TEXAS, USA — For the beginning of astronomical fall it sure feels a lot like summer outside in West Texas. Unfortunately, the weekend looks to feature more well-above average temperature. While there is a slight chance for thunderstorms this weekend, we can expect a larger pattern change early next week.
For Friday night football, it looks to be warm at the games. I'm expecting temperatures to be near the triple-digit mark, so be sure to stay hydrated during any football games. There could be an isolated storm in the Big Country, but it won't be a washout by any means.
The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has parts of our area highlighted for a severe weather risk this weekend. Overall, it looks like the main weather story this weekend will be the heat, but the threat for strong-to-severe thunderstorms is still something that we will be monitoring.
On Saturday there is a marginal (1/5) risk for severe weather. We are monitoring an upper-level disturbance that is looking to impact our viewing area Saturday evening. Any thunderstorms that develop Saturday evening could have strong, gusty winds (60+ mph) and hail greater than an inch in diameter.
For Saturday, the greater severe weather threat looks to stay in Oklahoma and Kansas where parts will have an enhanced (3/5) risk for severe weather. Still, be sure to stay weather aware if you have any outdoor plans Saturday afternoon.
There looks to be a more widespread thunderstorm chance for your Sunday afternoon/evening. There is a slight (2/5) risk for severe weather in eastern portions of our viewing area like Comanche, but there is a marginal (1/5) risk including areas like Tom Green and Taylor counties. Again, any storms that develop could have gusty winds and large hail, so be sure to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts.
Overall, not much rain is expected. If a heavy rain-producing thunderstorm you could see locally higher amounts of rain, but most folks will see less than a tenth of an inch. While we've had above normal precipitation for September, we are still well below average for the year, so we could certainly benefit from some rainfall.
The main weather story for this weekend will be the heat. A ridge of high pressure aloft will still be the main thing controlling our weather here in West Texas - which means summer like weather. Our next big change will be when a cold front arrives late Sunday/early Monday.
If you have any fun plans this weekend, be sure to drink lots of water. The heat and humidity will make it feel very summer like this weekend.
Also, be sure to stay weather aware for any potential severe thunderstorms this weekend. We'll have your latest weather update here at FOX West Texas. Have a great weekend.