Day 5: Looking back, looking aheadPosted May15, 2008 at 11:55 PMPECOS, Texas -- Although we did manage to find a small thunderstorm with a little lightning and rain over extreme southwest Texas, Thursday was mainly just a relaxing drive through the semi-arid terrain of west Texas. We are down this far south because the jet stream pattern is pushing south of Canada to such an extent that it is driving most of the moisture and warmth out of the United States. The extreme southern rim of Texas and eastern New Mexico looks like the only real shot at thunderstorms the next few days, as some warmth and moisture may linger, and a few disturbances along with the terrain may aid in allowing some convection to occur. The chances of severe weather are slim, but never zero when there are thunderstorms. Down time between storm chases can be beneficial, helping us get some rest and take care of tasks like washing clothes and buying food. We also use the time to look back and look ahead. 
Looking ahead ... we'll be looking for any sign of a pattern change that could yield more widespread storminess next week. Several forecast models are beginning to show just that, but the various models have been in poor agreement. We'll just have to wait and see where we end up going next week, but for now, perhaps we should just enjoy some good Tex-Mex food and see if we can coax out a picturesque storm over the desert. Follow Kevin's progress on this map. See video from May 15.
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About this blog
Kevin Myatt works on the copy desk for The Roanoke Times and is its principal weather geek, writing a weekly weather column and advising the newsroom on weather topics. He helps guide students on a storm chasing trip to the central U.S. each May and was an editor for "Hurricanes and the Middle Atlantic States." .....Advertisement.....
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