AMARILLO, Texas – Thick morning fog rolled across the Texas Panhandle on this chilly Friday, blurring headlights and dampening fields from Canyon to Dumas. Visibility dipped below a quarter mile in spots, creating slick conditions on I-40 and U.S. 287 as travelers began their early Thanksgiving drives. The haze will lift by midday, giving way to mild sunshine before a wetter pattern arrives this weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, a shift in winds from the south will pull Gulf moisture north on Saturday, increasing cloud cover and setting up a more active weather period Sunday. Rain chances rise sharply late Sunday, with totals up to one-half inch possible. A few embedded thunderstorms may develop along the eastern Panhandle, but the main story will be reduced visibility and wet pavement during the return home from weekend errands.
Drivers should prepare for slower travel Sunday night into Monday morning, particularly along rural highways and overpasses where patchy fog and cool air may create brief slick spots. Winds will turn north Monday, ushering in drier, crisper air and a bright start to Thanksgiving week.
Looking nationally, forecasters are watching a developing winter system expected to sweep across the central and eastern U.S. between November 25 and December 3. The setup could produce the season’s first heavy snow — anywhere from 3 to 8 inches — from the Rockies through the Midwest and Appalachians. For now, Amarillo sits on the mild side of that boundary, but colder air could reach Texas by late Thanksgiving weekend.
Five-Day Forecast for Amarillo, TX:
Fri: 61/36 – Mostly sunny; light west breeze.
Sat: 63/41 – Sunny early; clouds building late.
Sun: 56/41 – Rain likely; up to 0.5″, breezy south winds.
Mon: 65/36 – Sunny, dry, and cool; north breeze.
Tue: 54/28 – Mostly clear; crisp, seasonal air continues.
