AMARILLO, Texas – The Texas Panhandle is waking to crisp, calm air this morning, but a sharp turn is on the way. A streak of fall warmth will fade fast as cold air races south this weekend, dropping temperatures more than 30 degrees between Saturday and Sunday. Residents heading out for early Veterans Day events or high school football playoffs should brace for gusty winds, a quick chill, and the season’s first hint of winter air.
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, highs near 82°F Thursday and mid-60s Saturday will tumble to the low 50s by Sunday, with wind chills in the upper 30s at daybreak. Winds may gust as high as 30 mph Saturday along I-40 and north toward Dumas and Dalhart, creating tricky travel for trucks and light trailers. The stronger north-northeast flow could also kick up localized dust, especially across open fields and construction zones.
Though skies stay dry, forecasters note a broad Arctic push building over the central U.S. that could reach the southern Plains by early next week. That system may bring freezing nights back to Amarillo by Monday, with a brief chance of light flurries across the High Plains later next week as temperatures plunge into the 20s.
For now, residents should secure outdoor decorations, limit late-night travel during the wind shift, and prepare for colder mornings as November settles in. It’s the kind of bite that signals winter’s approach — even under sunny skies.
Five-Day Forecast for Amarillo, TX:
Thu: 82/44 – Sunny, breezy south wind; mild afternoon warmth.
Fri: 70/44 – Sunny, turning cooler; north breeze late.
Sat: 64/35 – Gusty north winds; steady cooling through day.
Sun: 51/29 – Chilly, mostly sunny; early freeze possible.
Mon: 58/31 – Clear and cold; calm winds return.
