After starting out with plenty of chill, we've got some beautiful, comfortable weather out there today. The forecast calls for highs in the low 60s, which is what we consider "normal" for this time of year.
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Before we go any further, it's worth pointing out that a low of 32 at Camp Mabry marked our first freeze of December right around daybreak. It was our third freeze so far this season in town, and the 6th freeze so far this season at the Austin Airport with a low of 29. The coldest? 25 at Jonestown.
A change in the winds helps bring more warmth our way today. Southerly breezes have been gusty at times, with sustained wind speeds around 15 mph.
Moisture from the Gulf of Mexico flows our way thanks to the southerlies at the surface. At the same time, winds aloft deliver moisture from the Pacific in a stream we call the "pineapple express." We're seeing it in the form of high clouds, which filter out a bit of sunlight at times.
Thanks to the increase in humidity, we'll look for low clouds to increase late tonight and there might even be some hints of fog by daybreak tomorrow. We're calling for a mostly cloudy Wednesday with a slim chance for a few afternoon showers.
A strong winter storm will move through the Great Plains over the next few days with rain, snow, and plenty of chill. The disturbance will send a cold front into the Austin area late tomorrow night/early Thursday morning.
Our in-house model shows a few brief showers and storms firing up around 10pm to midnight -- a 20% overall rain chance -- immediately ahead of the cold front. On the backside of the disturbance, the air might be cold enough to support a brief burst of some snow flurries Thursday evening as close at the Hill Country before it all moves east. We don't expect anything to accumulate but it might be a fun sight to see.
Some very strong, blustery winds will follow in the wake of the front. We expect northerly wind speeds around 25 to 40 mph with gusts nearing 50 mph during the day on Thursday. And it'll still be breezy for Friday, too.
High pressure returns to the picture just in time for the weekend, helping to elevate temps back into the comfort zone with daytime 60s coming up this weekend.
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Enjoy the weather!
--Chief Meteorologist Burton Fitzsimmons (@Burton_Spectrum)