From Sun to Snow: Navigating the Dynamic Weather of the Southern Plains
By
Amy Freeze
Explore the diverse weather conditions sweeping across the Southern Plains, from clear Austin skies to looming storms in Mississippi. Meteorologist Amy Freeze provides expert insights to keep you informed and prepared.
Catch the latest weather updates for the Southern Plains as Amy Freeze, our resident meteorologist, walks you through what to expect this week. From clear skies in Austin to potential storms in Oklahoma City, get all the details right here.
The weather across the Southern Plains is as diverse as its landscape, featuring everything from balmy high temperatures in Texas to unexpected snow showers near the New Mexico-Colorado border. Amy Freeze, a beloved meteorologist, brings you a detailed forecast outlining the conditions city by city for the week ahead. Expect temperature variances, storm predictions, and safety tips on how to navigate these changes. With visual maps and daily updates, this comprehensive guide will ensure you’re never caught off guard by Mother Nature.
Across the Southern Plains today, the radar reveals quite the weather palette. Snow showers are brushing along the higher elevations near the New Mexico-Colorado border, bringing a wintery chill to the region. Winds accompanying this snow could be fierce, particularly through mountain areas. Moving eastward, the Oklahoma panhandle is experiencing some intermittent rain showers, offering a bit of moisture to the area. Meanwhile, in Texas, from Midland through San Antonio and down to Corpus Christi, skies remain clear and dry, which is great for any outdoor plans. Further to the east, a developing storm system in the lower Mississippi Delta is ushering in rainy conditions around the Jackson area, pushing towards Little Rock. Louisiana, especially around New Orleans, holds onto dry and calm conditions for now, setting the stage before more active weather rolls in.
In Austin this afternoon, temperatures will reach into the mid-80s, peaking around 84 degrees. Expect sunny skies throughout with winds coming from the south at 16 miles per hour, shifting slightly to the south-southeast by 6 PM. As the evening approaches, temperatures will begin to ease down to 79 degrees, maintaining clear and sunny conditions. Perfect weather for outdoor activities!
Let’s take a look at today’s high temperatures across the Southern Plains. In Dallas, we’re warming up to a pleasant 83 degrees, while Midland is even warmer with a high of 89. Over in El Paso, expect a comfortable 75 degrees. The significant contrast can be seen in Little Rock, where the temperature hits 78, and further south, San Antonio is matching Midland with 89 degrees. Meanwhile, Corpus Christi will enjoy a high of 80, and both New Orleans and Jackson are slightly cooler, with highs of 76 and 78 respectively. Overall, it’s a warm day with some notable warmth in the western areas of Texas.
Now for the low temperatures, the Southern Plains will feel a significant chill tonight as cold air moves in. Oklahoma City drops to 34 degrees, while Dallas will see a cooler low of 42. In Texas, Midland is forecasted to hit 33 degrees, indicating a notable temperature drop. Farther west, El Paso will be milder at 35 degrees. San Antonio expects a low of 46 degrees, which is slightly warmer compared to the rest of the region. Expect 40 degrees in Little Rock, while areas further south like New Orleans will be much warmer at 52 degrees.
High temperatures for the Southern Plains tomorrow are looking warm and consistent with seasonal averages. In El Paso, expect a high of 63 degrees. Midland will see a noticeable rise, reaching 85 degrees. San Antonio is forecasted to warm up to 84 degrees, while Corpus Christi can expect a high of 87 degrees. Dallas will experience cooler conditions with a high of 66 degrees. Oklahoma City is on track for a high of 52 degrees, which is below average for this time of year. Little Rock is also expected to have a pleasant day with a high of 75 degrees. Overall, a warming trend is dominant, aided by a high-pressure system providing clear skies.
“Looking ahead on the futurecast for the Southern Plains, brace for a mix of weather conditions. As we move from Tuesday into Wednesday, rain showers are forecasted from Midland to San Antonio, bringing beneficial moisture to these areas. However, in Oklahoma City and Little Rock, expect potential strong thunderstorms with heavy rain and gusty winds. A cold front advancing from the west could trigger severe weather warnings, so keep a close watch on local advisories. We anticipate cooler temperatures post-front, but the skies will gradually clear as we head towards Thursday.”
The UV index in Austin is 8 for both Tuesday and Wednesday. Sun exposure can lead to burns in around 17 minutes, so be sure to apply ample sunscreen and wear hats and sunglasses. Stay safe and protect your skin during peak sunshine hours!