National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Critical Fire Weather for a Large Part of the Central U.S.; Areas of Severe Thunderstorms

Gusty to high winds and low relative humidity will bring elevated to critical fire weather across large parts of the Great Plains and more localized parts of the Great Basin and central Rockies Thursday into Friday. Severe thunderstorms with large hail and damaging wind gusts are possible over the central Plains Thursday into this weekend. 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.