Strong storms reported across W Texas overnight

Strong thunderstorms moved through West Texas overnight, producing gusty winds, tornadoes, and hailstones ranging from the size of a quarter to a tennis ball in diameter. Beneficial precipitation also was received, with rain accumulations of between 0.01’’ and 1.66’’. Brief, heavy downpours caused flash flooding in many locales. Cloudy skies and gusty winds prevail today, and a stray thunderstorm is possible. Outside activities, therefore, will be hampered for a few days.

As the storm system slowly moves eastward, it will encounter moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, and a 20 to 50 percent chance of rain is forecast for central and northern parts of the state today. Although accumulations are expected to be light, the moisture will hinder planting. Elsewhere in the state, mostly cloudy, windy conditions rule in South Texas. A slight chance of precipitation is possible today, and a 40 to 50 percent chance of rain is forecast for the Upper Coastal Bend and East Texas tomorrow. The Rio Grande Valley, though, will remain dry, and moisture would be welcome to help ease stressful growing conditions and to reduce fruit shed. Hence, irrigation water is flowing, where possible.

Clouds will give way to open skies later today in the Memphis Territory. Warm, humid conditions persist, with daytime highs in the mid to upper 80°s (F). Soils are at optimal levels, and sowing is proceeding at a rapid pace. Work is nearing an end in Louisiana, and producers hope to complete activities by next week. A 70 to 90 percent chance of thunderstorms is forecast tomorrow evening into Friday, and growers throughout the Delta are rushing to get as many fields planted as possible ahead of the stormy weather.

Mostly sunny skies and unseasonably warm temperatures persist across the Southeast. Scattered thunderstorms are forecast for North Carolina tonight, while most of the region will remain dry. Planters are running late into the night in an attempt to get the crop in the ground before rains arrive. Growers are making good progress, and the moisture will help enhance germination and young seedling development.

In the Far West, outside activities are advancing under mostly favorable conditions. Clear, near-seasonable temperatures rule in California’s San Joaquin Valley, and seeds are sprouting rapidly. Good growing conditions remain in the near-term forecast. Meanwhile, scattered showers were received in southwestern parts of Arizona overnight, and sunny, warmer weather is expected today.

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