Welcome to the last official day of Winter, Friends.
Record Heat
If you stepped outside Monday afternoon, you realized it didn't quite feel like Winter. Record high temperatures fell across much of Texas, including Austin, San Antonio, Houston and right here in the Bryan / College Station. Our previous record high for March 18th was 87° set back in 1982 and tied in 2011. As of 3:33pm, the thermometer at Easterwood Airport hit 88° changing up the history book. Here's a look at highs across Texas on Monday afternoon:
Our latest cold front has slide on through allowing temperatures to start off in the 50s this morning (a good 10° to 20° COOLER than Monday morning. Afternoon highs are expected to top off in the mid 70s to low 80s (running around 10° cooler than those on Monday).
Chance for Overnight Rain
Walking out to a sunny morning, you may not realize it but we have a quick chance of showers and thunderstorms tonight.
As a disturbance rides through the jet stream, over Texas, we'll look for cloud cover to increase heading into the afternoon hours. Following that cloud cover, showers and thunderstorms will be likely this evening to the west of the Brazos Valley and then move eastward into our area. Best shot at that rain will come after 10pm tonight and lasting through roughly sunrise Wednesday. Here's a look at your time line for rain chances overnight -- overall chance is set for a 40% shot.
Strong to Severe Storms?
It's possible.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed most of the Brazos Valley under a SLIGHT RISK for severe weather during the overnight hours.
The main idea is that there is the chance for bigger storms to form over Central Texas / the Hill Country -- with large hail and strong winds -- which would try to drift east towards the Brazos Valley. While that is possible, the severe threat will likely diminish as the night wears on.
Strong storms would likely be a better bet here at home -- with small hail (pea to nickel sized), gusty winds, brief heavy rain, lightning, and thunder -- if they can hold together / form. We'll be on watch as storms drift in and out of the Brazos Valley overnight.
Keep Up To Date
If you get jolted awake, in the middle of the night, by weather rolling over your backyard, we have plenty of ways to get you updated and back to sleep:
Twitter (@KBTXShel or @KBTXWeather)
