Weather
Texas Winter Weather: First Snow by Thanksgiving, Nov. 26?
Amarillo, TX – Texas residents wondering when the first measurable snowfall of the 2026 winter season might arrive could see dramatically different conditions depending on where they live. While the T
By Mara Ellison · 2026-10-17T08:20:32.237Z
Amarillo, TX – Texas residents wondering when the first measurable snowfall of the 2026 winter season might arrive could see dramatically different conditions depending on where they live. While the Texas Panhandle typically experiences accumulating snow around Thanksgiving, communities farther south can go entire winters without measurable snowfall.
According to historical snowfall information provided for this report, Amarillo typically records its first measurable snowfall around Nov. 26. That date falls on Thanksgiving Day in 2026, making the holiday a notable historical benchmark for the Panhandle.
When Does Texas Usually See Its First Snow? Texas' enormous geographic size creates significant differences in winter weather.
The Texas Panhandle, including Amarillo, Dalhart and surrounding communities, experiences colder temperatures and more frequent snowfall than much of the state.
Higher elevations of West Texas can also receive accumulating snow during colder months.
North Texas, including Dallas and Fort Worth, generally experiences measurable snowfall less frequently, although winter storms can produce snow, sleet and freezing rain.
Farther south, including Houston and coastal communities, accumulating snowfall is uncommon.
Measurable snowfall is defined as at least 0.1 inches of accumulation.
Could Snow or Ice Affect Holiday Travel? Historical patterns suggest that measurable snowfall around Thanksgiving is possible across the Texas Panhandle.
However, freezing rain and sleet can become serious winter weather threats farther south.
The February 2021 winter storm demonstrated how dangerous prolonged freezing temperatures and winter precipitation can become across Texas.
Ice accumulation can make bridges, elevated highways and untreated roads hazardous, while extreme cold can threaten water systems and electrical infrastructure.
The Nov. 26 benchmark represents historical timing, not a confirmed Thanksgiving snowfall forecast for 2026.
Residents across Amarillo, Lubbock, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin and Houston should monitor National Weather Service forecasts as colder weather approaches.
For now, Texas' historical snowfall patterns point toward late November for Amarillo, while other regions face different winter weather risks throughout the season.