Winds are picking up across the South Plains have become gusty as clouds have moved east and temperatures are now approaching the 60 degree mark. Winds will continue increase this afternoon; possibly gusting over 40 mph by later today.
Dew points as of 1 PM
As the map above shows, higher moisture levels (Dew Points) are rapidly approaching west Texas from the south and east. This moisture will be a crucial determining factor for the development for thunderstorms later today. Right now, it appears that the highest moisture levels will remain off of the Caprock through the afternoon, meaning that eastern areas will have the best chance of seeing afternoon and evening thunderstorms. If this moisture makes it further west than expected, which is possible, then more of the South Plains could experience foul weather later today.
Storm Prediction Center’s Saturday Outlook.
There are several other factors present today which are favorable for the development of scattered strong to severe thunderstorms across the South Plains. For this reason, the Storm Prediction Center has placed eastern ares under a standard or ‘Slight Risk’ for severe thunderstorms. The most favorable time period for storms to occur would be between 3 and 10 PM. If storms do develop, the main severe weather threats would be winds over 60 mph and hail larger than the size of quarters, though an isolated tornado or two is not out of the question.
Again, storms are not a certainty this afternoon, but anything that does develop could turn severe quickly.
Please remain alert this afternoon and check our website at http://www.ktxtfm.org/raider/, Twitter @TheRaider881, or on Facebook at Facebook.com/TheRaider881 for the latest weather information.
– Cutter Martin (KTXT Weather)
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