992 FXUS64 KMAF 160444 AFDMAF Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX 1044 PM CST Tue Dec 15 2020 .DISCUSSION... See the 06Z Aviation Discussion below. && .AVIATION... VFR conditions will persist for the next 24 hours for all area terminals. Light winds out of the north will back towards the west to southwest by late tomorrow morning. && PREV DISCUSSION... /issued 202 PM CST Tue Dec 15 2020/ DISCUSSION... An upper level trough is currently digging into Texas and SE New Mexico with a jet max passing overhead today, bringing elevated winds to much of the area. A Wind Advisory is in effect until 3 PM CST/2 PM MST this afternoon as winds are currently sustained at 25-35 mph with gusts hitting up to 50 mph. Some blowing dust is accompanying these winds as well, reducing visibilities slightly across the Permian Basin. Gusts will begin to settle by sunset tonight. Elevated fire weather conditions are expected across our far southern regions today, which will be discussed further in the section below. Highs this afternoon will be cooler, only reaching the upper 40s to mid 50s with a few 60s along the Rio Grande. As this trough moves off to the east tonight, a surface high will develop over West Texas and decent radiational cooling with light winds will result in chilly overnight temperatures. Lows Wednesday morning will be in the upper teens to low 20s, so remember to grab your heavy coat before work! Temperatures will be slow to recover over the next few days as weak ridging begins to build over Texas. Highs on Wednesday will be slightly below average with 50s area-wide and lows Wednesday night settling into the 20s. Near normal temperatures on Thursday as low 60s return to much of the area. Friday will be the warmest day with widespread mid to upper 60s. Another upper level trough will sweep through NM and TX Friday afternoon/evening. As this trough moves through, winds will pick up across the Permian Basin and mountainous areas, although winds are expected to remain below advisory criteria. Cooler temperatures are expected for Saturday and Sunday as this trough moves out of our area and over to the AK/TX/OK border. Highs will be in the mid 50s to low 60s through the weekend before warmer temperatures return Monday and beyond. There is little to no chance of precipitation over the forecast period as our pattern remains dry. -Zuber FIRE WEATHER... Wind speeds have increased across the region this afternoon in the wake of a cold front. 20 ft winds are currently sustained over 20 mph w/ gusts over 30 mph in some locations. Dry air has filtered in behind the frontal boundary with relative humidity falling to near critical levels, especially areas along and south of Interstate 10. RFTIs in the Davis Mtns and Big Bend region have increased to around 2-3. These areas will experience elevated fire weather for a brief period this afternoon until winds subside this evening. Good overnight recovery and much lighter wind speeds will keep fire concerns low for the next several days. && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Big Spring 51 22 53 26 / 0 0 0 0 Carlsbad 52 19 56 23 / 0 0 0 0 Dryden 66 26 60 31 / 0 0 0 0 Fort Stockton 55 23 59 30 / 0 0 0 0 Guadalupe Pass 45 26 48 32 / 0 0 0 0 Hobbs 47 18 53 22 / 0 0 0 0 Marfa 51 16 52 18 / 0 0 0 0 Midland Intl Airport 51 22 53 25 / 0 0 0 0 Odessa 51 23 54 25 / 0 0 0 0 Wink 53 18 57 22 / 0 0 0 0 && .MAF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... NM...None. TX...None. && $$ 89/70