Forecasters say those based in the Texas Panhandle should ensure notifications are on for any warnings that may be issued today. Western cities such as\u00a0Vega, Amarillo, and Claude face a level one risk for severe thunderstorms. Further Northeast, Stratford, Guymon, and Perrytown are among those at level two.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The main threats are quarter-sized hail, wind gusts of up to 80 mph, and a tornado, though the likelihood of the last hazard is “very low,” per the NWS. Current models suggest the storms won’t bring much rain, and the agency’s seven-day forecast<\/a> puts the Texas Panhandle at just 30%. That doesn’t mean locals shouldn’t remain alert. Meteorologists say a great amount of wind, especially in the Central area, could occur. The winds shouldn’t be as intense across the northern Panhandle.<\/p>\n The most likely time the grey clouds would start rolling into the western Texas Panhandle (such as the towns of\u00a0Perryton and Dalhart) would be 1 p.m., according to the NWS. However, there’s a greater chance that the severe storms will be active between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.\u00a0Meanwhile, eastern cities, like Pampa and Wheeler, probably won’t see the action until, at the earliest, 3 p.m. Forecasters say the most likely time is between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.<\/p>\n \u00a0A lot of lightning is predicted this afternoon, based on what is viewable in the weather radar. This means the risk for fires and structural damage is higher than normal. It doesn’t help that the region is experiencing what forecasters describe as “very dry conditions.”<\/p>\n From 1 p.m. to 9\u00a0p.m., the NWS says there’s an increased risk of wildfires starting in Amarillo, Vega, and surrounding\u00a0towns. 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.<\/p>\n Given\u00a0the forecast, it will be a good day to stay indoors. Temperatures will reach record highs, with Amarillo at 98 degrees, Dalhart at 93 degrees, and Borger at a scorching 101 degrees, the hottest May 15 since 1996. Heat-related illnesses are possible, so the agency recommends limiting outdoor activities to the early morning or evening and staying hydrated.\u00a0<\/p>\n