After a stretch of hot, dry conditions across the South Plains, a major shift in the weather is on the horizon for early next week. According to the National Weather Service in Lubbock, a strong cold front will sweep into the region, breaking the summer heat and ushering in a cooler, wetter pattern.
The weekend will remain warm, with highs in the 90s under sunny skies Saturday and mostly sunny conditions Sunday. By Monday, however, subtle changes begin as clouds increase and a 20 percent chance of showers develops. Afternoon highs will remain in the low to mid-90s, but the incoming front will set the stage for a dramatic cooldown.
Tuesday will bring the biggest change as the front pushes across the region. High temperatures in Lubbock may struggle to reach the upper 70s, a stark contrast to the persistent heat of recent weeks. Alongside cooler conditions, rain and thunderstorm chances will rise to 50 percent. Showers could be locally heavy, producing slick roadways and travel delays. Winds will shift out of the east at 10 to 15 miles per hour, adding to the cool-down.
By Wednesday, storm chances increase further, with a 60 percent likelihood of rain across the South Plains. Afternoon highs will remain in the upper 70s to mid-80s, well below average for late August. The unsettled pattern is expected to linger through midweek, with showers and thunderstorms potentially extending into Wednesday night.
The front will bring much-needed relief from the triple-digit heat that has dominated much of the summer, but it also poses challenges. Commuters should be prepared for slower travel, especially during the morning hours when wet pavement could create hazardous driving conditions. Emergency officials advise keeping an eye on updates, as storm advisories may be issued if rainfall intensifies.
This shift marks the first significant cooldown of the late summer season for Lubbock, offering residents a preview of early fall. The combination of cooler air, unsettled skies, and higher rain chances will provide both relief and a reminder to stay weather-aware as the week unfolds.
Five-Day Forecast for Lubbock, Texas:
Saturday will be sunny with highs in the 90s and lows in the mid to upper 60s. Sunday will bring mostly sunny skies with highs in the upper 80s to mid-90s and lows in the mid-60s to low 70s. Monday carries a 20 percent chance of showers with highs in the low to mid-90s and lows near 60. Tuesday will be cooler with highs in the mid-70s to upper 80s and a 50 percent chance of storms, followed by lows in the upper 50s to mid-60s. Wednesday will bring a 60 percent chance of rain with highs in the upper 70s to mid-80s.
In short, the South Plains are in for a much cooler, stormier week ahead — a dramatic departure from the relentless summer heat.