Cotton Bowl Classic travel forecast
Editor's Note: The video above shows the latest from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Thursday is the day Central Texas faces its day of rain and, perhaps for some, a wintry mix. The local forecast calls for mainly rain but KXAN meteorologists are not ruling out the potential for freezing rain or freezing drizzle or sleet in some of the area, primarily in the Hill Country.
This forecast is based on the current data being analyzed. Precipitation looks to begin on Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Air temperatures are forecasted to fall to the upper 20s to low 30s. Any rain that does fall could freeze upon impact in those areas where the temperatures are below freezing. Thursday's daylight temperatures are forecast above freezing everywhere making the precipitation all rain.
What about Dallas? Fans will be headed up Interstate 35 to see Texas play Ohio State in Friday evening's Cotton Bowl Classic.
The forecast for Central Texas has changed, but the prediction for Dallas-Fort Worth has not. The Metroplex forecast now has DFW in a Winter Storm Watch from Wednesday night to Friday morning. Rain will change over to a wintry mix Wednesday to Thursday morning. Some roadways will be iced over should this forecast solution verify.
Precipitation changes to snow during the afternoon Thursday, but especially Thursday night lasting until Friday morning. The snow will be heavy at times. Snow accumulations of three to six inches are likely given present observations. We're talking areas north of Interstate 20. This is what we THINK will happen.
The forecast gets a little tricky, so far as temperatures are concerned. Daytime temperatures up there are not expected to get much above the mid-30s. This means that while there could be rain, the majority of the precipitation will likely be snow.
So, when should you travel? The feeling here is that travel starts to deteriorate during the day Thursday. TxDot and local officials will make sure the major roadways will be fine but secondary and tertiary roads could be problematic.
We can only guide you in this story. We feel Thursday night will pose more travel issues than Friday morning. Leaving our local area Friday around 9 to 10 a.m. should be enough time to get to DFW safely.
No matter when you do drive, make sure your car is in tip-top condition, including making sure your tires are properly inflated and in good shape, and that your battery is in good working condition.
Some of you may be flying on Thursday. Be prepared for potential flight delays.
The KXAN Weather team will be helping you make that important travel decision so stay tuned to First Warning Weather. Hook 'Em!