Today (the last day of February) marks the end of Meteorological Winter for Weather guys and gals out there. We like to stick closer to what Mother Nature typically throws our way, meaning that tomorrow is the beginning of Meteorological Spring! Real spring doesn't start until March 20th, at 6:02am, of course.
"Grab an Extra Blanket" Kind of Nights:
Normal low for this time of the year sits in the upper 40s -- 47° to be exact. We'll be running about 10° to 15° BELOW the normal over the next several nights, as lows approach the freeze mark in the Brazos Valley. Here's a look at the temperatures we're expecting by sunlight Friday morning:
While many of us won't officially see 32° -- there is still a chance for some light, patchy frost to form early in the morning. Be sure to take the precautions now for any tender vegetation in those early Spring gardens and the furry, outdoor pets as we'll continue on this cold and frosty train through the weekend.
March Comes in Like a Lamb:
A quiet start to the month of March, although -- keeping up with our theme -- a chilly one.
Another cold front is expected to ride through a northerly flow, in the upper-levels of the atmosphere, and arrive during the day on Friday. Many of us failed to reach the low 60s today, and this next front is insurance to keep those afternoon highs in the 50s.
Much like with our forecast lows, our afternoon highs will be BELOW the normal as well. Normal high for this time of the year: 68°. Friday / Saturday highs will run that 10° to 15° cooler than normal as well.
Friday High Clouds:
Sunshine should start your Friday, and will help to warm us up a bit / melt any of that early morning
frost that may form.
The afternoon hours will bring a return to a deck of high clouds as our latest push of cold air settles into the Brazos Valley.
The latest PinPoint Computer Forecast Model even hints at a very slight chance of an isolated shower / elevated thunderstorm by the end of business tomorrow. While it isn't very likely, it's not totally out of the question as a weak disturbance rides through the upper-level flow. Should an elevated storm form, brief rain and a few claps of thunder could occur -- but again, with only a 10% shot, don't bet the farm on that being a part of your Friday afternoon.
-- Meteorologist Shel Winkley
