Mild Finish to 2011

Most of this December was cloudy, wet and very chilly.  You would think that we would conclude the year on this repetitive weather pattern but today is just the beginning of a long stretch of mild weather for the Natural State.

The rest of the work week will be pleasant and sunny with temperatures climbing to the 60's.  Even next week does not look that bad.

           (GFS showing winds at 500mb or around 20,000 feet above the ground. Fast winds stay north)


The reason for the unseasonably mild air relates to the upper level flow.  The jet stream looks to stay zonal and remain up close to the northern border. For those who don't follow weather closely, this means no major cold arctic blasts for us.  Don't get me wrong, we will have a brief snap of cool air, like the day after New Year's but it won't last long.

In terms of precipitation, we won't see a whole lot in the coming weeks.  The reason lies with the Gulf of Mexico not opening it's moisture flow to the southern states.

                                    (GFS model shows a mild temperatures for the Cotton Bowl...Jan. 6th)

Will this kind of pattern lasts all the way up to the Cotton Bowl?  It sure looks like it.  So you may not get a lot of use for those hog sweaters next year.

I'll have more in-depth look at the weather for Dallas as we get closer to the big bowl game.  Until then have the sunglasses ready to go and HAPPY NEW YEAR.