Texas Climate Report: December 2002

The final month of 2002 saw considerable fluctuations in weather; some stations reported record maximum temperatures, minimum temperatures, and in some cases even record amounts of precipitation. The month began on the mild side with temperatures statewide ranging from 60°F to 70°F. A strong arctic front trekked across the state on the 3rd and 4th, bringing with it a large temperature drop and snow in the Panhandle, and showers and thunderstorms ahead of the air mass. Precipitation amounts were rather impressive: College Station (2.35"), Beaumont/Port Arthur (3.54"), Lubbock (1.22"), and Waco (1.20"). Temperatures were on average 20°F below normal for this time of the year. After a few days of very cold weather, temperatures began to slowly moderate on the 6th of December.

Following the passage of a second cold front on the 8th and 9th, temperatures again plummeted 15°F to 20°F from the previous day’s highs of 50s and 60s across the state. This front also triggered scattered showers and thunderstorms statewide, and snow showers were reported in the Panhandle. Precipitation totals were not as significant as the frontal passage of the 3rd and 4th. Temperatures entered a moderating trend on the 9th, which brought temperatures closer to normal for the month of December.

High pressure continued to dominate the state, allowing for temperatures to warm and climb to above normal readings. Numerous record high temperatures were reported, as well as 80°F readings. A weak cold front passed through the area on the 19th which slightly cooled temperatures and produced scattered showers. On the 21st, a stronger cold front made its way across Texas dropping high temperatures by about 10°F. This was a dry mass as well, and very little precipitation was reported. Following the passage of the cold front, a very cold air mass settled over the state.

On the 23rd of December, the strong clash of cold Canadian air, and the muggy air of the sub-tropical jet triggered thunderstorms, showers, and severe weather. Across the regions of North Central, South Central, East, Upper Coast, and the Edwards Plateau, thunderstorms exploded into supercells. Hail, wind, and a few tornadoes were reported across the state. According to the Storm Prediction Center, there were 11 tornadoes, 48 large hail reports, and numerous wind damage reports made. Temperatures were on the rise on the 27th, and the month of December came to a close with average readings.

Monthly Summary for Selected Cities

Monthly Extremes

New Monthly Records

Climatic Averages for January