Monday’s 85 degrees gave way to morning readings in the upper 50s and low 60s as a cold front sweeping across North Texas on Tuesday morning brought an end to overnight thunderstorms in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, ushering in gusty winds, clearing skies, and cooler daytime temperatures. While some localized non-severe storms with heavy rain and lightning continued to train over spots south and east of the Metroplex, conditions across the region dried out rapidly by Tuesday morning, according to FOX 4.
Front Drops Temperatures Across North Texas
Afternoon highs reached the upper 60s to low 70s, marking a drop from Monday’s 85 degrees, FOX 4 reported. Northwest winds blew at 25 mph, with gusts reaching higher speeds. Behind the weather boundary, morning readings sat in the upper 50s and low 60s, a contrast to the upper 60s and low 70s recorded ahead of it.
Although most polling locations opened at 7 a.m. under dry skies, voters in and around Palestine had to wait until late Tuesday morning for rain to completely clear the area. Light to moderate rain also lingered on the east side of Canton before exiting eastward toward Louisiana.
Storms Disrupt Polling Places Nationwide
Intense rainfall dumped as much as 22 inches of rain in 24 hours along the Atlantic coast in Florida, leaving roads impassable and forcing election officials to move at least 18 polling locations across seven counties. Across the country, millions of Americans lined up to cast ballots as midterm elections took place, with weather conditions varying widely by region. While the West and East coasts enjoyed great weather, flash flooding, heavy rainfall, and tornadoes scrambled Election Day plans in other parts of the United States. The affected Florida counties included Brevard County, Highlands County, Indian River County, Martin County, Okeechobee County, Palm Beach County, and St. Lucie County.
Rain Clears Following Overnight Texas Storms
San Antonio recorded at least a 70% chance of rain before 8 a.m., with precipitation ending shortly after 9 a.m. and all shower activity clearing the area by noon. In other parts of Texas, San Antonio experienced a rainy start to Tuesday as a wet cold front pushed through the Interstate 35 corridor before moving into the Gulf of Mexico. Forecasters noted that the front did not trigger widespread flooding in San Antonio, bringing between a quarter-inch and a half-inch of rain in stronger downpours, accompanied by north winds blowing at 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph.
Severe storms also moved across Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas overnight, while regions from East Texas into the lower Mississippi Valley faced threats of strong thunderstorms. Across the southern and central Plains, showers and thunderstorms affected areas on both sides of the Mississippi River.
Clear Skies Follow Midweek Cold Front
Wednesday morning lows are expected to drop into the 40s and 50s, followed by lighter winds and afternoon highs in the low 70s, FOX 4 reported. Under clear skies and persistent north winds, nighttime temperatures across parts of the state could drop to around 55 degrees before dawn.
Temperatures will climb into the mid-to-upper 70s on Thursday ahead of a dry cold front arriving Thursday evening into Thursday night. Outside of a slight chance for a passing shower near the Red River, that front will pass without precipitation, paving the way for cool mornings in the 40s and 50s and pleasant afternoons in the 60s and 70s through Monday.
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