As expected, the winds have been very strong across Central Texas. Peak wind gusts varied from 38 mph in Waco to 41 mph in Killeen. Even had a few winds gusts up to 45 mph in parts of the Brazos Valley. So what is the cause for these strong winds. Well, we have low pressure that is to our northeast and high pressure to our northwest. These two systems are pushing against each other, creating a tight pressure gradient. This big difference in pressure creates strong winds. As the two systems separate, the winds will begin to relax. By next week, another strong low pressure system will move into the central plains and our winds will pick back up out of the south, but with more humidity in the air, hopefully that will keep the red flag warnings away.

 Texas Forest Service (TFS) is warning citizens across North, Central and South Texas of heightened wildfire danger due to strong winds, low relative humidity values and critically dry vegetation on Saturday. The areas of concern are north and west of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, North Texas, Central Texas, the Hill Country and South Texas. 

“Vegetation across Texas is very dry and susceptible to accidental wildfire starts because of the persistent dry weather pattern and entrenched drought,” said Tom Spencer, predictive services department head with TFS. 

Spencer said the critical weather conditions greatly increase wildfire danger in this area. These wildfires, if accidently started, represent a serious threat to citizens and their property.  

TFS Predictive Services Department predicts that the current dry weather pattern and drought conditions will persist through the end of spring.

Courtesy of NWS in Fort Worth

The 80 degree heat was very nice the past few days, but we all knew it would not last. Even though spring is right around the corner, it is still winter after all. A cold front will be slowly moving through Central Texas later today, with a stronger surge of cold air arriving overnight. This air originates from Canada so it very cold. As the cold air settles in, we will see freezing temperatures by Sunday morning so get ready to protect those plants, especially the ones that are already blooming.

As we continue through severe weather awareness week, today’s topic is a free service we offer right here at kxxv.com. It is called WeatherWarn and it sends the latest watches and warnings for your county to a cell phone, email, or pager. This can be a valuable thing to have when severe strikes in the middle of the night and that happens often here in Central Texas. Remember, this a free service so sign up today!

Click here to sign up for WeatherWarn Bulletins! 

The following is a sonic commercial that aired last year. I do not think it is in the rotation any more. When you watch it, you will see why it made me laugh, considering my job!

Not every thunderstorm that develops is classified as severe. Sometimes we get the garden variety type storms that produce rain, some wind, and lightning. However, to qualify as a severe storm it has to contain one of three things.

1. Large hail at least 3/4″ in diameter, which is roughly golf ball size
2. Contain winds of 58 mph or greater
3. Produces a tornado.

It is a pretty basic definition that the National Weather Service follows. One exception is across the central Plains where the hail has to be 1″ or larger. That is because large hail is not that rare in Oklahoma, Kansas, or Nebraska.

Governor Rick Perry has declared Feb. 22nd through Feb. 28th as severe weather awareness week across the state of Texas. This is a time where we refresh you on all types of severe weather and how to stay safe. Each day will cover a different topic ranging from tornadoes, to lightning, to flash flooding. Being prepared for severe weather is the best way to keep you and your family safe. Check back everyday for the daily topic and if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below or email us at weather@kxxv.com. — First Alert 25 Meteorologist Conley Isom

Low temperatures Sunday morning.

Mother nature gave us a nice reminder that it is still winter! Temperatures Sunday morning dropped into the 20s area wide, as you can see from the image above. The record low for Waco was 21 degrees, set back in 1939, so it was not record breaking cold. The combination of cold, dry air, high pressure above, and calm winds allowed for maximum cooling conditions. It should be a reminder that it can still get cold, even as we get closer to spring. Hard to believe we will be close to 80 degrees later this week!

Courtesy of NWS in Fort Worth

A strong cold front will bring back a taste of winter to Central Texas. You will notice when this front moves through your neighborhood because winds will abruptly change to the north and pick up in speed. Wind gusts up to 40 mph are not out of the question. That strong wind will make it feel about 10 degrees colder than the actual air temperatures. Overnight, as skies clear and the winds relax, temperatures will fall below freezing area wide. So make sure you protect those plants and have warmth for your pets. — First Alert 25 Meteorologist Conley Isom

Courtesy of the NWS in Fort Worth

A nice Friday is on tap for the area, but it comes with a price. We have an elevated fire risk today, especially west of I-35. The combination of dry air, strong winds, and the ongoing drought are the causes for the fire risk. We have Red Flag Warnings for our western counties, where winds will be a little bit stronger. Also, all of our counties are still under burn bans so it is illegal to burn anything outside, unless you have a special permit. The long range forecast does not show much hope for rain so be ready for the drought conditions to get worse before it gets better. — First Alert 25 Meteorologist Conley Isom