Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Colorado Prepare as Radar Set to ‘Light Up Like a Christmas Tree’ Wednesday Night
TEXAS – It’s about to get busy on the radar. Within the next 24 hours, forecasters say a large, moisture-packed storm system will light up the screen “like a Christmas tree” as it sweeps from New Mexico and Texas into Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Colorado, bringing widespread rain, strong storms, and mountain snow through Thursday.
Meteorologists are calling it one of the most dynamic setups of the week, with beneficial rainfall for drought-stricken regions and snowfall for higher elevations across the southern Rockies.
Rain Returns to Texas and Oklahoma
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to increase rapidly late Wednesday into Thursday, covering much of North Texas, Oklahoma, and parts of Arkansas with steady to heavy rainfall.
The latest forecast maps show bands of storms forming across Amarillo, Dallas, and Oklahoma City, spreading east overnight. Meteorologists say the widespread coverage and bright radar returns are what inspired the “Christmas tree” nickname — each cluster of storms flashing red and green like holiday lights.
The setup is being fueled by a deep feed of Gulf moisture colliding with a cold front sweeping in from the west, which could lead to isolated thunderstorms, gusty winds, and pockets of heavy rain through Thursday morning.
“Radar’s going to be glowing Wednesday night — it’s going to be one of those active nights where everyone gets something,” one forecaster said.
Snow for New Mexico and Colorado’s Mountain Ranges
Farther west, New Mexico and southern Colorado are gearing up for mountain snow, with higher elevations expected to pick up several inches of fresh powder as the colder side of the storm system develops.
Cities like Santa Fe and Durango could see snowfall mixing in by Thursday morning, while passes across the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Mountains may experience hazardous travel due to icy conditions and blowing snow.
Forecasters emphasize that while most lower elevations will stay rain-only, high terrain travel could become difficult through early Friday.
Storm Impacts Spread East by Thursday Night
The system won’t stay confined to the Southwest. By Thursday night, rain and storms are expected to push eastward into Arkansas, Louisiana, and parts of the Mississippi Valley, adding more rainfall to regions already dealing with saturated ground.
Meteorologists from regional weather offices note that while the rain will be beneficial for many drought areas, localized flooding remains possible — particularly where repeated rounds of storms track over the same locations.
Online Reactions: ‘The Sky’s About to Put on a Show’
Social media users across the Southwest and Southern Plains are already buzzing about the incoming rain event, with one Oklahoma City resident posting:
“Radar’s about to look like Christmas lights — and I’m here for it!”
Another user from Amarillo wrote:
“Haven’t seen this much rain coverage in a while. The garden’s gonna love it.”
In New Mexico, a hiker joked that the mountain forecast was “just in time for Thanksgiving ski season.”
Travel and Safety Tips for the Coming Storm
Drivers across the region are urged to plan for slick roads, especially in heavy rain zones or snowy mountain passes. Those traveling along major corridors like I-40 and I-25 should expect reduced visibility, ponding on roadways, and possible snow accumulation in higher terrain.
Meteorologists say the storm’s wide footprint will make it one of the first multi-state weather events of the late fall season, touching everything from desert valleys to snowy peaks.
What Do You Think?
Are you excited to see the radar light up with this storm, or just ready for calmer weather? Share your thoughts and follow live updates at chicagomusicguide.com.