Texas Climate Report: May 2001

The above normal temperatures that were seen in April continued through much of May for most areas in Texas. The mean temperature in El Paso was 76°F, which was 4.2°F above the average. Although most of Texas experienced warmer than normal temperatures, the majority of sites were only slightly above the mean; however, the mean temperature for both Amarillo and Austin was 0.3°F below normal. Rainfall was mixed throughout Texas, with many areas exceeding normal rainfall, while other sites received much less than normal rainfall. Galveston and Port Arthur received only 1.06" and 1.41" of rain respectively, which is 30% or lower of the normal monthly rainfall. Lubbock and Victoria managed to get 4.20" and 6.01" respectively, which is well over mean rainfall amounts.

The month started with a stationary front positioned across the Panhandle, along with a center of low pressure in SE New Mexico. This pattern continued through the 4th when the low slowly moved through Texas. Copious amounts of rain fell over much of Texas as this system moved across the state during the 5th and 6th. The majority of May’s rainfall totals occurred during this first week. The greatest 24-hour rainfall amounts were acquired during this event in which Austin received 2.23", and Victoria got 4.54". While this system lingered, temperatures remained mild throughout the state.

Following the movement of the front, temperatures began to rise as high pressure moved over the state. This pattern was short-lived as a weak cold front entered on the 12th, bringing scattered showers to some areas. Sunny skies and warm temperatures followed until the 19th when another weak impulse moved through the state, again bringing some light showers to some areas, primarily to the Panhandle. Western Texas was experiencing warm temperatures as Del Rio tied a record on the 17th at 101°F, and Midland broke a record on the same day at 101°F as well. San Angelo tied a record on the same day at 100°F.

The most active weather occurred during the latter part of the month. A strong cold front roared through the state on the 21st bringing relatively cold Canadian air and some light rain to most areas. This contributed to six record low temperatures or tied record lows on the 22nd and/or the 23rd throughout the state. Following this front were other weak impulses that delivered trace amounts of precipitation to mostly eastern Texas. Some of the warmest temperatures were observed on the 27th and 28th as return flow from a high located in the eastern part of the country brought warm southerly winds from the Gulf of Mexico. Record warmth was observed on the 27th, at Midland, which was 102°F.

Monthly Summary for Selected Cities

Monthly Extremes

New Monthly Records

Climatic Averages for June