Severe thunderstorm warnings are in effect for parts of the South Plains until 6:30 p.m., with damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph possible and a separate fire weather risk continuing through 9 p.m.
At 5:45 p.m., the radar picture over the South Plains is turning urgent: a severe thunderstorm warning remains in place until 6:30 p.m. for E Hockley, Lubbock, NE Terry and N Lynn counties.
The danger isn’t just lightning. The warning says storms could bring gusts up to 70 mph, and one storm west of Lubbock in Hockley County might contain up to 1″ hail.
Farther east, the threat is expected to keep moving. After a few thunderstorms have developed again across the region, the main concern is damaging wind gusts, with lightning also capable of igniting wildfires.
For much of the area, forecasters are also holding the broader picture in view. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Lubbock and the South Plains until 10 p.m. Friday—issued for the potential for severe weather, with warnings reserved for when it’s happening.
The reason the wildfire risk is so stark is written into the air.. The dry line has mixed well east of Lubbock this afternoon, leaving dew points in the 20s and 30s.. Temperatures are in the upper 90s, and even higher off the Caprock, where highs can reach triple digits.. Relative humidity is below 15%, and with gusty winds, the wildfire risk is high.
That’s why a fire weather warning, or red flag warning, is in effect until 9 p.m. Friday for Lubbock and the South Plains.
As storms form, their direction is clear: they will move from west to east through this afternoon.
The rest of the weekend stays hot. Storm chances will be lower, though an isolated storm can’t be ruled out. Even if one develops, it’s not expected to produce much rain.
Looking ahead, a potential shift is being watched closely.. In the second half of next week. forecasters say a pattern change is possible. with cooler days and a chance for rain and thunderstorms currently forecast for next Wednesday through Friday—though it’s still several days away in a drought that’s been persistent.
South Plains Lubbock severe thunderstorm warning severe thunderstorm watch hail damaging wind gusts fire weather warning red flag warning lightning wildfires storms moving west to east