While much of Texas is enjoying calmer weather this week, parts of the state are once again at risk for severe weather on Wednesday, May 13, according to forecasters. It comes just days before a cold front is expected to hit.
The National Weather Service (NWS) is advising residents in the Texas Panhandle to enable multiple ways to receive warnings because there is a level one chance that severe thunderstorms will hit. Meteorologists predict that the earliest it could happen is 5 p.m. and the most likely arrival is between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Folks in Amarillo, Claude, Borger, Pampa, and other surrounding cities may experience nickel-sized hail and 70 mph wind gusts, the NWS warns. Though the likelihood is “very low,” an isolated tornado also can not be ruled out. Weather models currently show that the storms would be isolated, not widespread. Still, they could cause damage to structures or make roads slippery.
Although it may turn cloudy today, the region is expecting record high temperatures. Forecasters say in Amarillo, it could reach 96 degrees, making it the hottest May 13 since 1960. Meanwhile, Dalhart could hit 92 degrees, and Borger could get up to 98 degrees.
“If you are outside today, remember to drink plenty of water and, if possible, take frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning to cool off,” the NWS said.
The potential for severe thunderstorms remains in the area on Thursday, May 14. Wind gusts could be even stronger, with the agency saying it’s the primary hazard as it could reach 75 mph.
Things will take a turn early next week, as a cold front is expected to move southward across the Plains, according to the agency’s long-term forecast discussion. Forecasters say it’s too far out to determine the timing or how drastically it could drop temperatures in the region as a whole.
Current predictions say Amarillo could enjoy a low of around 55 degrees and a high near 92 degrees on Monday, May 18.