Abilene, Texas — A late-season cool down will push into North Central and West Texas early Friday, May 8, bringing below-normal temperatures and the potential for patchy overnight frost that could impact travel and agriculture across Abilene, Lubbock, Wichita Falls, Midland, and San Angelo.
According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, temperatures will run 20–25% below normal through May 14, with the coolest stretch arriving Friday night into early Saturday. The most likely window for frost development is between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. Saturday, especially across rural and inland areas.
That cooler air will create localized impacts. Patchy frost is possible in low-lying and open areas near Lubbock and San Angelo, where temperatures may dip into the mid-30s. Early-season crops and gardens could see minor damage, while exposed surfaces such as bridges along I-20 and US-84 may develop slick spots before sunrise.
Light rain moving through Friday night may leave roads damp, and cooler temperatures could allow moisture to settle on surfaces. Low-lying roadways and drainage-prone intersections in Abilene and Wichita Falls may see minor water pooling, especially in underpasses and rural dips where runoff collects quickly.
This is part of a broader stretch of cooler-than-normal air dipping into the southern Plains during this period.
Drivers should remain alert for changing road conditions early Saturday, particularly on bridges and in rural areas where temperatures drop fastest. Residents should consider covering sensitive plants and protecting early crops.
The highest risk for patchy frost and early morning travel impacts centers on Saturday between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m.
