Changes in our weather are on the way as a strong cold front brings rain and much cooler air to the Coastal Bend.
Rainfall chances increase tonight as the upper-level storm to our west and associated surface cold front move through from midnight through about 9 a.m. Thursday. Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms will be possible.
Heaviest rainfall is expected in our northern counties 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 has us in 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 cannot rule out an isolated tornado.
By Thursday afternoon, we'll 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 20-30 mph with gusts as high as 40 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. You'll need the coat if you'll be out ringing in the New Year.
New Year's Day looks a bit cool but nice with mostly sunny skies and high temperatures in the low to mid 60s and light northerly winds.
