Here is your updated forecast from the KLBK First Warning Weather Center as of Thursday afternoon:

Warmer Weather Today:
Quiet weather is in place across the South Plains and the Rolling Plains this afternoon. We’re looking at a mostly sunny sky across the region for the most part. A few clouds may develop later this afternoon. Models are trying to bring an isolated storm chance into the far western and northwestern areas early this evening. For now, I’ll mention an isolated storms chance but plan on trending us dry overall. We’ll climb into the the middle 90s on the Caprock and upper 90s to lower 100s across the Rolling Plains this afternoon. Otherwise, expect a few clouds this evening, then mostly clear conditions tonight with lows dropping down into the lower to middle 70s. 

Extended Forecast:
Daytime highs will remain above normal across the South Plains and the Rolling Plains over the next 7 days. The normal high for late August is in the lower 90s. We’re expecting highs in the middle and upper 90s. Overnight lows will remain near average in the lower 70s.

Forecast models are split on rain chances over the extended period with the high pressure in place. A few models show storms over New Mexico and Texas Panhandle trying to slip into our area late in the evenings and overnight. However, other models show no activity. There is just enough moisture under the high pressure area. Combined with daytime heating, a stray storm could develop. For now, we’ll mention a daily isolated storm chance.  
  

Drought Update:
The latest update of the U.S. Drought Monitor was released this morning (see graphic below). There was some improvement across the South Plains and Rolling Plains thanks to our recent rainfall. However, we’re still dealing with moderate to severe drought over the majority of the area. The City of Lubbock was recategorized from enhanced to moderate drought with the new update.

Lubbock Climate Data for Thursday, August 23:
Sunrise: 7:15 a.m. 
Sunset:  8:24 p.m. 
Normal High: 91°
Normal Low: 66°
Record High: 101° (1985)
Record Low: 54° (1923)

Your KLBK First Warning Forecast:
This afternoon: Mostly sunny to partly cloudy. Highs in the middle 90s on the Caprock and upper 90s to lower 100s across the Rolling Plains. Southeast wind this morning will become southwesterly 10-20 mph.

Tonight: A few clouds, otherwise mostly fair. Lows in the lower to middle 70s with a southerly wind 10-15 mph.

Friday: Mostly sunny in the morning, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 90s on the Caprock and the lower 100s across the Rolling Plains. Southwest wind 10-15 mph.

Have a great afternoon!

Meteorologist Chris Whited
KLBK First Warning Weather
cwhited@klbk13.tv
Facebook: Meteorologist Chris Whited
Twitter: @severewxchaser