LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – The South Plains will stay hot and mostly dry through Friday, with a slight increase in storm chances over the weekend.
Temperatures will moderate just a bit early next week, but don’t expect any dramatic relief from the heat anytime soon. It is, after all, July.
Clear and Warm
A rather typical summer night on the South Plains. Tonight will be clear and warm, with low temperatures about five degrees or more above average for the date.
Another warm start to what will be another hot day.(KCBD First Alert)
There will be a little bit of a breeze overnight. Winds generally will be from the south and south-southwest and range in speed from about 10 to 20 mph.
Summer Sizzle
Thursday will bring more of the same weather we’ve been experiencing, hot and dry. Temperatures will peak five to ten degrees above average. That is, it’s going to be hot regardless of where you may be in the viewing area.
Temperatures Thursday afternoon will peak five or more degrees above average.(KCBD First Alert)
The breeze returns tomorrow. The direction from the south-southwest, the speed from around 10 to 20 mph. There will be occasional gusts around 25 or so mph.
Friday looks like a ditto forecast. That is, pretty much a repeat of Thursday.
Mostly Dry
Most of the area will stay dry through Friday. The exception is the area northwest of Lubbock, where a few thunderstorms may drift in from New Mexico Thursday evening and Friday evening.
Rain chances increase over the weekend.(KCBD First Alert)
These storms aren’t expected to be widespread, but keep an eye on the sky as the sun gets low in the sky late each day.
Weekend Changes
Saturday and Sunday will bring an increase in thunderstorm chances across the region. The greatest potential for storms, and therefore rain, will be over the northwestern viewing area. From there, rain chances taper down to around 20 to 30 percent for Lubbock Saturday night and Sunday night. Rain chances will be lower over the southeastern viewing area.
The summer sizzle continues into the weekend.(KCBD First Alert)
I don’t expect much of a change in temperatures, either lows or highs, Saturday. I currently anticipate slight cooling beginning Sunday with highs near to slightly below average early next week.
Ridge Returns
Data available now indicates a ridge of high pressure returning over West Texas late next week, which likely will bring above average temperatures back to our area.
Keep an eye on the forecast for weekend storm chances, especially if you’re in the northwestern part of the viewing area. We’ll be here with the latest updates from the KCBD First Alert Forecast Center.
Be Smart
Dress for the Heat: Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
A few reminders to help you and your loved ones stay comfortable and healthy in the heat.(KCBD First Alert)
Check on Vulnerable People: Elderly relatives, neighbors living alone, and those with chronic health conditions, are at higher risk during extreme heat. Check on them regularly, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Never Leave Children or Pets in Vehicles: Temperatures inside a parked car can reach deadly levels in minutes, even with windows cracked open. This is non-negotiable. Just don’t do it, even if you think you will be gone for a minute or two.
Know the Signs of Heat Illness: Watch for heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, or a rapid pulse. If someone shows signs of heat exhaustion, move them to a cool place, have them drink water, and cool their skin with water or cool packs. Heat stroke is a medical emergency—call 911 if someone becomes confused, stops sweating, or loses consciousness.
Heat Illness(kcbd)
Adjust Your Plans: Reschedule outdoor events if possible. If you must be outside, take frequent breaks in air conditioning or shade. Keep your home cool by closing blinds during the day and using fans or air conditioning.
On This Date
On this date in 1961, two brief tornadoes were observed over open country near the Star Route area (10 miles NW of Morton). The parent storm produced intense rainfall with totals between 3.6 and 4 inches, small hail that damaged up to 90% of area crops, and non-tornadic winds that demolished a few barns and outbuildings.
(Source: National Weather Service, Lubbock)
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