Amarillo, Texas – Gusty southwest winds combined with dry conditions are expected Saturday across the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles, raising travel concerns and increasing the risk of fire starts.
According to the National Weather Service Amarillo, wind gusts of 25 to 30 mph are forecast from late morning through mid-afternoon Saturday, with the strongest winds expected between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The breezy conditions will occur alongside very dry air, creating low-end elevated fire weather conditions across the region.
The strongest wind impacts are expected along major roadways including Interstate 40, Interstate 27, U.S. Highway 87, U.S. Highway 54, and Texas Highway 136. High-profile vehicles may experience more difficult driving conditions, particularly in open areas where crosswinds are strongest.
Forecasters note that while these conditions are not unusual for the Panhandles, any activity that creates sparks could quickly ignite a grass fire, especially in areas with dry fuels. Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning, secure loose items, and properly discard cigarettes.
Cities including Amarillo, Canyon, Borger, Dalhart, Hereford, Guymon, and Beaver are expected to see gusty winds during the afternoon hours. Blowing dust is not anticipated to be widespread, but localized reductions in visibility could occur in open or agricultural areas.
Travelers should remain alert for sudden gusts, especially on east–west routes such as I-40, where winds may impact vehicle handling. Fire departments and emergency managers are also encouraged to remain weather-aware during the peak wind period.
Winds are expected to gradually diminish Saturday evening as the system moves east, with quieter conditions returning overnight. No precipitation is forecast, and dry weather will continue into the remainder of the weekend.
The National Weather Service advises monitoring updated forecasts and fire weather statements at weather.gov/ama throughout the day Saturday.
