Freeze Next Two Nights, Slow Warm Up

 The Current Arctic Blast has pushed deep into the Gulf and that shows up nicely on the visible satellite view.  With clear skies tonight and light winds, most areas will dip to freezing or below and the usual precautions should be taken.

The only thing showing up is a big fire SW of Alexandria.  Here are the morning low forecasts from the NWS for the next two nights.

If your want your tropical plants to survive, they'll need full protection.  The warm up will be slow as another surge of Arctic air is heading into the lower 48.

Even though we warmed well above freezing, dew points are very low and that should allow temps. to crash after dark.  I don't think we need to worry about running water on the South Shore, but spots on the far North Shore will be below 28 for several hours.  I'd drip my faucets just to be safe north of Lake P.

Coming up on my next podcast this Tuesday will be FOX 8 morning meteorologist Zack Fradella.  For you to see or hear Zack, you'll need to subscribe at bobbreck.com.  The cost is only $2/month.  Until then, stay warm and stay tuned!

Next Arctic Blast Farther West & South, No Snow Here

Yesterday I heard the latest gimmick-made-up phrase to stoke the interest of weather geeks.  FLAKE WATCH.  Yep, some guy/gal with way too much time on their hands concocted this to give the public the idea we might have a chance for some snow with this new Arctic Blast roaring in later tonight. I just don't see it as the low-level moisture will be gone before the temps get low enough to produce snow.  Maybe along the MS/AL/FL coasts there could be some brief periods of sleet (ice pellets) late tonight, but not here.  There is a difference with this new Arctic Blast as it's coming farther to the west over the central Plains.

But note how the upper flow over us is from the SW which should steer the core of this cold to our north & east.

Clearly, the upper steering is straight out of Canada, and the 2 PM temps are single digits or below over the northern Plains.  For me, the key cities to watch are Denver, Dallas & San Antonio. Denver is 31, no big deal.  Dallas is in the 40s.  If they dip into the 20s, that's a bad sign for us.  Same for San Antonio.  I just see this latest cold intrusion as bringing us temps we've already seen this season.  

IF you're dressed for it, the next several days will feel refreshing, especially if the sunshine returns. Note how the dew points are in the single digits & teens over Texas.  That's really dry air.

The North Shore will see freezing temps the next 3 mornings, but the South Shore should stay above freezing except away from the Lake.  Protect all your tropical plants until we moderate by Wednesday.  It's gonna be cold, but not frigid.  Enjoy watching the newscasts that will show how the folks up north are dealing with Winter.  Just remember, January is SUPPOSED to be cold & snowy.  Stay tuned!