Unseasonable Warmth in North Texas
With recent unusually toasty temperatures reminding North Texans of summer in November, many may be wondering — how much longer will it last?
It’s been strikingly warm in recent days. Saturday was the hottest Nov. 15 in recorded history. It hit 89 degrees around 3:30 p.m. at DFW International Airport, breaking the record of 87 degrees set in 1960.
And another record-breaking day is likely on the way. Tuesday has a forecast high of 86 degrees, three degrees above the record set in 1973. What’s been causing this record warmth in November?
Cause of the Record Warmth
Patricia Sánchez, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Fort Worth office, said the higher-than-normal temperatures have been caused by a stationary air mass over North Texas. A mild cold front moved in Sunday, which dropped the temperature a little, but southerly winds quickly reestablished those record temperatures Monday.
Sánchez said those southwestern and western winds are often blowing from a higher elevation, and as the air falls, its particles compress, making it warmer. She couldn’t say whether these forces were unusually stronger than other occurrences of the pattern.
Impact of Rainstorms
She also pointed out that rainstorms missed North Texas over the weekend, staying north in the plains, which could have brought some cooler air.
That is likely to change soon. Rain is forecast to hit Dallas-Fort Worth on Wednesday evening and last through Friday morning. About 1-2 inches of precipitation is expected, with the possibility of a few storms being severe.
Expected Temperature Drop
After the rain, temperatures are expected to be much closer to normal for mid-November this weekend, with highs in the mid-60s.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the unseasonable warmth in North Texas has been caused by a combination of factors, including a stationary air mass and southerly winds. While the temperatures are expected to drop after the upcoming rain, it’s essential to stay informed about the weather forecast to plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long will the warm temperatures last?
A: The warm temperatures are expected to last until the rain hits Dallas-Fort Worth on Wednesday evening, after which the temperatures will drop to closer to normal for mid-November.
Q: What is causing the record warmth in November?
A: The record warmth is caused by a stationary air mass over North Texas and southerly winds blowing from a higher elevation, which compress and warm the air as it falls.
Q: Will the rain bring severe storms?
A: Yes, there is a possibility of a few severe storms with the upcoming rain, which is expected to hit Dallas-Fort Worth on Wednesday evening and last through Friday morning.
