LUBBOCK, Texas – Warm winds sweep across the plains early Thursday, but a volatile shift is brewing for the end of the week. By Friday, scattered thunderstorms are expected to fire along a strengthening cold front, bringing the potential for hail up to the size of quarters and gusty winds across the South Plains. Travelers and outdoor workers should plan around developing storms Friday afternoon and keep vehicles sheltered where possible.
According to the National Weather Service in Lubbock, storms will increase in coverage Friday and persist into early Saturday, especially across the Rolling Plains and far southern Panhandle. While rainfall amounts will vary, some pockets could see locally heavy downpours that briefly flood low-lying roads. A few stronger storms may also linger Friday evening before cooler, drier air sweeps in from the northwest.
Thursday’s warmth—topping near 81°F—will give way to highs in the low 70s Saturday and upper 60s by Sunday, signaling the region’s transition into late-fall patterns. Sunday looks calm and bright, offering perfect conditions for cleanup, fieldwork, or early Halloween decorating after the rain clears.
Farther north, this same front will trigger frost and freeze conditions from Iowa to Virginia, ending the growing season for much of the Midwest. While Lubbock stays stormy rather than frosty, cooler mornings in the 40s will bring that familiar edge of November air.
Residents should stay alert for late-week weather updates and keep outdoor plans flexible Friday afternoon and evening as the line of storms develops from west to east.
Five-Day Forecast for Lubbock, TX:
Thu: 81/59 – Mostly cloudy; chance of afternoon T-storms.
Fri: 77/54 – Showers & T-storms likely; hail possible.
Sat: 71/49 – Scattered showers early; breezy and cooler.
Sun: 82/53 – Sunny, warm rebound; calm winds.
Mon: 69/40 – Bright, crisp start to the final week of October.
