Area Forecast Discussion
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Issued by NWS
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484 FXUS64 KLUB 130724 AFDLUB Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Lubbock TX 224 AM CDT Mon May 13 2024 ...New SHORT TERM, LONG TERM... .SHORT TERM... (Today and tonight) Issued at 223 AM CDT Mon May 13 2024 Drier and warmer conditions can be expected today despite a cold front moving through the area. This cold front was currently moving southward across the region which will scour out low level moisture and low stratus. Winds at 850mb around 20-30kt will be able to quickly mix down to the surface after sunrise after stratus clears. Therefore, surface winds will increase shortly after sunrise and will generally relax through the afternoon as the pressure gradient lessens. Despite the cold front, temperatures will warm today closer to seasonal averages under mostly clear skies with increased thickness values. && .LONG TERM... (Tuesday through Sunday) Issued at 223 AM CDT Mon May 13 2024 Upper ridging will bring dry conditions and above average temperatures on Tuesday, with highs reaching near 90 across much of the South Plains region. Shortwave ridging along with increased shear and instability from daytime heating on Wednesday all suggest the potential for severe weather. While some uncertainty remains regarding the exact timing/placement of any storms, recent model/ensemble runs suggest perhaps a slightly later start time into Wednesday evening. As such, greatest chances would occur off the Caprock where the best shear/forcing would exist at that time. The latest PoP forecast reflects this thinking. Nonetheless, general storm chances remain for much of the forecast area from late afternoon onwards with a favorable upper pattern. An upper low over the Four Corners region will track southeastward on Thursday. SE surface winds behind a cold front will also bring in ample Gulf moisture to the region (GFS PWATs of 1.5 inches off the Caprock Thursday afternoon). As such, another round of severe weather is possible Thursday afternoon/evening although shear parameters look slightly weaker than Wednesday. A broad upper ridge will quickly displace the low on Friday bringing a return to hot and dry conditions. Combined with strengthening southwesterly winds, highs this weekend are expected well into the 90s. && .AVIATION... (06Z TAFS) Issued at 1209 AM CDT Mon May 13 2024 Southeasterly surface winds continued to pump up moisture into the region leading to low CIGS area wide. Conditions may bounce between IFR and MVFR at KLBB and KPVW through the early morning hours with KCDS likely remaining in IFR. Light visby restrictions may also be possible but confidence is higher in the lower CIGS. A cold front will push through the area around daybreak dissipating low CIGS and visbys and shifting winds to the north. Wind speeds will immediately increase behind the front but will decrease through the afternoon hours. && .LUB WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... None. && $$ SHORT TERM...01 LONG TERM....19 AVIATION...01