South Plains Gears Up for First Freeze of the Season, Lubbock Residents Warned

With the National Weather Service (NWS) projecting sub-freezing conditions Tuesday night into Wednesday evening, residents throughout the South Plains are getting ready for the first notable temperature drop of the season. During the colder months, this seasonal milestone marks the first time temperatures fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

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With expected lows of 26, 25, and 31 degrees respectively, Plainview, Friona, and Brownfield are among the communities projected to experience freezing temperatures. On Tuesday night, Lubbock is forecast to hover around 33 degrees; early Wednesday morning calls for temps below freezing.

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Local officials are advising Lubbock residents to follow the "Four P's" guideline: protect People, Pets, Plants, and Pipes and turn off sprinklers. Making sure these basics are covered helps stop any discomfort and harm during the cold snap.

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Mechanic Daniel Garcia of ProTech Automotive in Lubbock stressed the need of vehicle readiness for colder months. "You're going to lose air pressure since it's colder," he said, advising drivers to pump tires two to three PSI over the advised amounts on the driver's side door sticker. He also advised buying all-season or winter tires and underlined the requirement of enough tread.

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Garcia also urged drivers to check antifreeze levels and, for older cars, give some thought to a barometer test that most oil change businesses offer.

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Lubbock's most recent documented first freeze was on November 23, 2003.

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