September 2nd, 2010 by Burton
Welcome to the last steamy day of our week! A cold front scheduled for arrival tomorrow elevates our rain chance in the next 24 hours then delivers near-normal September weather for a few days.
We’ve watched a cluster of storms move through McLennan Co. (.67″ in Waco from 6-8am) and parts of Bell Co., so a trip north of Austin may be a wet one. Today’s overall 30% rain chance includes the threat of isolated storms as we heat up to near 100 again this afternoon. Expect abetter 40% chance for rain tomorrow as the cold front moves in during the morning and midday hours, as seen on Futurecast. It’ll be followed by a drier & cooler northerly breeze. Lower humidity will make the weekend feel so much more comfortable!
Gulf winds start to return on Sunday, priming our atmosphere for at least a slim rain chance early next week. Check out the 8-day forecast for more.
In the Tropics…
Hurricane Earl made it back to Category 4 status, and hurricane hunters report maximum sustained winds now near 145 mph. It appears the storm might’ve just peaked in intensity and could lose a bit of strength today then head perilously close to the Outer Banks of North Carolina tonight. The official forecast track takes Earl near Cape Cod tomorrow night then possible over land near Maine to Nova Scotia on Saturday. Residents along the East Coast are preparing for 2-5 inches of rain and a 3 to 5 foot storm surge and, of course, strong winds.
Tropical Storm Fiona has strengthened a bit but still isn’t likely to become a hurricane. The forecast curves Fiona north, putting her just west of Bermuda by Sunday morning as she weakens.
Tropical Storm Gaston is the newest member of the Atlantic tropical trio and poses no immediate threat to land. Theforecast indicates some strengthening, possibly up to hurricane strength as he nears the Lesser Antilles in the next five days.
Longhorn Gameday… Let the college football season begin! Texas takes on Rice at Reliant Stadium this Saturday and the weather looks great. There might be a few morning showers in Houston Saturday then skies turn partly cloudy midday with NE winds around 5-10mph. Temps will be near 91 at the 230pm kickoff.
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Enjoy your Thursday.
Chief Meteorologist Burton Fitzsimmons
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September 1st, 2010 by Burton
Isolated showers and storms delivered as much as half an inch of rain just east of Austin yesterday but completely missed the official city rain gauge, solidifying our place in the weather books as the driest August since ’57. Welcome to September, the start of meteorological fall. Scroll down for our monthly outlook.
Futurecast continues to offer hope: isolated to scattered storms could develop and move into our area again this afternoon. It’s a 20% chance. This steamy mix of sun and clouds could feel as hot as 106 or so as actual air temps rise to near 99 both today and tomorrow. We’ll find some change by Friday…
A cold front looks to move into the Lone Star State just in time for our first weekend of September, ushering in a drier and slightly cooler breeze from the north that’ll improve our comfort and make for near-normal temps at least for a few days. Now a better 40% chance for showers and storms, the front looks to be on time for a midday Friday arrival. The rain is expected to clear out by Friday night.
Yesterday’s rain totals
.51 Walnut Creek @ Webberville Rd.
.32 Rosanky
.12 Elgin
.11 Taylor
.10 San Marcos
In the Tropics…
Hurricane Earl dropped to Cat 3 status and will likely hold at that level through the day while moving over very warm seas just east of the Bahamas. The main factor working against Early right now? Wind shear aloft coming in from SW. An expected, critical turn to the right will alter Earl’s course today and could put him really close to land near North Carolina by midnight tonight. The official track shows Earl moving north up the seaboard to near Cape Cod by tomorrow night/12am Thursday, likely losing at least a bit of strength. Rip currents and an eroding storm surge will be felt no matter what, but we’re hoping Earl stays off shore so that wind and flood damage will be limited.
Tropical Storm Fiona continues in the wake of Earl. She is forecast to curve north, similar to Earl, moving into the Bermuda triangle. It appears Fiona may not reach hurricane strength.
Tropical experts at the National Hurricane Center now predict a good 50% chance the tropical wave between Fiona and Africa will organize into a Tropical Depression in the next 48 hours. Stay tuned!
September 2010 Outlook…
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Enjoy your Wednesday.
Chief Meteorologist Burton Fitzsimmons
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