Christmas Eve, expect periods of rain...especially from the morning thru early afternoon as a cold front moves into our area. By the evening, it stalls near the coast...decreasing the rain chances. However, an area of low pressure will deepen as it moves out of Texas...moving that stalled front back inland as a warm front.
As the warm front moves inland...rain can be expected along and ahead of it. Then, we'll be in what's called the warm sector as our area sits south of the warm front and east of an approaching cold front. This region has warm/moist/unstable air...so, showers & storms will be popping throughout the day until the cold front crosses late in the evening. Plus, in the case of Christmas day, there will be strong wind shear in place (change of wind speed & direction with height)...which will heighten the risk for rotating storms that could spawn tornadoes...potentially large/long-lived tornadoes.
Therefore, our area is under a Substantial Risk of Severe Weather for Christmas. Aside from the tornado risk, damaging wind is also a major threat. So, it's very important that you have a way of getting breaking weather information all day...as severe weather could strike at a moments notice. Also, know your safe place. Remember, the best place to be during severe weather is: in a sturdy building, lowest level of that building, away from windows...in bathroom or closet.
Local 15's The Weather Authority will be monitoring the weather around the clock. So, keep checking in with us...on the news, and online...including facebook and twitter.
As far as temps for the holiday...it will be mild with low-mid 70s dominating.
Take care,
Meteorologist Deitra Tate
