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Precipitation for November varied generally from below normal across the northeastern half of west-central Texas, to above normal in southwestern sections of the region (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Percent of Normal Precipitation for November, 2013.
Across much of the Big Country north and east of Abilene, the monthly precipitation was less than 50 percent of normal, with amounts less than one inch. Where the monthly precipitation was above normal (much of the Northern Edwards Plateau and parts of the Concho Valley, Northwest Hill Country, and southern Heartland), the amounts were in the range of 1-3 inches.
Temperatures averaged below normal across west-central Texas in November.
At Abilene Regional Airport, the average temperature for November was 52.2 degrees. This was 2.4 degrees below the normal average temperature of 54.6 degrees. Total precipitation for Abilene in November was 1.17 inches. This was 0.24 inches below the normal of 1.41 inches. Abilene recorded 0.5 inches of snow (sleet) in November.
At San Angelo Regional Airport, the average temperature for November was 51.9 degrees. This was 3.4 degrees below the normal average temperature of 55.3 degrees. Total precipitation for San Angelo was 0.81 inches. This was 0.33 inches below the normal of 1.14 inches. San Angelo recorded a trace of snow (sleet) in November.
A series of upper level disturbances entered Texas on November 3-6 in southwest flow aloft , bringing occasional rain showers. Much of the rainfall occurred across the southern half of west-central Texas. At Junction, the total rainfall was 0.55 inches during this time period.
Following a cold frontal passage early on the 6th, a high pressure system settled south into Texas. Clear skies and light winds allowed temperatures to drop through the overnight hours. A light freeze occurred on the early morning of the 7th, when lows were in the 30-32 degree range across much of west-central Texas.
Cool daytime temperatures with cloud cover and light rain showers/sprinkles occurred on the 8th, as a weak upper level disturbance approached the area. Areas of fog and locally dense fog occurred on the early mornings of November 10 and 11.
During the middle of the month, a hard freeze was followed a few days later by record warmth. A Strong cold frontal passage on the 12th was followed by an intrusion of colder air and gusty north winds. As a strong ridge of high pressure settled south into Texas with clear skies and light winds, an areawide hard freeze occurred on the early morning of the 13th. Early morning lows were mostly in the range of the upper teens to mid-20s. Record low temperatures were set at San Angelo (20 degrees) and tied at Abilene (21 degrees). Temperatures were much warmer by the 15th, when highs were mostly in the mid to upper 70s across the area. The warmth continued on the 16th and 17th with gusty south to southwest winds. Afternoon highs were in the mostly in the upper 70s to lower 80s on the 16th, and 80-85 degree range on the 17th. A record high temperature was tied at Abilene (83 degrees) on the 16th.
Warm temperatures on the 21st were followed by a sharp change to much colder conditions with wintry precipitation. Afternoon highs were in the 75-80 degree range across most of west-central Texas on the 21st. A strong, Canadian cold front surged south across the region during the evening and early nighttime hours. On the 22nd, temperatures in the upper 20s to lower 30s across most of the area held steady or slowly dropped during the day, accompanied by brisk north winds. Periods of mixed winter precipitation occurred on November 22-24 as upper level disturbances moved northeast into Texas and interacted with the cold air. A mix of light freezing rain, sleet and freezing drizzle occurred, resulting in light ice accumulations across northern and central sections of west-central Texas. The most hazardous road conditions were across the Big Country with sleet and ice accumulations, due to the colder temperatures. During this weather event, the precipitation transitioned to rain at times, as temperatures occasionally rose above the freezing mark. At Abilene, a record low maximum temperature (35 degrees) was tied on the 22nd. At San Angelo, a record low maximum temperature of 35 degrees was set on both the 23rd and 24th. Cold air with well-below normal temperatures lingered through the 25th.
A moderation of daytime temperatures followed on the 26th and 27th with mostly clear skies, as high pressure moved into Texas behind the departing upper level storm system.
Dry conditions with a warming trend occurred on the last few days of the month. On the 30th, highs across most of the area were in the mid 60s to lower 70s.