LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – December continues to ignore winter this Christmas. We’re locked into a stretch of unseasonable warmth that’s pushing temperatures well above normal, and in some cases record-breaking territory.
Today and Tuesday have the potential to tie or break records in Lubbock, with highs climbing into the upper 70s and low 80s.
The driver for all this heat is a strong upper-level ridge parked over Texas. This pattern acts like a giant atmospheric dome that blocks storm systems, keeps skies mostly clear, and allows warm air to build and stick around.
At the surface, westerly to southwesterly winds help things warm even more, especially during the afternoon. That downslope flow is efficient at squeezing extra heat out of the air.
As long as that ridge stays in place, the forecast doesn’t have much room to cool down.
From a travel standpoint, this is actually good news if you plan to drive. Roads are dry. Skies are quiet. No winter weather headaches or storms to dodge. Overall the forecast is cooperative, even if its not festive…