Isolated thunderstorms forecast from West Texas to the Southeast

Light to moderate rain fell on the Texas High and Rolling Plains overnight, and stormy conditions are possible today.  Mostly sunny, warm weather is forecast this weekend and into next week, which will allow soft soils to firm and help bleach any discolored fibers in open bolls.  Heavy precipitation was recorded in south central parts of the state overnight, and flash flooding has been reported in isolated locales.  Winter field preparations are nearing completion in the Rio Grande Valley.  Scattered thunderstorms are forecast for the RGV and the Coastal Bend today, which will hamper outside activities.  Gins, however, continue to work through modules that are on their yards.

Overcast skies are being reported in the Memphis Territory today, allowing harvest activities to continue.  Light rain, though, has fallen in southern parts of the Delta this morning, briefly hindering picking.  Isolated thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon as the system moves northeastward.  No significant precipitation is forecast, and the droughty soils will quickly absorb any moisture.  Fair weather is expected to return this weekend, and pickers likely will be back in fields early next week.

In the Southeast, cloudy skies rule today, and a 40 percent to 90 percent chance of rain is in the near-term forecast.  Generally, precipitation amounts are expected to be light, but between 1.0’’ and 2.0’’ of rain is possible in the Carolinas this weekend, which will exacerbate already saturated fields.  Open skies and warm temperatures are forecast late this weekend, with good weather lingering through next week.

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