National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Extreme Fire Weather Concerns for the Western U.S.; Severe Weather and Flooding Threats for the Central U.S.

Extremely critical fire weather conditions are expected to develop across the Great Basin and Southwest today, and exceptionally dry and windy conditions will promote rapid wildfire spread through the weekend. Scattered severe thunderstorms and heavy rain are possible across parts of the Ozark Plateau into lower Ohio Valley and parts of the northern Rockies into adjacent Great Plains. 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.