AMARILLO, Texas – The Texas Panhandle woke up under clear skies and crisp air this Tuesday morning as frost sparkled across lawns and windshields. Temperatures dipped to near freezing in some rural areas, marking one of the first true cold snaps of the season before milder air returns midweek.
A Frost Advisory remains in effect through 9 a.m. for Amarillo and nearby counties, including Potter, Randall, Carson, and Deaf Smith. The National Weather Service warns that frost may damage unprotected plants and sensitive vegetation. Residents are urged to cover garden crops and bring potted plants indoors. By mid-morning, the sun will burn off the chill quickly, pushing highs to around 71°F with light winds and clear skies through Tuesday night.
The pattern turns warmer and breezier by Wednesday, with highs reaching the upper 70s under mostly sunny skies. By Thursday, clouds begin to increase as a weak front approaches from the west. Scattered showers and a few isolated thunderstorms could develop Thursday afternoon and continue into Friday, especially along I-40. Rainfall totals should remain light, but any thunderstorm could bring gusty winds and brief downpours.
The weekend looks mostly dry with highs near 75°F Saturday and plenty of sunshine—a good window for outdoor cleanup before the next system early next week. Still, this first fall frost signals a seasonal turn. Amarillo residents can expect chilly mornings to become more common as late October slides toward Halloween.
Five-Day Outlook for Amarillo, TX:
Tue: 71/42 – Sunny, cold start; frost early.
Wed: 78/47 – Breezy and warmer; clear skies.
Thu: 75/51 – Partly cloudy; slight storm chance.
Fri: 72/45 – Showers possible; cooler.
Sat: 75/47 – Sunny; comfortable and dry.