Weekly Climate Summary 08/16/2021
This week in Texas weather saw precipitation range from 0.1” to 8”. Across the Gulf Coast and the South Texas Plains precipitation stayed steady around 0.1”. In the higher latitudes of the state, more precipitation began to occur with areas up to 1-2” of precipitation. The northern Texas Panhandle saw precipitation of around 0.1”, however, the western side of the Panhandle saw greater precipitation with many areas reaching 3-4”. In the Big Bend region of the state, precipitation once again was around 0.1-2”. However in Culberson county, there was a recorded 8” of precipitation. Compared to the previous week, the Southern Texas Plains received much less precipitation while the rest of the state remained roughly the same.
Most parts of the South Texas Plains as well as the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas saw temperature departures of less than 0-1 degrees cooler than the normal. The Piney Woods region saw temperatures 1-2 degrees warmer than the normal. The northern Panhandle saw warmer temperatures than the long term mean with temperatures 2-4 degrees warmer than the normal. The southern portion of the Texas Panhandle as well as the Big Bend region saw temperatures either 1 degree cooler or 1 degree warmer than the normal. The counties of Dural, El Paso, and Culberson saw the most extreme negative departure as these counties saw temperatures 4-6 degrees cooler than the normal. The counties of Moore, Angelina, and Aransas saw the most extreme positive temperature departure with temperatures 3-5 degrees warmer than the normal.
During this week period multiple dry lines formed over various areas of Texas. These dry lines most likely contributed to the lift of moist air across the state causing the formation of many of the thunderstorms seen throughout the state. Specifically, in the Austin area, extensive rainfall was seen on Sunday, August 15th. The city of Austin recorded 4” of rain and flash flood warnings were issued. Furthermore, extensive rainfall was also seen in the El Paso area and a flash flood watch was issued from Saturday, August 14th through Sunday, August 15th.
