The summer season is approaching, but a cold front is still sweeping into parts of Texas this week. Several major cities will feel the impact beginning on Monday, May 18.
The Texas Panhandle will see the front move into the area later tonight, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). It comes after days of temperatures hitting record highs, so some may welcome its arrival.
Forecasters say Boise City, Guymon, and the Beaver areas could feel it as early as 7 p.m. Further south, in Dalhart, Damas, and Borger, it likely won’t arrive till 9 p.m. Meanwhile, Claredon, Hereford and Amarillo should be the last to be hit at around 11 p.m. The low is slated to hit 48 degrees.
“Winds shift to the north behind the front and maintain strength especially early on when entering the northern combined Panhandles,” the NWS said. “Be careful driving on roads running east to west, such as I-40, during the moment the front comes through as you will encounter a sudden cross wind.”
In the hours before, wind gusts will ramp up, with some southwest to west winds reaching up to 35 mph. Meteorologists also say there’s a level one chance for severe thunderstorms in Beaver and a portion of Clarendon, as early as 4 p.m. Canadian, Wheeler, and Wellington face a level two risk. Forecasters say the system could bring egg-sized hail, 80 mph wind gusts, and a tornado (though the likelihood of the latter condition is low).
From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., the NWS says there’s an increased risk of wildfires starting in the region because of the dryness. They add that any that do spark could spread quickly. Residents should contact police or fire officials immediately if they smell smoke or see flames. Locals are being asked to “avoid all outdoor activities that produce sparks and flames.”