Last Map Update: Sat, Dec 21, 2024 at 4:54:32 am CST
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Local Weather History For December 21st...
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1989 (21st-24th): A bitterly cold Arctic airmass entered the Lone Star State on the 21st before engulfing the whole state
on the 22nd. This airmass was so cold that it set several record low temperatures for the time. Across West Texas, notable records included -16° F at Perryton on the morning of the 22nd and -4° F at San Angelo on the 23rd. As is common during these extreme cold outbreaks, elevations on the Caprock typically remain milder than locations off the Caprock because the coldest and heaviest air is impeded by the Caprock Escarpment. In fact, Lubbock only bottomed out to 0° F during this outbreak; whereas locations off the Caprock such as Paducah and Aspermont fell to -5° F for lows. These record lows still stand to this day. Although some water pipes ruptured early on during this cold outbreak, countless instances of broken pipes occurred throughout Texas by the 23rd and 24th as prolonged sub-freezing temperatures took their toll. Damage also occurred to several water meters and sewage lines. An unknown number of homes throughout West Texas suffered various degrees of water damage. Regulators on many gas meters also froze, bringing the bitter cold indoors to some; although no casualties were directly attributed to the cold. Remarkably, this cold outbreak surpassed the previous record-setting cold outbreak just six years earlier in December 1983! |