6 A-M BULLETIN FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE:
Strong winds are expected across the area Thursday, with critical fire weather conditions possible across the Rio Grande Plains. In addition, rain may mix with or change over to snow across the northern Hill Country Thursday night.
Area of Concern:
Gusty Winds: All of South-Central Texas, but the highest winds will be west of Highway 281.
Critical Fire Weather: Val Verde, Kinney, Uvalde, Maverick, Zavala, Frio, and Dimmitt county.
Possible snow: North of a line from Kerr to northern Kendall to Burnet County.
Threats & Impacts:
Wind (See attached graphic): Sustained winds of 25-35 mph with gusts of 40 to 50 mph are expected along the Rio Grande into portions of the Hill Country. Speeds up to 40 mph expected for the eastern areas. Loose lawn decorations will be blown around and small limbs could break.
Fire Weather (See attached graphic): The high winds and humidity values near 25 to 35 percent will create near critical fire weather conditions for mainly areas near the Rio Grande. Thursday afternoon. These conditions will support rapid fire growth and outdoor burning should not occur. Elevated fire weather conditions are expected elsewhere. A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for Val Verde, Kinney, Uvalde, Maverick, Zavala, Frio, and Dimmitt counties.
Winter Weather (See attached graphic): Precipitation is expected for areas north of a Bandera to Comal to Fayette County line Thursday night. Surface temperatures may cool enough to support a rain/snow mix north of a Kerr to northern Kendall to Burnet County line. Little to no accumulations are expected besides some minor accumulations possible on elevated or grassy surfaces.
Timing and Overview:
A strong upper level low pressure system will bring strong winds to all of the area behind a cold front Thursday morning. Winds will be strongest across the western areas but a wind advisory will likely be needed for most of the area. The strong winds will bring near critical fire weather conditions for areas near the Rio Grande Plains. In addition, precipitation Thursday night could mix with or change over to snow for areas mainly north of a line from Kerr to northern Kendall to Burnet County line. Little to no accumulations are expected.
Confidence:
Wind: High
Fire Weather: Moderate to High
Winter Weather: Low