Weekly Climate Summary: 8/13/2023-8/19/2023
This past week was a bit cooler than its predecessor due to a cold front sweeping across the state. Although this brought temperature anomalies closer to normal than they were previously, daily maximums were still dangerously high. Storms and precipitation were very absent for much of the state. Only 9 total storm reports were made during the week: 3 hail, 5 wind, and 1 tornado.
The main topic of discussion for many Texans as of late is the potential for a tropical system in the Gulf. The National Hurricane Center states there is a high chance of formation of this system in the near future. The exact path this system travels will determine who will receive rain within this next week and how much rain at that. Although this rain will be much needed, the potential for run-off and flooding is high considering just how dry most Texan soil has been. Dry soil has a difficult time absorbing water especially if it falls at a fast rate. Additional threats include high rip current risks and rough surf. Below is a graphic from the National Hurricane Center depicting all notable tropical activity. This includes the aforementioned potential system in the far left of the graphic.
Temperatures were above average across Texas. The warmest locations had temperature averages above 90 degrees Fahrenheit with the highest average recorded at 95.0 degrees in Val Verde County. The majority of the state had temperatures between 85 and 90 degrees while the Panhandle and Far West Texas fell below 85 degrees. The coolest weekly average was 77.1 degrees in Lipscomb County. Temperatures across the state were above normal, with some areas reaching almost 5 degrees above normal. The northern part of the Panhandle was the exception with average temperatures near and slightly below normal.
The Panhandle and Far West Texas were the main recipients of rainfall over the past week. Much of the rainfall was modest, generally reaching only 0.5” in accumulation. The largest amount was reported to be 2.56” in Presidio County.
