It might feel like spring today, but residents could see winter tomorrow.
On Thursday, Jan. 20, the Taylor Texas Weather Network projects a 30% chance of precipitation that includes a chance of snow, sleet and, at least, rain. At least two nights of freezing temperatures will follow.
"Minor sleet/snow accumulations on grassy areas, and ice accumulations up to a few hundredths of an inch on mainly elevated, exposed surfaces," said a National Weather Service (NWS) Winter Storm Advisory. "Winds gusting as high as 35 mph."
In addition, a 24-hour Winter Storm Watch will be in effect starting 6 a.m. Thursday through the overnight hours.
Temperatures reached at least 77 degrees Wednesday, Jan. 19, but a cold front will cool the air in the afternoon for a night wind chill around 19 degrees. The front also brings a possible wintry mix locally Thursday and elsewhere in central Texas into Friday, Jan. 21.
“While many locations of South Central Texas are expected to see little to no accumulations of ice or snow, models suggest that there will be a few bands of locally higher precipitation totals over 1/10 with significant icing potential,” said the NWS Austin/San Antonio Office. “While most areas will see only a mix of rain, freezing rain and sleet early Thursday, all the primary types of winter precipitation, including freezing rain, sleet and snow will be possible by Friday morning.”
If snow falls on Taylor Thursday, the event will be 10 days after the one-year anniversary of a record-breaking snowfall when three inches of snow came down on Taylor last year on Jan. 10. However, records shattered again a month later when seven inches fell Feb 14-15. This week's weather should pale in comparison to both of last year's storms.
“Those that receive over 1/10 inch of water equivalent precipitation may experience some light icing on a few solid surfaces,” said the NWS Austin/San Antonio Office. "Those planning to venture outdoors should be prepared for the possibility of ice accumulations on exposed surfaces such as elevated sidewalks, as well as bridges and overpasses."
As for temperatures, Thursday is not expected to go above 40 degrees and is forecast to sink down to a freezing 27 degrees at night. Friday will be mostly sunny but still cold with a high of 46 degrees and low of 26 degrees. Both days will likely feel even more bitter with a wind chill of 16 degrees.
Saturday’s forecast has a high of around 50 degrees with a potential freezing low of 32 degrees.
Sunday should have a high in the lower 50s and low in the upper 30s.
For more weather, visit http://www.taylortxwx.net.
