Amarillo Weather Forecast: Two Major Cold Fronts to End the Holiday Warmth Across the Texas–Oklahoma Panhandles
AMARILLO, TX — The holiday week will begin mild across the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles, but the National Weather Service warns that two major cold fronts will drop temperatures sharply by week’s end. Monday and Tuesday will offer a brief warm-up, followed by a steady slide into December-like cold as the weekend approaches.
Mild Start to the Holiday Week
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, Monday and Tuesday will be pleasant and comfortable, with daytime highs climbing into the upper 50s to mid-60s. After a stretch of active weather over the weekend, residents will get a short break as calmer, warmer air settles in.
A weak cold front will slip into the region Tuesday, bringing only a slight dip in temperatures. Overall, conditions around Thanksgiving remain stable, dry, and travel-friendly, with no major disruptions expected for early holiday plans.
Midweek Cooldown from the First Cold Front
The first front will be a lighter system, moving through Tuesday night into Wednesday. Temperatures will fall modestly, but the holiday itself should remain comfortable for outdoor gatherings and short travel.
Thanksgiving Day is expected to keep seasonable highs, allowing residents to enjoy events, parades, and family activities with minimal weather concerns.
Stronger Cold Front Brings a Major Weekend Cooldown
As the holiday weekend approaches, the weather pattern will shift dramatically. The second cold front — a much stronger surge of Arctic air — is forecast to push into the Panhandles late Saturday into Sunday.
Forecasters say:
“A stronger surge of cold air is expected by the weekend, with temperatures dropping sharply as we transition into early December.”
This system could drop afternoon highs into the 30s, ushering in a bitter, early-winter chill.
What to Expect: Key Weather Highlights
- Location: Texas & Oklahoma Panhandles
- Early Week Highs: Upper 50s to mid-60s
- First Cold Front: Tuesday into Wednesday
- Thanksgiving: Calm, dry, and comfortable
- Second Cold Front: Major cooldown over the weekend
- Weekend Highs: Only in the 30s
Impact on Travel and Outdoor Plans
Travelers heading out for Thanksgiving will see mostly favorable conditions, but those attending weekend events should prepare for a sudden temperature plunge.
Wind chills Saturday night and Sunday morning may feel significantly colder, especially across rural highways and open areas. Residents planning outdoor markets, celebrations, or holiday light displays should dress in layers and monitor updates.
Why This Weather Pattern Matters
Rapid temperature swings are common across the Panhandle region during late November. Arctic air intrusions can move quickly, dropping temperatures more than 30 degrees within hours. These changes can affect:
- Local agriculture and ranching
- Travel routines
- Outdoor water systems
- Heating demand across the region
The upcoming cold front may set the stage for below-normal temperatures as December begins.
How to Prepare for the Week Ahead
Officials recommend that residents:
- Check updated forecasts before holiday travel
- Prepare winter clothing for weekend events
- Protect pets, plants, and outdoor pipes from freezing
- Keep vehicles stocked with winter safety kits
- Plan extra time for early-morning commutes
Small patches of frost may develop, especially after Sunday.
Amarillo and surrounding Panhandle communities should prepare for a weather roller-coaster — from mild early-week warmth to a sharp winter-like chill by the weekend. Holiday celebrations remain on track, but residents should stay alert for sudden changes later in the week.
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