SAN ANTONIO – Big time rainfall is right around the corner for San Antonio and much of our region. Thursday is on track to deliver a widespread soaking of much needed rainfall.
CLICK HERE to track the freezing rain, snow and rain with our interactive radar…
The big upper low is still well west of Texas and will add dynamic lift to the atmosphere late Thursday into Thursday night for rain. Meanwhile, a surface low is now developing south of Brownsville and will strengthen through the day Thursday as it moves north along the Texas coast. This low will work with the upper low to pump quite a bit of moisture into the state and our viewing area.
RELATED | Just one area district has closed school today due to icy roads
This coastal low will also pump enough gulf “warm” air into our area to keep the bulk of what we see as cold rain. The Hill Country will likely see pockets of freezing temperatures for a time to allow for some ice accumulation of freezing rain and maybe a touch of sleet. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the Hill Country to Val Verde County to account for this potential. Use caution on bridges and overpasses if in the advisory especially if your in-car thermometer is around 31 to 32 degrees.
Roads and bridges, elevated surfaces will just be wet in Bexar County and the rest of the area. In the morning, the coverage of rain will be scattered instead of widespread. The first batch of showers to move in could also briefly develop some sleet as the atmosphere cools in response to the first showers. This would only be temporary though.
RELATED | How to keep your home safe as winter weather worsens
Through the afternoon to evening, dynamics really strengthen over us to develop rain. Steady moderate to at times heavy rain will spread across the area. The commute home will be an ugly one and very uncomfortable in the mid to upper 30s. The wind chill at times will be in the 20s with the breeze.
The really good news in this forecast, the much needed rainfall we’ll see! A solid 1″ to 2″ rain is likely with areas closer to the Rio Grande just below 1″ of rain.
All the rain moves out after midnight Friday and could end with a few snowflakes or sleet in the Hill Country as cold air tries to catch up to the back edge of the rain shield. The rest of Friday is partly sunny to mostly cloudy and windy, in the 40s. There will be no refreeze issues for the Friday morning commute.
CLICK HERE to share your photos and video…
