Despite some hopeful forecasts, the overall look for any rain or moisture is not looking hopeful in the near future, according to Amarillo meteorologists with the National Weather Service.
The facts that parts of Potter and Randall counties, including Amarillo, are now in the Extreme Drought stage, according to KMC Drought Index, and that we have only received 1.13 inches in rain — for the year — only dampens the spirits of residents.
A.J. Harrel, meteorologist at Amarillo National Weather Service, said that we will have a few cold fronts moving into the region over the next few days. But don’t expect much in the way of precipitation.
“There will be some very minimal moisture behind those fronts, but the vast majority of rain chances will be north, very light, much like the spinkles or drizzles we had last weekend,” he said. “We don’t see much in the way of any rain chances until possibly the end of this week, into the weekend, but there’s low confidence in those panning out.”
The meteorologist said that we are in a pattern of La Nina transitioning into El Nino, which typically, eventually produces a more rainy situation, but “it’s taking its sweet time,” according to Harrel, who said that the ocean temperatures were warming up, which usually favors a pattern to become more favorable for rain but it was slow in coming.
In the meantime, the fire danger continues to threaten the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles, with increased risk expected 1 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 4.
“Despite some areas picking up rain this past week, most of the Panhandles still have dry fuels,” NWS said in a post on Facebook. “Winds will be in the 15 to 25 mph range today and that will promote elevated Fire Weather Conditions.”
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Rain chances slim for immediate future in Amarillo, Texas Panhandle
Reporting by Nell Williams, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
