A cool front has now pushed out into the Gulf of Mexico and south into Mexico. For the first time this fall we’ve actually had a cold front progress through the entire state. Temperatures have yet to respond in Deep South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley, but you’ll definitely be able to tell later this morning into the afternoon hours. The front has allowed a drier airmass to move into the state. This afternoon will feature low humidity values, mostly clear skies, and high temperatures ten to twenty degrees lower than earlier this week.

High temperatures this afternoon will range from the lower 70s in North Texas and Northeast Texas up into the lower 80s in the western Texas Panhandle, South Texas, and the Rio Grande Valley. It is always a nice October day when you can talk about the hottest temperatures being in the lower 80s. Not only will temperatures be more appropriate for fall but humidity values will also be very comfortable. Overall a great fall day shaping up for Texas. A few showers will be possible in the Rio Grande Valley, but those chances will diminish with time.

Clear skies, light winds, and a dry airmass mean radiational cooling conditions will be good tonight. Temperatures will quickly fall off after sunset into the 50s to middle 60s by mid-evening. By Saturday morning temperatures across Texas will range from the upper 30s in more sheltered locations up into the 50s in urban areas. Even along the coast and in the Rio Grande Valley temperatures will be able to fall off into the upper 50s. Some might say it will be chilly tonight – at least where we have 30s and 40s. A light jacket would not be inappropriate!

We will start a warming trend this weekend as southerly winds return. Luckily the higher moisture values have been pushed out well into the Gulf of Mexico. It’ll take a few days for those to make it back inland. So while temperatures will be warming into the 80s on Saturday and Sunday we’ll still cool off efficiently at night. Low temperatures in the 40s, 50s, to lower 60s are expected by Sunday morning.

Widespread precipitation is not forecast for at least the next five days in Texas. We could see a few isolated showers here and there by early next week, but overall nothing significant. With drought conditions emerging across Northeast Texas and other sections of the state this lack of rain could start to become an issue. Vegetation will continue to dry and wildfire danger will continue to increase. Above-average temperatures are forecast this upcoming week, although it is my hope we can at least keep the record-breaking heat out of the picture.