January: Calmer Pattern To End The Month

[South_Texas_Storms]

Just saw a comparison sounding from the 00z University of Houston's and models. The actual sounding has more of a sub-freezing area aloft than the Rapid Update Cycle model thinks there is, and the freezing level is closer to the surface than the RUC thinks. This increases the chance of sleet vs. freezing rain across Houston. This would still be a big problem for roadways as the sleet will cool the road surface more quickly than cold rain.

Is the same true with the 0z A&M sounding?

[Kingwood31]

Looks like breaks in the precip r coming soon,any idea when the next rounds or the " main event" is coming?

[Paul Robison]

Just saw a comparison sounding from the 00z University of Houston's and models. The actual sounding has more of a sub-freezing area aloft than the Rapid Update Cycle model thinks there is, and the freezing level is closer to the surface than the RUC thinks. This increases the chance of sleet vs. freezing rain across Houston. This would still be a big problem for roadways as the sleet will cool the road surface more quickly than cold rain.

Which is more harmful? Sleet or freezing rain?

[djmike]

From NWS Lake Charles
US National Weather Service Lake Charles Louisiana

We have observed snow flurries here at our office at the Lake Charles airport. Its seems that the snowfall is continuing to expand as we get colder and colder.

[Portastorm]

Just saw a comparison sounding from the 00z University of Houston's and models. The actual sounding has more of a sub-freezing area aloft than the Rapid Update Cycle model thinks there is, and the freezing level is closer to the surface than the RUC thinks. This increases the chance of sleet vs. freezing rain across Houston. This would still be a big problem for roadways as the sleet will cool the road surface more quickly than cold rain.

Yes, that is exactly what happened here in Austin. Within two hours of the sleet falling, pretty much every elevated roadway/bridge started freezing over. We've had primarily sleet here for the last two hours. Off and on.

[Andrew]

Just saw a comparison sounding from the 00z University of Houston's and models. The actual sounding has more of a sub-freezing area aloft than the Rapid Update Cycle model thinks there is, and the freezing level is closer to the surface than the RUC thinks. This increases the chance of sleet vs. freezing rain across Houston. This would still be a big problem for roadways as the sleet will cool the road surface more quickly than cold rain.

Is the same true with the 0z A&M sounding?

Looks pretty good:

[PaulEInHouston]

fzlv (2).gif

As mentioned earlier, there appears to be an area South and S/West of the Texas Big Bend which shows/indicates an area of low pressure, high RH's, PW and some associated lift. (image from SPC MesoAnalysis). I would expect there to be a lull in activity in the next few hours, but with with mid-level winds transporting moisture from the SW to NE, it is possible that this area indicated will cross our area later tonight. The red line in graphic is the current surface freeze line and shows the steep change that is occurring over the greater Houston area at this time. Dry air is moving South and S/West into Texas as well.

As SRain pointed out earlier...the main event may well indeed be seen in the early morning hours...

[Rich]

Just saw a comparison sounding from the 00z University of Houston's and models. The actual sounding has more of a sub-freezing area aloft than the Rapid Update Cycle model thinks there is, and the freezing level is closer to the surface than the RUC thinks. This increases the chance of sleet vs. freezing rain across Houston. This would still be a big problem for roadways as the sleet will cool the road surface more quickly than cold rain.

wxman57, is this from the weather balloon that was launched earlier this evening? I was also wondering should we start seeing more moisture coming in from the southwest, most of it seems to the north now? Thanks.

[jasons2k]

Temp is almost steady here at 34. It's been steady since sunset - strange.

[South_Texas_Storms]

Just saw a comparison sounding from the 00z University of Houston's and models. The actual sounding has more of a sub-freezing area aloft than the Rapid Update Cycle model thinks there is, and the freezing level is closer to the surface than the RUC thinks. This increases the chance of sleet vs. freezing rain across Houston. This would still be a big problem for roadways as the sleet will cool the road surface more quickly than cold rain.

Is the same true with the 0z A&M sounding?

Looks pretty good:

I think you forgot to post the sounding image. Can you please post it again?

[djmike]

Yeah, we have been holding a firm 32 here in Beaumont. (31.8 to be exact). Seems like the temp drops just halted, or better yet, froze! I'm sure in due time, it will begin to slowly drop. 27 for low forecasted here in Beaumont.

[Andrew]

Just saw a comparison sounding from the 00z University of Houston's and models. The actual sounding has more of a sub-freezing area aloft than the Rapid Update Cycle model thinks there is, and the freezing level is closer to the surface than the RUC thinks. This increases the chance of sleet vs. freezing rain across Houston. This would still be a big problem for roadways as the sleet will cool the road surface more quickly than cold rain.

Is the same true with the 0z A&M sounding?

Looks pretty good:

I think you forgot to post the sounding image. Can you please post it again?[/quote]


Sorry

[jasons2k]

Snow in Lufkin, according to obs. Mostly snow NE of a line from there to Lake Charles.

[wxman57]

Someone asked if sleet is worse than freezing rain. That depends. Sleet will not collect on power lines or trees, reducing the risk of power outages. However, sleet can help chill the ground (streets) more quickly than a cold rain, which could lead to more issues with icy streets once the sleet melts then re-freezes.

Got a note from my wife an hour ago. Her car chimed at her and the dash displays flashed and a snowflake appeared on the display. It informed her that it might snow tonight. Soundings currently suggest mostly sleet and freezing rain tonight, but as the cold air deepens tomorrow morning there could be some flakes around (maybe 6am-noon). Wonder where her car learned meteorology?

[weatherag]

Does some one have the UH sounding handy?

[South_Texas_Storms]

I don't understand how I haven't seen any sleet yet. Areas to my south, north, west, and east have all been getting some. Even a few miles away from me has. When will I?

[ticka1]

ice pellets or sleet here

[srainhoutx]

Freezing rain reported 5 miles N of Seguin

[Kingwood31]

ice pellets or sleet here

U sure? I didn't think the freeze line was threw there yet

[msp]

I don't understand how I haven't seen any sleet yet. Areas to my south, north, west, and east have all been getting some. Even a few miles away from me has. When will I?

urban heat island...
/s

In all seriousness, south and southeast C-Stat certainly has been an unlucky place to be so far. No frz stuff and now a lengthy lull in the precip.