The Optimist

Media Credit: Brian Schmidt

Stormy weather and high amounts of rain can be expected to continue in Abilene and the surrounding Big Country in the next few weeks.

Because Georgia is experiencing some of the largest fires that have ever occurred in state history, that region has built up a high-pressure system. This "bubble of trouble" has prevented the atmosphere in the Big Country from being blocked by the usual high-pressure system that brings dry conditions here.

Rather, a low-pressure system has moved in and has allowed storms to continue to move throughout the Big Country.

Earlier in the year a drought affected Abilene, but the continued rain this season eliminated the drought about a month ago.

"We are now well above normal for the year - about four inches above normal," said Damon Lane, KTXS chief meteorologist. "If we were to stay at this level, we could go without a single drop of rain until July and still be above normal for the year. It's good for us because we fill up the lakes, and they are still kind of hurting a little bit."

This weather trend can be expected to continue throughout the remainder of the spring.

"We will keep above-normal chances of rain and low pressures coming through," Lane said. "It will be a little warm, and this will lead to possible severe weather. This is the peak of tornado season, and it will be like any other May. This week last year we saw our biggest severe weather break in history."

Lane said that if the area continues to get heavy rain, the threat of wildfires will decrease, and it will make it greener outside. It may also lead to a larger mosquito population this summer because of the standing water that builds up, as the ground cannot absorb all the rain.

As these storms continue to roll through the area, there are several things you can do to prepare for any unexpected conditions.

"One of the best things you can do is make sure you have an action plan," Lane said. "If it turns for the worst, you know what to do. Also, check your insurance policy. Make sure you are covered for hail damage. If you are leaving Abilene, don't pack anything in the back of a pickup truck that you don't want to get damaged from rain or heat. It is getting hot; the average high temperature will be in the upper 80s and lower 90s."

Weather forecasts can be checked daily on KTXS "This Morning," on weekdays at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. and on weekends in the morning and at 10 p.m.

Email Edens at optimist@acu.edu

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