Winter Weather Brief December 6th 2013

National Weather Service

Houston/Galveston Weather Forecast Office

Overview

• Temperatures across Southeast Texas are currently well above freezing with no icing reported; severe icing conditions have occurred north and west

• Northwest portions of the area will see temperatures drop below freezing tonight but little or no additional precipitation is expected

• More light rain is expected to move into the area Saturday afternoon and Saturday night with some potential for icing mainly well north and west of Houston

Houston/Galveston, TX Weather Forecast Office GRAPHIC CREATED: weather.gov/hgx @NWSHouston

US National Weather Service HoustonGalveston

8 AM CST 12/6/13

Heavier Precipitation Moving Out of Texas

Houston/Galveston, TX Weather Forecast Office GRAPHIC CREATED: weather.gov/hgx @NWSHouston

US National Weather Service HoustonGalveston

8 AM CST 12/6/13

Winter Storm Warnings (Pink) and Winter Weather Advisories (Purple) in Effect for Band Extending from North Texas to Southern New England for Snow and Ice; Our Forecast Area Not Included in These at the Moment

Freezing Line at Noon from Mt. Pleasant to Belton to Georgetown; Temperatures Across Southeast Texas mostly in the mid to upper 30s, lower 40s near coast

Tonight (Friday night) • Cold but mainly dry • Small chance of spotty

drizzle or freezing drizzle • Could see few icy

patches northwest counties if any moisture remains on bridges, overpasses but most areas dry

Low Temperature Forecast for Tonight

Late Saturday, Saturday Night • Some light rain moving back in

Saturday afternoon • Some of that light rain or drizzle

could freeze over NW counties for a period of time when temperatures are below freezing

• Could see icy patches northwest counties mainly on bridges and overpasses should the light precipitation coincide with lowest temperatures

• Still some uncertainty on temperatures and precipitation chances Saturday night but main area of concern is far northern counties

Low Temperature Forecast for Saturday Night

Houston/Galveston, TX Weather Forecast Office GRAPHIC CREATED: weather.gov/hgx @NWSHouston

US National Weather Service HoustonGalveston

Late Saturday – Sunday morning Chances of freezing rain

8 AM CST 12/6/13

For Southeast Texas Latest round of models have less available moisture & slightly warmer temperatures - hence lower overall chances. Chance of light freezing precipitation and icing just 20-30%, generally north of A College Station to Huntsville line. Otherwise Patchy light rain or drizzle elsewhere. Accumulations generally 0.01” - 0.05”. Elevated roadways most at risk.

Houston/Galveston, TX Weather Forecast Office GRAPHIC CREATED: weather.gov/hgx @NWSHouston

US National Weather Service HoustonGalveston

Summary • Cold conditions expected next several days.

• Periods of light rain and drizzle through Tuesday.

– First batch currently moving out of area as of Friday afternoon.

– Should start back up Saturday afternoon thru Sunday morning.

– Possibly another round late Monday.

• Some precipitation could fall as light freezing rain or freezing drizzle should temperatures warrant. Best locations, but still borderline conditions, mainly north of College Station-Huntsville line through Sunday although other locations north and west should monitor.

• Elevated structures, bridges, overpasses most at risk.

• General model trend: slightly warmer with less moisture available. Translates to less significant impacts.

• Limiting factors: moderate rainfall dragging warmer temperatures aloft down to the surface. Also precipitation mostly light and temperatures not falling far below freezing for even north sections.

8 AM CST 12/6/13