National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Critical Fire Weather in the Plains; Unseasonably Warm in the Southwest and Southern U.S.

Unseasonably warm temperatures continue today through the weekend across the Southwest and southern U.S., with more than 100 record or near record maximum temperatures forecast through the rest of the week and over the weekend. Elevated to critical fire weather conditions will persist across the southern Plains today, moving into the central Plains and Southeast U.S on Saturday. Read More >

An upper level low pressure system across northwest Texas ushered a strong cold front into west Texas and southeast New Mexico late Wednesday and early Thursday. Very strong north winds behind the cold front spread across the region, especially across the plains. Wind gusts from near 50 mph to just over 60 mph were common for areas along and north of the Interstate 10 corridor.

Graphic showing the location of a strong cold front

This graphic shows the forecast location of a cold front as it moves south through west Texas and southeastern New Mexico.

graphic showing peak wind speeds

This graphic shows the peak wind speeds behind the strong cold front.

Satellite image of a strong low centered near Childress

This image shows a strong low pressure center located near Childress, TX.