Amarillo, Texas – Triple-digit heat and strong winds will create explosive fire conditions across the Texas Panhandle by late Thursday morning, with the highest risk developing before the evening cold front arrives.
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, critical fire weather conditions are expected from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday as southwest winds gust up to 35 mph and relative humidity drops as low as 5 to 15 percent. Temperatures will climb into the upper 90s to near 101°F across Amarillo, Borger, and Pampa, with Palo Duro Canyon peaking near 105°F.
Communities along Interstate 40, including Vega, Amarillo, and Groom, as well as US-287 near Dumas and Stratford, face heightened wildfire risk where dry grasses can ignite quickly. Any spark could spread rapidly, especially during peak heating hours in the afternoon.
A cold front arriving between 7 p.m. and 1 a.m. from north to south will shift winds sharply, with gusts up to 45 mph possible behind the фронт. This could cause existing fires to change direction suddenly while also reducing visibility due to blowing dust and ash.
Residents should avoid outdoor burning, secure equipment that could spark, stay hydrated, and limit outdoor activity during peak heat. Dangerous conditions will ease overnight, but fire crews may remain on alert as winds shift and dry air lingers.
