after the passage of the front.

(Forecast material obtained from the National Weather Service)

Monthly Outlook for October 2003: From the Climate Prediction Center, the entire state of Texas with the exception of the extreme western tip of Texas has an equal chance of experiencing normal, above normal, or below normal precipitation. The city of El Paso is included in a 0-5% probability of below normal precipitation.

The western portion of the Trans Pecos region of Texas has a 0-5% probability of experiencing above normal temperatures. Regions including Edwards Plateau, Low Rolling Plains, High Plains, Southern, Lower Valley, South Central, Upper Coast, East, and North Central have equal chances of experiencing above normal, normal, or below normal temperatures.

Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon (State Climatologist)

Kelsey Curtiss (Undergraduate Assistant)