CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Temperatures are starting off milder than previous mornings in the 60s and 70s across South Texas and we are nearing the end of our warming trend. A cold front is draped across the Lone Star State and a large upper-level storm system to our west will make for an interesting weather pattern later this afternoon, tonight and early Thursday.
For most of today, however, we'll have one more very windy and warm day with an afternoon high near 80 degrees in Corpus Christi with those southeasterly winds around 20-30 mph with higher gusts. The chance of a few isolated showers coming off the Gulf also is possible.
Rainfall chances increase considerably tonight as the upper-level storm to our west and associated cold front begin to move closer to South Texas around midnight through about 9 a.m. Thursday. Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms will be possible.
Heaviest rainfall amounts are favoring the northern sections of our region where 1-2 inches of rainfall will be possible. On average though, about half an inch to an inch of rain will be more common. The Storm Prediction Center does have a marginal risk of severe weather when the storms move through tonight with some medium size hail and strong winds being the main hazards. We also cannot rule out the possibility for a tornado warning or two.
By Thursday afternoon, we should begin to see things clear out quickly. Much cooler air will be filtering into the Coastal Bend as we'll look for highs only in the upper 50s to low 60s. It'll still be windy with west-northwesterly winds around 20-25 mph.
On New Year's Eve night, skies will be clearing, and winds will be on the downward trend. At midnight, temperatures will already be cold in the upper 30s to low 40s. Hope everyone has a great ring in to the new year!
Look for more pleasant conditions over the weekend with cold mornings and seasonal afternoons with highs in the 60s to low 70s on Sunday.
Have a great day!
