Record Heat and Fire Danger Threaten West Texas Thursday

KLBK Chief Meteorologist Jacob Riley says that West Texas will have record-high temperatures, strong winds, and a very high risk of fire on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

Tonight's lows will be around 60°, and the skies will remain mostly clear. There will be strong SSW winds at 20–25 MPH, gusting up to 35 MPH.

The weather will get a lot worse by Thursday. Lubbock's highs are expected to reach 98°, which will likely surpass the old mark of 94°, set on April 17, 1925, and again in 2006. Up to 50 mph winds are expected, which means that dust will be blowing around and driving will be dangerous in rural areas.

Due to very dry fuels, low humidity, and strong winds, the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for 21 counties, such as Lubbock, Hale, Floyd, and Yoakum. For more counties, such as Childress, Garza, and Dickens, a Fire Weather Watch is in effect.

"Things are ready for rapid fire spread," Riley says. "Please avoid outdoor burning and report any signs of smoke or fire immediately to 911."

However, Friday will bring some relief. It will still be warm, with highs in the 80s and lows in the 90s and strong winds. A strong cold front is expected to arrive late Friday night, bringing thunderstorms that could be severe to the eastern parts of the area.

Wind gusts of up to 70 mph and hail up to the size of a golf ball are all signs of a storm. The risk stays the same through Saturday, and more storms are likely, especially east of the I-27/Highway 87 area.

Saturday's temperatures will drop slightly, remaining in the 70s to low 80s, but there is still a chance of inclement weather and heavy rain in some areas.

‍