Spring Flip-Flop: Freezing Tonight, Summer Vibes Tomorrow in Central Texas!

Amarillo, TX – Residents across the Texas Panhandle should brace for an unexpected blast of cold tonight, as forecasters warn of overnight temperatures dropping below freezing. The National Weather Service has issued a freeze alert, with temperatures dipping into the upper 20s and low 30s—a sharp contrast to the spring-like warmth sweeping across the rest of the state.

Meanwhile, cities further south, such as Dallas, Waco, and Austin, can expect temperatures in the 70s and even low 80s by Tuesday, creating a dramatic north-to-south weather split across Texas.

Freeze Risk for the Texas Panhandle

Cold, dry air sweeping in from the northwest is expected to settle over the Texas Panhandle tonight, under mostly clear skies. This combination will allow temperatures to fall quickly after sunset.

Areas most at risk include:

• Amarillo

• Dalhart

• Pampa

• Hereford

• Dumas

Forecasters say the coldest pockets could see temperatures around 28°F to 32°F.

“This kind of temperature drop isn’t uncommon for early April in the Panhandle,” said a meteorologist with the NWS office in Amarillo. “But after some recent warm days, it’s a good reminder not to plant too early.”

Time to Protect Plants and Pipes

With the freeze coming tonight, residents are urged to take precautions now:

• Cover outdoor plants or bring them inside if possible.

• Disconnect garden hoses and wrap exposed faucets.

• Check on pets and make sure they have a warm shelter.

Gardeners who planted early due to recent warm weather may need to act fast to prevent frost damage.

Spring Returns in Full Force by Tuesday

While the Panhandle gets a chilly reminder of winter, most of Texas is enjoying—or about to enjoy—a strong warming trend. In Dallas, Fort Worth, Waco, and Houston, daytime highs are expected to reach into the upper 70s to low 80s by Tuesday and Wednesday.

The high-pressure system bringing tonight’s cold is expected to shift eastward quickly, allowing warmer air from the south to move in. Lows across the Panhandle should return to the 40s and 50s by midweek.

A Short-Lived Cold Snap

Fortunately, this freeze appears to be short-lived. By Tuesday night, even the coldest parts of the Panhandle will begin warming up, and the rest of the week looks to stay comfortably above freezing.

Still, with April weather often unpredictable in Texas, meteorologists remind residents to stay weather-aware.