AMARILLO, Texas – Low clouds drift across the plains this early Thursday as the Panhandle braces for a surge of fall thunderstorms by Friday. A developing storm system will send humid air northward, setting the stage for intense, fast-moving cells capable of hail and damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph. Residents should plan for changing skies and be ready to adjust evening travel, especially along I-40 and U.S. 87.
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, multiple rounds of storms are expected to build late Friday afternoon and continue into Friday night. The strongest activity will likely stretch across the central and eastern Panhandle, including Potter, Carson, and Randall counties. A few storms could turn severe, with hail approaching ping-pong-ball size and winds strong enough to down small branches.
Localized flash flooding is also possible where storms repeatedly track over the same area. Drivers should watch for ponding water and reduced visibility during heavier bursts. Spotter activation isn’t expected yet but could be needed if storm coverage expands Friday evening.
Conditions begin to quiet Saturday, though a few lingering showers may hold through midday before drier air sweeps in. By Sunday, skies turn bright and breezy, offering ideal weather for fall cleanup or outdoor Halloween prep as highs climb back into the upper 70s.
Further north across the Plains, this same cold front will usher in the season’s first widespread frost from Iowa to Virginia — a clear signal that winter is on deck. For Amarillo, it’s a wet and windy fall finale before calmer air settles in to start next week.
Five-Day Forecast for Amarillo, TX:
Thu: 73/53 – Partly sunny; light south wind.
Fri: 74/50 – Showers & thunderstorms likely; gusts up to 35 mph.
Sat: 66/45 – Morning showers; clearing late and cooler.
Sun: 78/48 – Mostly sunny; light breeze, pleasant.
Mon: 69/40 – Sunny and crisp; early hints of cooler week ahead.
