Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma Panhandle Face Prolonged Subfreezing Temperatures and Dangerous Wind Chills Through the Weekend
UNITED STATES — A dangerous stretch of Arctic cold is locking in across the Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma Panhandle, with high temperatures staying below freezing from Friday through the weekend and wind chill values plunging well below zero during the morning hours. Forecast data from the National Weather Service shows Saturday shaping up as the coldest day, while early mornings Saturday and Sunday pose the greatest risk for cold-related exposure.
High Temperatures Remain Below Freezing for Days
Forecast maps indicate that daytime highs will struggle to climb out of the teens and 20s, even during peak afternoon heating.
- Friday highs: Generally 20s, near 30°F only in the far southern zones
- Saturday highs: Widespread single digits to lower teens, coldest of the period
- Sunday highs: Slight improvement, but still mostly 20s and below freezing
Cities such as Guymon, Perryton, Beaver, Stratford, Dalhart, Dumas, Borger, Pampa, Amarillo, and Wheeler will all remain locked in persistent cold, with very limited daytime relief.
Saturday Is the Coldest Day
Saturday stands out as the most severe day, with highs in many locations barely reaching:
- 6–10°F across the northern Panhandles
- 10–14°F near Amarillo and surrounding areas
This level of cold significantly increases the risk of frozen pipes, vehicle issues, and infrastructure strain, especially when combined with ongoing wind.
Dangerous Wind Chills Saturday and Sunday Mornings
The most hazardous conditions will occur between 6 AM and 12 PM both Saturday and Sunday, when wind chills are forecast to drop well below zero.
Expected coldest wind chill values include:
- -13°F to -15°F in northern Panhandle communities
- -10°F to -12°F across much of the central Panhandles
- Near -8°F to -10°F in southern zones, including Amarillo and Hereford
Even short exposure during these hours can lead to frostbite on exposed skin.
Why This Cold Is So Dangerous
This event is particularly concerning because:
- Highs never recover above freezing
- Overnight lows plunge into the single digits
- Persistent wind amplifies cold stress
- Multiple consecutive mornings bring subzero wind chills
The combination increases risks for people, pets, livestock, and infrastructure, especially in rural and exposed areas.
Safety and Preparedness Reminders
Residents across the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles are urged to:
- Limit time outdoors, especially in the morning
- Bundle up with insulated layers, gloves, hats, and face protection
- Protect pets and livestock from prolonged exposure
- Check on vulnerable neighbors
- Prepare for frozen pipes by insulating exposed plumbing
Looking Ahead
Temperatures are expected to gradually moderate early next week, but cold conditions will persist through the weekend. Forecast confidence is high that Saturday morning will be the most dangerous period, with only modest improvement by Sunday afternoon.
Waldron will continue monitoring this cold outbreak and provide updates as conditions evolve. Stay weather-aware and take precautions during this extended stretch of extreme cold.