La Niña is Officially Back: Here’s How it Affects Texas Weather
La Niña has returned, and while this weekend’s South Texas weather isn’t caused by the climate pattern, it offers a preview of the warmer, drier conditions often associated with it. La Niña develops when a blocking high pressure system forms over the northern Pacific Ocean, between Hawaii and Alaska. This pushes the polar jet stream further north, lessening its impact on the southern United States.
Typically, a northward-shifted polar jet stream means fewer cold fronts for Texas, resulting in warmer and drier weather during the winter months. Historically, San Antonio experiences an average temperature increase of 1.3 degrees and a 28% reduction in rainfall during la Niña winters compared to non-La Niña winters.
Looking Ahead to the Weekend:
A pleasant cool start is expected Saturday morning. San Antonio will begin the day with lows around 64 degrees between 6 and 8 a.m., while areas in the Hill Country could dip into the mid- to upper 50s. However, radiant sunshine and dry air will quickly warm temperatures, potentially reaching 80 degrees by 10:30 a.m. The afternoon high is forecast to be 91 degrees, seven degrees above the typical temperature for October 11th.
Sunday will bring even cooler morning temperatures, potentially falling another degree or two to the lower 60s. The warming trend will continue,with afternoon highs again expected to reach 90 degrees.
Mostly sunny skies are anticipated, though a few high clouds may drift in from the west as tropical moisture from the eastern Pacific moves over parts of West Texas. Fortunately, high pressure will prevent this moisture from reaching San Antonio, ensuring continued dry conditions.
Next Week’s Forecast:
South-Central texas can expect a continuation of this pattern for much of the coming week.Morning lows will remain cool,ranging between 64 and 67 degrees. Concurrently, afternoon highs will consistently climb to above-average levels, peaking between 90 and 92 degrees.
Rain chances across San Antonio will be near zero. The only exceptions are expected to be isolated areas in far West Texas and the Panhandle, which may see some precipitation. For the majority of the state, a dry week is forecast.
