Weather for Tuesday 2/12/13

Tuesday                            Wednesday                           Thursday

Hi 37                                   Hi 56                                       Hi 55

Lo 33                                  Lo  25                                      Lo 27

* Wintry Mix                   * Clearing                               * Cold AM

Radar image, valid for 7:32 PM Monday evening. The light blues and greens represent very light rain or sprinkles.

The radar image above shows precipitation already beginning to form to the south and west of Lubbock. This activity will increase in both coverage and intensity as it moves northeastward toward the South Plains. Below is a break down of what you can expect from this approaching winter storm…

Timing:

Rain has already begun to develop across eastern New Mexico and southwest Texas, due to ‘lift’ increasing from an approaching area of low pressure. As this storm system continues to edge closer to west Texas, lift will increase even more, allowing for an increase in precipitation across the entire region overnight. Lubbock will likely begin to see rain between 10 PM and midnight.

Precipitation Type:

As temperatures cool overnight, rain will mix with snow north of a Clovis-Tulia-Childress line. Though, it will be possible for snow, sleet, or ice pellets to mix in with the rain where ever heavy shower and thunderstorms can manage to develop. The ‘rain/snow line’ will slowly move southeastward, with Lubbock possibly seeing a mix or changeover to snow by afternoon.

Accumulations:

Areas along and north of the line mentioned earlier could end up seeing 2-4 inches of snowfall by Tuesday night. Snow accumulations will decease the further south you go, with Lubbock likely seeing only  a dusting to 1/2 an inch; if that. However, this type of storm system is known for producing localized, but heavy areas of snow. If you happen to be under one of these heavy snow bands, you could easily see over an inch in a short amount of time.

Winter Weather notices posted by Lubbock NWS

So far, only the northern portions of the South Plains are under any type of winter weather advisory. Parmer, Castro, Swisher, Briscoe, Hall, and Childress counties are under a Winter Storm Watch until Tuesday evening. However, I must stress that watches, warnings and advisories will likely be added and amended as this storm system approaches.

Stay Warm,

Cutter Martin (KTXT Weather)