TYLER, Texas — A arctic cold front pushed into East Texas this afternoon, and when it arrived, rain and falling temps came with it. In fact, these temps will be some of the coldest we have seen since winter last year! Temperatures in East Texas are dropping between 20-30° and some places in Central Texas have dropped 50° over the last 24 hours.
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Rain showers are expected to continue at times this evening across East Texas. We are expecting the rain to clear out into the mid evening hours and move out of Tyler and Longview by 9 PM. If that is the case, we will see almost all rain and no freezing rain, sleet or light snow. But if the showers stick around after 9 PM, which isn't likely, we could see some light frozen precipitation between 9 PM and midnight. Even if we do see some sleet or snow, it is highly unlikely that roads will become slick or we will see any snow accumulations. Here is a look at two possible model solutions for tonight's showers. Here in the CBS19 weather center, we think the HRRR model will be right and the NAM model will be wrong.
Along with the cold rain, frigid temperatures are also expected. While we are not currently forecast to break any records, our temps will come within a few degrees of setting some new ones! We will get close in Tyler and Longview Wednesday morning. Here is a look at the current records and forecast for the next couple of mornings for Tyler. Longview and Lufkin.
The cold will be an issue, but the winds on top of the cold air will make it down right dangerous across the area. Sustained winds will climb to around 15 to 25 MPH and gusts up to 30 to 35 MPH . These gusty winds will allow the wind chill to dip down to 10-15° as we start your Tuesday.
High pressure will continue to move on in overnight. As it does, showers and clouds will start to move on out by the morning. Skies should start to clear out completely by Tuesday afternoon, with sunny skies taking over. Expect temps starting the day to dip down to the mid 20s. Highs on Tuesday will only make it into the low 40s during the afternoon, even with sunnier skies moving in.
By Wednesday you will really be feeling the chill. While skies will be sunny and temps will reach around 50, the day will start with temps down into the low 20s around East Texas. A hard freeze looks likely, so make sure to bundle up and make your protection plans now! Be sure to protect the 4 P's East Texas. That is your pipes, pets, people and plants.
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