Weather
West Texas Weather Oct. 16–20: Storms Give Way to Fall Chill
LUBBOCK, TX — Parts of West Texas could experience their first freeze of the season early Saturday, Oct. 17, as a sharp autumn cooldown sends temperatures tumbling across the South Plains and southern
By Nora Whitfield · 2026-10-14T09:40:44.603Z
LUBBOCK, TX — Parts of West Texas could experience their first freeze of the season early Saturday, Oct. 17, as a sharp autumn cooldown sends temperatures tumbling across the South Plains and southern Texas Panhandle before warmer weather returns early next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Lubbock, the greatest potential for subfreezing temperatures will be across the far southwestern Texas Panhandle and northern South Plains.
The agency's Hazardous Weather Outlook, issued Tuesday, Oct. 13, specifically identifies the possibility of the season's first freeze Saturday morning, following several rounds of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms earlier in the week.
Cold Front Brings Strong Winds and Falling Temperatures The transition begins Thursday night as a cold front moves through the region, bringing increasing north northeast winds and cooler air.
In Lubbock, winds could reach 15 to 25 mph Thursday night, with gusts as high as 40 mph.
By Friday, afternoon temperatures are expected to reach only 57 degrees, down from Thursday's projected high of 75.
North northeast winds of 20 to 25 mph will make Friday particularly breezy before conditions gradually improve.
Temperatures will fall to around 40 degrees Friday night in Lubbock, while colder locations farther north could reach freezing or below.
Although Lubbock's city forecast does not currently indicate freezing temperatures, the broader regional outlook suggests some communities could experience their first significant cold weather threat of the season.
Residents with sensitive outdoor plants, gardens or exposed vegetation may want to monitor updated forecasts, particularly across the northern South Plains and southwestern Panhandle.
Sunshine Returns Before Temperatures Rebound Saturday brings mostly sunny skies and a high near 59 degrees in Lubbock, followed by another cool night with temperatures around 43.
By Sunday, afternoon temperatures are expected to climb to approximately 68 degrees under mostly sunny skies.
The warming trend strengthens Monday, when highs reach around 76 degrees.
Tuesday brings another mild afternoon, with temperatures near 77 degrees and a slight chance of showers.
NOAA's Weather Prediction Center has identified a broader temperature shift across the central United States as strong high pressure moves south from Canada.
For West Texas, the extended outlook suggests the coldest conditions will be concentrated around Friday night and Saturday morning before a steady warming trend develops.
Five Day Weather Outlook: Oct. 16–20 Temperatures below represent the National Weather Service forecast for Lubbock, Texas. Freeze potential elsewhere in the region is based on the NWS Lubbock Hazardous Weather Outlook covering the South Plains, Rolling Plains and far southern Texas Panhandle.
Friday, Oct. 16: Mostly cloudy and breezy, becoming mostly cloudy, with a high near 57°F. North northeast winds 20–25 mph. Mostly cloudy overnight, with a low around 40°F. First freeze of the season possible in colder portions of the northern South Plains and southwestern Texas Panhandle early Saturday. Saturday, Oct. 17: Mostly sunny and cool, with a high near 59°F. North northeast winds around 5 mph, becoming calm. Partly cloudy overnight, with a low around 43°F. Sunday, Oct. 18: Mostly sunny and warmer, with a high near 68°F. Mostly clear overnight, with a low around 51°F. Monday, Oct. 19: Sunny, with a high near 76°F. Mostly clear overnight, with a low around 57°F. Tuesday, Oct. 20: Mostly sunny and mild, with a high near 77°F. A 20% chance of showers.