Weather
West Texas Freeze Alert: 13 Counties Face Lows Near 28° Saturday Oct 17
Lubbock, TX – A potentially damaging freeze could affect portions of West Texas early Saturday morning, October 17, as temperatures are forecast to fall as low as 28 degrees in some locations. Residen
By Wesley Grant · 2026-10-15T18:07:32.146Z
Lubbock, TX – A potentially damaging freeze could affect portions of West Texas early Saturday morning, October 17, as temperatures are forecast to fall as low as 28 degrees in some locations. Residents across 13 counties are being urged to prepare for cold conditions that could threaten crops, gardens and exposed outdoor plumbing.
According to the National Weather Service in Lubbock, a Freeze Watch was issued at 12:37 p.m. Thursday, October 15, covering the far southwestern Texas Panhandle and portions of the South Plains from late Friday night through Saturday morning.
Forecasters say temperatures could drop to 28 degrees in the far southwestern Texas Panhandle , while areas near the edge of the Caprock could see lows around 32 degrees.
Which Texas Communities Are Affected?
The Freeze Watch covers Bailey, Cochran, Floyd, Hale, Hockley, Lamb, Lubbock, Terry, Yoakum, Briscoe, Castro, Parmer and Swisher counties.
Affected communities include Lubbock, Plainview, Levelland, Brownfield, Littlefield, Muleshoe, Friona, Dimmitt, Tulia, Floydada, Denver City and Silverton.
Why This Freeze Could Be Damaging
Temperatures falling below 32 degrees could damage or kill sensitive vegetation, particularly crops and garden plants still exposed during the autumn season.
The National Weather Service also warns that unprotected outdoor plumbing could sustain damage if freezing conditions develop.
What Residents Should Do Before Friday Night
Homeowners should consider bringing tender plants indoors or covering vulnerable vegetation before temperatures begin falling.
Residents should also take precautions to protect exposed outdoor water connections and plumbing.
Agricultural producers should closely monitor updated forecasts and prepare for possible crop impacts.
A Freeze Watch means freezing temperatures are possible but not guaranteed. The alert could be upgraded to a Freeze Warning if confidence increases.
The watch is scheduled from 1 a.m. until 10 a.m. CDT Saturday, October 17 .