Introduction to North Texas Weather
A slightly toasty lead-up to Christmas Day is in store for North Texas after this weekend’s cold front. The Climate Prediction Center, a part of the National Weather Service, is forecasting a high confidence that above-normal temperatures will persist from mid-December through at least the 25th. The most recent forecast is also predicting below-normal chances of precipitation, but the certainty level for those figures is lower.
Understanding the Weather Forecast
Brennen Darrah, a meteorologist with the weather service’s Fort Worth office, said these warmer-than-usual temperatures are expected to be the result of a high-pressure ridge that is anticipated to form south of the Rocky Mountains. He explained that because confidence is high in the ridge forming — which limits rainstorms moving into the area and can trap warm air — the probability of above-normal temperatures is subsequently quite high. For Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, there is an 80% to 90% probability that temperatures will be above normal. But Darrah pointed out that the figure only reflects the likelihood that temperatures will be above normal, not how far above normal the thermometer will climb. It’s likely that the size of the deviation from average temperatures will vary across the region.
Staying Informed About the Weather
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Expected Weather Patterns
After Sunday’s cold front, warmer temperatures are expected to bounce back by Tuesday. Later next week, highs appear to peak in the upper 60s, which is 10 degrees above normal for North Texas in mid-December. While warmer than normal, these temperatures aren’t likely to be record-breaking. Most daily records for this period at DFW International Airport are in the 80s. Darrah couldn’t say how long the high-pressure system will stick around, but current forecasts expect it to linger through Christmas Day. “Usually when you have a stagnant pattern like this, the models struggle with when exactly that is going to break down,” he said.
Factors Affecting the Weather
The high-pressure ridge that is forming south of the Rocky Mountains is the main factor contributing to the warmer-than-usual temperatures in North Texas. This ridge limits rainstorms from moving into the area and can trap warm air, leading to above-normal temperatures. The probability of above-normal temperatures is quite high, with an 80% to 90% probability for Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
Conclusion
In conclusion, North Texas can expect a slightly toasty lead-up to Christmas Day, with above-normal temperatures persisting from mid-December through at least the 25th. The high-pressure ridge forming south of the Rocky Mountains is the main factor contributing to these warmer temperatures. While the temperatures are expected to be warmer than normal, they are not likely to be record-breaking. It’s always a good idea to stay informed about the weather and sign up for weather forecasts and warnings to ensure that you are always prepared.
FAQs
Q: What is the expected weather pattern for North Texas in mid-December?
A: The expected weather pattern for North Texas in mid-December is warmer than normal, with highs appearing to peak in the upper 60s.
Q: What is the main factor contributing to the warmer-than-usual temperatures in North Texas?
A: The main factor contributing to the warmer-than-usual temperatures in North Texas is the high-pressure ridge forming south of the Rocky Mountains.
Q: Are the temperatures expected to be record-breaking?
A: No, the temperatures are not expected to be record-breaking. Most daily records for this period at DFW International Airport are in the 80s.
Q: How long is the high-pressure system expected to stick around?
A: The high-pressure system is expected to linger through Christmas Day, but the exact duration is uncertain.
Q: What is the probability of above-normal temperatures for Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama?
A: There is an 80% to 90% probability of above-normal temperatures for these states.
