Headlights fade into a gray blur across the South Plains as freezing fog clings close to the ground. Roads look wet, visibility tightens fast, and the morning commute demands patience and extra space.
Texas is dealing with hazardous winter conditions across the South Plains, with Lubbock at the center of concern early. According to the National Weather Service in Lubbock, patchy freezing fog and areas of freezing drizzle are possible through the morning hours, mainly across the western South Plains and far southwest Panhandle. Visibility could drop below a quarter mile, and slick spots may develop on untreated roads.
In Lubbock, temperatures sit in the upper 20s with wind chills in the teens. Fog may thin by late morning, but bridges, overpasses, and shaded roadways could remain icy longer. Drivers along Loop 289, US-62/82, and FM roads should slow down and avoid sudden braking. Conditions can change quickly, even block to block.
Once the fog lifts, improvement comes quickly. Sunshine returns and helps temperatures recover into the upper 30s today. That warming trend accelerates into early February. By Sunday and Monday, highs climb into the lower and mid-60s as southwest winds pull warmer air back into West Texas.
The fast warm-up brings a hidden risk. As temperatures drop back near freezing at night, any leftover moisture can refreeze. Flash freezing is possible during early morning hours, especially in low-lying areas and near intersections.
Looking ahead through midweek, dry weather dominates and no additional hazardous weather is expected. Longer-range outlooks suggest warmer-than-normal temperatures for early February, even as colder air targets the Midwest and East Coast.
Travel carefully this morning and stay alert to changing visibility. Are roads slick where you are right now?
Five-Day Outlook for Lubbock, TX
• Today: Freezing fog early, then clearing; highs near 39
• Sunday: Sunny and much warmer; highs near 62
• Monday: Partly sunny and mild; highs near 66
• Tuesday: Sunny and warm; highs near 61
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny; highs near 59
