Grab your kite and head outside, Friends. Winds are back in a big way as we kick off the start of this first full week of March. March brings Spring. Spring brings wind. And that is exactly what we are looking for in our latest forecast.
Two Systems to Watch
We've got our eyes fixed on two separate upper-level lows this week. One of which has already started to change the weather here in the Brazos Valley (as I type this, I can hear the wind whip over the metal roof here at KBTX).
System #1: This is what helped raise highs from the mid-50s on Saturday to the low 70s this Sunday afternoon. Monday, a south to southwest wind really whips up which will nudge highs into the upper 70s / low 80s across our area. Check out the warmth across the state -- especially Laredo who's looking at a forecast high of 96°!
While we don't anticipate the record to fall -- it's not 100% out of the question that it can't be reached tomorrow -- depending on just how gusty those southwest winds turn out. The record for Bryan / College Station for March 4th is 85° set 75 years ago in 1938. We'll be on record watch...
By Tuesday, the winds stay with us...but switch direction. Our next cold front sweeps through the area by the time you are starting your day, which will bring back more mild and seasonable temperatures. With NNW winds gusting upwards of 30mph and ushering in dry air, the relative humidity is forecasted to tank below 25% -- which will increase the fire danger 10 fold. Fully expect most (if not all) of the Brazos Valley to be under a Red Flag Warning Tuesday afternoon.
It's best to stay on alert and leave any outdoor burning out of your plans until Wednesday.
System #2: It'll take some time to get here, but if you've been looking for some measurable rainfall or have weekend plans, you'll want to keep tabs on the forecast. This next system in queue for us could be the best chance for rain we've seen in over two week. Details to come later on that...
Topsy-Turvy Weather:
Get used to Spring and Winter fighting it out. They do it every year, and the outcome is always the same. Winter gets a few good jabs in during the month of March, but Spring always wins out and we head for warmer hills.
As you look at this week's forecast, it's best too look at it from where we've been and where it looks like we are headed. Wardrobe confused yet?
-- Meteorologist Shel Winkley
