A significant weather pattern is shaping up across Texas this weekend, with a robust cold front slated to push southward on Sunday. While much of the state is expected to stay dry, certain regions in East and Northeast Texas may experience a brief spell of fast-moving thunderstorms that carry the potential for damaging wind gusts.
Weather Overview: Calm Before the Storm
As we head into the weekend, Texas is basking in cooler, drier air following a spell of gusty north winds. Skies are clear across the state, with comfortable temperatures that predominantly range from the 60s to 70s.
Moving into Friday, the winds will shift back southward as a new weather system approaches from the western United States. However, despite the shift in winds, dry conditions are set to persist throughout the state.
Friday’s temperatures will rebound into the mid-70s to mid-80s, with some locations in West Texas even flirting with the 90-degree mark.
Fire Risk Alert: Elevation in Western Texas
The combination of dry air, warm temperatures, and strengthening winds is raising concerns over wildfire risk in several areas across Texas.
- Very High Fire Danger: Anticipated on Thursday in the Rio Grande Valley and certain sections of the Texas Panhandle.
- High Fire Danger: Ongoing across West Texas, the Permian Basin, the Trans Pecos, and Big Bend.
- Extreme Fire Danger: Expected to escalate on Saturday throughout the western third of Texas.
While recent rains and early spring growth may help counteract the wildfire risk in some regions, areas that remain parched could see fires rapidly spreading if ignitions occur. You can find more fire safety tips on [Texas A&M Forest Service](https://tfsweb.tamu.edu).
Weekend Temperature Trends: Warming Up
Temperatures are set to continue their ascent throughout the weekend.
On Saturday, expect upper 70s and 80s across most of Texas, with western areas possibly reaching upper 80s to mid-90s.
By Sunday morning, gusty south winds are likely to keep temperatures mild overnight, with lows mainly in the 60s across central and eastern Texas.
Sunday afternoon temperatures may differ, heavily influenced by the approaching cold front. Much of South Texas could soar into the mid-90s to near 100 degrees prior to the front’s arrival.
Cold Front on the Horizon: Prepare for Winds
This weekend also marks the arrival of a potent upper-level storm system moving through the Plains, which will usher in a strong cold front across Texas on Sunday.
Forecast models indicate that this system will bring very strong winds, with north wind gusts potentially reaching 40 to 50 mph. In some areas, stronger gusts could occur depending on how effectively winds aloft mix downward.
Overall, this setup poses the risk for a statewide high wind event particularly affecting North and West Texas. Residents should brace for difficult travel, blowing dust in western regions, and elevated fire weather conditions.
Severe Thunderstorm Possibility: East and Northeast Texas
While most of Texas is likely to stay dry as the cold front moves through, the regions of East and Northeast Texas could be subjected to a quick line of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and evening.
These storms are projected to be fast-moving and relatively short-lived. However, there are concerns about:
- Strong to damaging winds
- Potential for localized flooding due to rapid rainfall accumulation
Due to the swift nature of these storms, widespread rainfall is not anticipated. For regional storm tracking and updates, check out [NOAA](https://www.weather.gov).
Significant Cooldown Expected: Monday Marks a Shift
As the cold front passes on Sunday night, it will usher in substantially cooler air.
By Monday morning, temperatures are expected to plummet across several parts of the state, with forecasts indicating the following lows:
- Upper Teens to Lower 20s: In the Texas Panhandle
- 20s and 30s: Across North Texas and the South Plains
- 30s to Lower 40s: In Central Texas
Daytime highs on Monday are anticipated to mainly reside in the 50s for the northern half of Texas and 60s to low 70s further south. This late-season chill serves as a reminder that cold snaps are not entirely over just yet, particularly for gardeners considering early spring planting.
Looking Ahead: Warmer Trends in Store
After the brief cooldown brought on by the front, warmer temperatures are projected to make a comeback next week.
Current long-range forecasts suggest that above-average temperatures will reestablish themselves across much of Texas from March 17 through March 21. However, the outlook for rainfall remains limited, with much of the state likely staying dry as we enter the third week of March.
Stay Informed: Weather Updates at Your Fingertips
For ongoing updates on Texas weather, forecasts, and live radar, consider the following:
- Download the Texas Storm Chasers mobile app for real-time alerts.
- Visit TexasStormChasers.com for comprehensive weather coverage.
- Catch the daily Texas Weather Roundup for your latest updates.
