By: Stephen McCoy
Overnight Thursday, a mid-level jet streak is expected to influence the development of a surface low pressure system on the eastern side of the Rockies. During the morning on Friday, falling pressure along an already-present cold front over the northern plains will allow a second system to spawn from the initial surface low. This second low will track eastward into the Midwest with a cold front bridging the two systems and extending into the southern Plains. A stalled stationary front over central Texas will bring winds from the south to the region, resulting in near average temperatures for Friday. A chance for fog and/or mist is possible for the morning as dew point temperatures will be close to the air temperature. Mostly cloudy to full overcast conditions are likely through the day and for much of the weekend as low level winds bring moisture from the south to southeast.
Saturday's conditions will be similar to Friday's as winds continue from the south to southeast, though they are expected to increase as the cold front approaches the region; a chance of fog is possible again for Saturday morning.
The timing of the cold front passage is still being disputed among the models, though the model average points more towards overnight Saturday or Sunday morning; a chance for scattered showers exists ahead of the front. Once the front passes, precipitation chances will decrease but temperatures will also decrease due to strong northerly winds transporting cooler air to the region, which is why the afternoon temperature is colder than the morning temperature. However, timing is again important as a later frontal passage will allow temperatures to increase during the day before dropping behind the front. The models are showing both scenarios, with a 30+ °F spread for the high temperature on Sunday. Regardless of timing, conditions will likely be overcast ahead of the front before clearing as it passes through the region.
Saturday's conditions will be similar to Friday's as winds continue from the south to southeast, though they are expected to increase as the cold front approaches the region; a chance of fog is possible again for Saturday morning.
The timing of the cold front passage is still being disputed among the models, though the model average points more towards overnight Saturday or Sunday morning; a chance for scattered showers exists ahead of the front. Once the front passes, precipitation chances will decrease but temperatures will also decrease due to strong northerly winds transporting cooler air to the region, which is why the afternoon temperature is colder than the morning temperature. However, timing is again important as a later frontal passage will allow temperatures to increase during the day before dropping behind the front. The models are showing both scenarios, with a 30+ °F spread for the high temperature on Sunday. Regardless of timing, conditions will likely be overcast ahead of the front before clearing as it passes through the region.
