NWS Amarillo

There is a marginal to slight risk of severe weather impacts (level 1-2 out of 5) in the far east associated with storms that develop along and east of the dryline in the late afternoon and evening. Uncertainty in the location of the dryline is providing low confidence in the western extent of the severe storms. Confidence is high that the greatest severe threat will exist to the east in Oklahoma where a enhanced (level 3 out of 5) risk exists. For the Panhandles, large hail and damaging winds are the greatest threats, however a brief tornado can not be ruled out.

While showers and thunderstorms are likely to be seen as early as noon today, our best chances for severe weather continue to fall later this evening. The latest is showing a start time of 3 PM at the earliest with storms more likely between 4 and 10 PM tonight.

While the eastern Panhandles deal with storms, the Western Panhandles will unfortunately be on the dry side. This direr and breezier weather will see another day of critical fire weather concerns as southwesterly winds could gust upwards of 50 mph. However, expected cloud cover and some weak showers could work to be both a benefit and detriment to these concerns. Make sure to stay up to date and avoid any activity that can cause a spark.

While showers and thunderstorms will look to move across the Panhandles this afternoon, the Western Panhandles will still be dealing with some gusty southwesterly winds. At this time gusts will have the potential to reach upwards of 50 mph, but storms across the area may be able to out perform that when they create outflow winds. Make sure to use caution if traveling today and stay up to day on the ongoing weather.