In The Vortex

Author: David Drummond

  • 06/14/08 Chase Forecast

    Wasn’t really planning on getting out today, as I have a lot of work to get done, but it appears a severe threat in my area is underway so I need to get out and chase for the TV station.

    Wind fields throughout the atmosphere are weak, but directional shear is good and moisture isn’t bad for this time of year on the Caprock, with dewpoints in the 50’s west and low 60s off the Caprock.  With a dryline and boundary across the area.

    Initiation is already underway near Amarillo and trying to get going along the dryline on the TX/NM border.  I am headed out the door for areas northwest of Lubbock, in the Parmer/Castro/Bailey/Lamb county areas, see what gets going.

    I’ll have the LIVE ChaseCam up when I get in the area.  Not expecting much in the way of tornadoes, but rather some high based supercells with some gorilla hail possible and probably some damaging winds. However, with supercells in play, you never know, we may get a spinning surprise.  I’ve had good days before out here on similar setups.

  • Record West Texas Heat

    Today we are finally receiving a much needed break in the record 100F+ temps we have been having lately, if not the wind. The last couple of days were a real blow torch with not only high temps, but high winds and dust to go along with it. Temps today a good 10 degrees cooler than they have been, in the low 90sF, but winds are still up just enough to kick up a little dust.

    The Lubbock, Texas area averages about 9 days each year over 100F degrees.
    Greatest number of days in one month with Max Temp 100+ degrees
    19 – June 1990
    17 – July 1940

    Most consecutive 100+ days
    12 – June 23 – July 4 1980
    11 – June 24 – July 4 1994
    10 – June 10 – June 19 1924

    Most consecutive 90+ days
    81 – June 4 – August 23 1934

    While we didn’t break any of the records there, it’s been plenty hot and the vegetation is really showing it!

    This weekend may hold a storm or two on Saturday and even better chance Sunday, but with the upper air energy well to the north, I wouldn’t expect much more than a typical summertime storm. Could be good for some lightning however.

    I am actually excited to get the chance to get out and do a little yard work without sweltering away. Those 100+ days, it’s still in the 90s after dark! At least now it’s cool enough in the mornings and evenings to get out and to something.

    I realize for you northerners, low to mid 90s still seems awful hot, but it’s not all that bad out here on the edge of the desert.