NWS Fort Worth warns of ‘engagement trolls looking for clicks’ ahead of winter weather
The National Weather Service Fort Worth is warning North Texans to follow trusted sources on upcoming winter weather and not “engagement trolls.”
A cold front will arrive in the region on Sunday, Jan. 5, bringing arctic air along the way, according to the NWS. Next week’s forecast is showing highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s, along with a low chance of wintry precipitation.
On the NWS forecaster’s discussion page, NWS meteorologist Miles Langfeld said the office is aware of social media posts teasing big snowfall totals for North and Central Texas.
“REMEMBER, what is being shared is a single run from one single deterministic model,” Langfeld wrote.
One run from one weather model is only a small part of the story, Langfeld said.
Instead, there are dozens of other models to view to make a comprehensive forecast. This is why next week as winter weather approaches, the NWS is asking folks to follow credible sources.
“It is important that you follow trusted weather sources for winter weather information and not engagement trolls looking for clicks and likes,” Langfeld wrote.
What’s the latest on winter weather next week?
Along with the warning message, Langfeld also wrote about what the NWS can determine with the data available to them.
The best potential for measurable wintry precipitation in the North Texas region is from Wednesday morning, Jan. 8, to Friday morning, Jan. 10. More specific timing will come closer to the weather event.
Potential for snowfall in Central Texas is trending higher, with models showing less than 0.1 inches possible over mid to late next week. Wintry weather chances remain low in North Texas.
“So yes, winter weather is possible next week. But, it is even more possible that we see nothing,” Langfeld wrote. “The best thing to do at this moment is to prepare for the cold and keep up to date with the forecast as you can expect us to get more specific and detailed over the coming days.”
