AMARILLO, Texas – Sunshine dominates the Texas Panhandle this weekend, but a quick shift to rain chances looms by Columbus Day. Warm, gusty breezes Saturday will lift highs into the 80s, a reminder that Fall heat can still sting before cooler air pushes east next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, dry and mostly sunny skies continue through Sunday with highs near 85°F. But by Monday, a passing disturbance could trigger scattered showers and a few thunderstorms along and east of I-40. The agency says rain chances sit around 40% through Monday afternoon, followed by a brief cooldown Tuesday with highs dipping to the mid-70s.
Drivers heading out for Columbus Day travel should plan for wet roads and reduced visibility during passing showers. Those attending parades, football games, or outdoor holiday events should keep ponchos handy and secure decorations or lawn inflatables ahead of gusty winds.
By midweek, sunshine quickly rebounds, bringing highs back to near 80°F by Wednesday and Thursday. Early risers will notice crisper mornings in the 50s — ideal for pumpkin patch visits or fall park leaf viewing. Despite the warm-up, NWS forecasters caution that a stronger cold front could approach late week, hinting at a more pronounced Fall pattern and the first hints of a Texas Panhandle cold snap before Halloween.
Five-Day Forecast for Amarillo, TX:
Sat: 83/64 – Mostly sunny; breezy southwest winds up to 25 mph.
Sun: 85/58 – Warm and bright; light southwest breeze.
Mon (Columbus Day): 69/55 – Cloudy with 40% showers; cooler, gusty east winds.
Tue: 77/56 – Partly sunny; 20% chance of early storms.
Wed: 80/55 – Clear and pleasant; ideal for outdoor fall events.
