KATC StormTeam 3 Weather BLOG

Nasty storms ripped through the area this afternoon producing frequent wind gusts to 45mph area-wide, but fortunately there were very few reports of wind damage and some small hail.  In fact, we had a few reports of strong winds before the storms arrived as the low-level jet increased ahead of the main squall that pushed through the area.  Rainfall was about 1-2 inches area-wide.  Much drier and colder air will be spilling in with very gusty NW winds as seen following the squall this evening.  After touching in the lower 70s this afternoon we will likely see mid-upper 30s (wind chill not included) by morning.  Sunny and seasonably cool conditions will persist for tomorrow with temperatures topping out in the mid-upper 50s but dropping into the low-mid 40s for parade time tomorrow evening.  Saturday looks partly cloudy and milder while we will likely see plenty of clouds and scattered showers on Sunday.  It will be quite warm with a few passing showers Monday, but although it should be warm for Mardi Gras, showers and storms appear likely, maybe the threat of severe weather again too…we’ll see.