The last time the west Texas was affected by widespread severe weather was back in mid-June. However, it appears Lubbock’s string of days with light wind and fair skies will end Friday.

West Texas’ first significant Fall cold front will approach the area late Thursday, into Friday morning. Ahead of this front, moisture has moved into our area, courtesy of both former Hurricane Ingrid and Tropical Storm Manuel.

On Friday afternoon, scattered heavy downpours developed across the South Plains and Rolling Plains; mainly north of Lubbock. These thunderstorms developed, in part, because of a weakening cold front that was approaching west Texas early Friday. Rainfall totals between .25 -.50 inches occurred across isolated areas through 6 PM Friday evening, along with frequent lightning and occasional gusty winds.

An area of area of high pressure that has brought west Texas above normal temperatures, dry weather, and light winds, will slowly begin to weaken and push eastward over the weekend. The only real affect of this subtle pattern change will be a slight reduction in afternoon temperatures, and higher moisture levels.

Moisture has been on the increase across west Texas the past couple of days. Due to the increase, showers, and even a few thunderstorms, were able to develop Friday afternoon. As moisture continues to ‘pump’ into the state from the Gulf Of Mexico, shower chances will continue through, at least, Saturday.

Isolated showers and thunderstorms are possible almost every afternoon for the next week, or so. However, rain chances will become more widespread by Tuesday night, as a cold front moves into west Texas.

After a warm week across all of west Texas, temperatures get kicked up ‘another notch’ this weekend. High temperatures may exceed 100° across the city of Lubbock on Saturday afternoon. East of the escarpment, highs between 101° and 104° are expected.

Believe it or not, high temperatures in Lubbock have remained below average since the July 14th through 18th rain event. However, due to high moisture levels, it has felt hotter during the afternoon.

After a soggy few days, the strong storm system which caused heavy rainfall earlier in the week, has moved west of the area. However, the storm system dropped anywhere between one to six inches of rain on portions of the South Plains. Lubbock reported over 2 inches of rain, on Wednesday alone!

A very unusual mid-summer weather pattern has developed across the southern plains, over the past few days. A westward moving area of low pressure has moved into north Texas, and will continue it’s westward trek, towards the high plains of west Texas.