A Powerful Storm System To Impact the Southern Plains through the Gulf Coast

A vigorous storm system will develop over the southern Plains today, bringing strong winds and fire weather concerns from southeast New Mexico to south Texas, as well as a risk of severe storms and heavy rainfall from the ArkLaTex to the central Gulf Coast. The severe storm and heavy rainfall threat will spread across the Southeast on Friday. Read More >

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Last Map Update: Thu, Dec. 13, 2018 at 12:47:10 pm CST

Watches, Warnings & Advisories


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	High Wind Warning

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	Hazardous Weather Outlook

Today

Red Flag Warning

Wind Advisory & Warning

Dangerous Marine Conditions

Beachcast

5-Day Outlook

A cold front will pass through the Rio Grande Valley early this afternoon. Winds will increase dramatically out of the northwest, 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph possible in some locations. Additionally, humidity values will drop behind the front, around 20 to 30 percent by this afternoon. This will create critical fire weather conditions this afternoon and evening. High temperatures will generally be in the upper 70s or lower 80s, quickly dropping off by sunset. Gale Warnings have been issued over all Coastal Water zones, including the Laguna Madre for this afternoon and evening. Expect seas to be rough, with very strong NW winds by this afternoon..

A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 12 PM to 8 PM today for critical fire weather conditions. A Fire Weather Watch is in effect from Friday morning through Friday afternoon. A cold front will sweep across the region this morning & afternoon, with strong northwest winds expected through the day. Wind speeds of 30 to 40 mph are possible areawide this afternoon and evening. Humidity values will fall to 25 to 35 percent during the afternoon, which will result in a considerable threat for erratic fire behavior in cured fuels. Gusty north winds will continue into Friday, when humidity values will be even lower.

A strong cold front will surge through deep south Texas during the day. Behind the frontal boundary, the pressure gradient will tighten as a surface high pressure spreads gradually eastward from the Rockies and into the High Plains. A High Wind Warning is in effect for Zapata, Jim Hogg, and Starr counties from 1 pm this afternoon until 6 pm this evening. Northwest wind speeds of 35 to 40 mph expected, with gusts in excess of 50 mph possible. A wind advisory is in effect for all of deep south Texas from 12 noon today through 8 pm this evening. Northwest winds of 30 to 35 mph with gusts to near 45 mph will develop. Strong winds may topple trash cans, patio furniture, and toss outdoor holiday decorations. Caution is advised for high profile vehicles, especially those traveling along east to west highways such as Interstate 2 or elevated bridges, overpasses and flyovers.

Dangerous marine conditions are to develop today as a cold front moves into and across the region. Seas will continue to build through the morning ahead of the front with Small Craft Advisories in the effect over the coastal gulf waters. A Gale Warning then goes into effect this afternoon across all of the lower Texas coastal waters as northwest winds behind the front become very strong with seas building up to 9 to 13 feet, occasionally higher. Very rough conditions on the bay.

A moderate risk of rip currents is expected again today, increasing to a high risk this evening. Biggest story of the day will be the wind. S to SW winds this morning before a cold front passes through early this afternoon. Winds will turn NW and quickly increase behind the cold front. Sustained winds will likely be 25 to 35 mph, with gusts 40-50 mph possible. Highs expected in the mid 70s under clearing skies.

Fire weather concerns will continue into Friday, with strong winds and low humidity values across deep south Texas. Humidity values will increase and winds will decrease by Saturday, yielding to great weather conditions for this weekend. A weak upper level disturbance will bring a chance of light rain by Tuesday. High temperatures are expected to remain in the upper 60s or lower 70s through early next week.


*Hourly Weather Roundup ( )*
*Location*	*Sky/Weather*	*Temp*	*Dewpt*	RH	*Wind*	*Baro*	*Remarks*
Brownsville	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Harlingen	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
McAllen	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Bayview	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Weslaco	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Edinburg	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Zapata	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Hebbronville	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Falfurrias	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Laredo	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Kingsville	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Alice	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Notes: *In the Location column, click on links for a list of recent observations at sites of interest. A new window will open.* *In the Wind column, the letter indicates direction the wind blows from (N=North, E=East, S=South, W=West, NE=Northeast, etc). VRB is "variable" and G is "gust". Wind speeds are in MPH.* *In the Baro (pressure) column, values are in inches.* *In the Remarks column, HX is the Heat Index and WCI is Wind Chill Index (if shown). These are "Feels Like" temperatures. VSB is Visibility. "N/A" will be displayed if values are not available.*

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