Amarillo, TX – The Texas Panhandle may head into a colder and wetter pattern during the Thanksgiving travel window, as new long-range federal outlooks highlight above-normal precipitation from November 23 through November 29.
According to the Climate Prediction Center’s 8–14 Day Outlook released Saturday, the Panhandle sits entirely in a 40–50% probability zone favoring wetter-than-normal conditions. Combined with early-season cold lingering across the central and northern High Plains, the setup could increase the likelihood of mixed precipitation or wet snow at times.
Northern Panhandle communities—including Dalhart, Dumas, and Perryton—are closest to the stronger cold air, meaning any passing systems may tilt more toward snow or a rain–snow mix.
Amarillo and Canyon also remain in the elevated precipitation corridor, with temperatures hovering near the thresholds where storm timing becomes critical. Late-November storm tracks that move northeast across New Mexico into the Plains often bring the Panhandle its earliest seasonal snow events.
Farther south toward Hereford and Tulia, the pattern still favors above-normal precipitation, though temperatures may support more rain than snow.
Thanksgiving week is one of the region’s busiest travel periods, particularly along I-40 and US-287. Even light snow or slushy conditions can lead to reduced speeds and hazardous stretches—especially during overnight hours.
Air travel at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport may also experience delays if mixed precipitation arrives during peak travel days.
