Record warmth and flood potential from Texas eastward

Low pressure over the central United States is drawing unseasonable warmth and moisture northward, bringing days of record temperatures and an increasing chance of heavy rain to the South.

Weather watch

Record warmth. The first day of widespread records on Tuesday brought new high marks to Dallas (87), Austin (86), Waco (87) and Fort Smith, Ark. (89), among other places. Additional record highs are in the forecast Wednesday through at least Saturday from east Texas to the Carolinas. Most spots will see highs in the 80s or 70s, but some 90s are possible in southern Texas.

Flooding potential. Unusually warm temperatures will be accompanied by high moisture levels in the South. A Level 2 out of 4 flood threat will materialize near the Southwest Texas border with Mexico on Wednesday, then expand northeastward on Thursday to include Dallas and into portions of Oklahoma, Arkansas and southern Missouri. Totals upwards of 2 to 4-plus inches are anticipated, along with the potential for some severe storms.

Lightning links

Snow flurries, new weather warnings and schools closed as cold snap grips UK. (BBC)

California to get yet another storm with rain, mountain snow this week. (Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather)

The Polar Vortex Will Weaken Much Earlier Than Usual; Here's What That Could Mean In December. (Jonathan Erdman, The Weather Channel)

Polar night begins: Alaska city won't see the sun for the next 64 days. (Julian Atienza, FOX Weather)

I keep trying to name storms. Why does the Met Office turn down my suggestions? (Zoe Williams, The Guardian)

About

Weekday MWF morning newsletter by a journalist/forecaster. Connecting weather and climate change dots while occasionally stirring the pot.

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