Texas wakes to a deep winter chill across the South Plains as cold air tightens its grip early this morning. Wind cuts across open ground, stinging faces and pushing wind chills well below zero. Sidewalks crunch under frozen residue, and even brief outdoor exposure feels punishing before sunrise.
According to the National Weather Service in Lubbock, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect until 9 a.m. for the South Plains, Rolling Plains, and the far southern Texas Panhandle. Wind chills have dropped as low as nine degrees below zero around Lubbock, creating a serious risk of frostbite and hypothermia without proper protection.
Actual temperatures hovered near 14 degrees early, with northwest winds near 15 mph adding bite. Roads remain mostly dry, but drivers should remain alert for slick patches on bridges and shaded stretches where moisture froze. Limit time outdoors, wear layered clothing, and ensure pets and livestock have warm shelter and unfrozen water.
Conditions slowly improve through the day. Clouds thin as sunshine breaks through, allowing afternoon temperatures to climb toward the lower 40s. Tonight stays cold again, with lows dropping into the teens and lighter winds offering only limited relief.
Midweek brings a noticeable turnaround. Wednesday turns mostly sunny and milder, reaching the mid-40s. Wednesday night remains cold, but Thursday warms further under sunshine, climbing near 50 with calmer winds. By Friday, sunny skies hold highs near the upper 40s before another cold night settles in.
Looking ahead, longer-range outlooks point toward drier conditions and above-normal temperatures spreading across Texas into early February. For now, flash freezing remains a concern each morning as daytime melt refreezes after sunset.
Five-Day Outlook for Lubbock, Texas
• Today: Partly cloudy, high near 40
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 46
• Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 49
• Friday: Sunny, high near 49
• Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 38
