Amarillo, TX – The Texas Panhandle woke up to a biting chill this morning, with frost clinging to windshields and fields shimmering under 31°F air. A Freeze Warning remains in effect through 9 a.m., as temperatures plunge as low as 20°F across parts of the region, according to the National Weather Service in Amarillo. The early cold marks one of the sharpest freezes of the season so far, bringing an abrupt end to the growing season for most of the Panhandle and western Oklahoma.
Residents should protect outdoor faucets and tender plants this morning, as subfreezing conditions could cause minor damage to plumbing and vegetation. Pets and livestock will also need extra shelter until temperatures rebound under full sunshine later today.
Winds remain light from the southwest, and a rapid warm-up is on the way. Afternoon highs are expected to climb into the mid-60s Friday and near 70°F by Saturday, ushering in a crisp but pleasant start to November. By Sunday, Amarillo could see highs near 73°F — a welcome swing after two frosty mornings.
Looking ahead, forecasters say early November will stay mild locally, but colder air brewing across the northern U.S. could spill south later in the month. Long-range models hint at a possible early-season snow chance for the central Plains and upper Midwest between November 8 and 21, signaling the first real taste of winter travel weather for nearby states.
For now, it’s a chilly start to Halloween week — clear skies, cold mornings, and a brief warm spell before November’s next shift.
