The Texas Panhandle could get a break from the heat this week-but storms may come with strong wind gusts, lightning and pockets of heavy rain.
The National Weather Service in Amarillo said on Monday rain chances will return to the Panhandle Tuesday, then spread across more of the region Wednesday and Thursday as the main high pressure system slowly begins to break down.
The highest rain chances Tuesday night are expected in the northwestern Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles, where chances range from 15 to 25 percent, according to a National Weather Service graphic issued early Monday. By Wednesday and later that night, all of the Panhandles will have a chance for rain, with chances ranging from 30 to 50 percent. The southern and eastern Panhandles are expected to see their highest chances Thursday and Thursday night, with rain chances between 20 and 40 percent.
"A cold front will bring increased chances for storms to the area Wednesday into Thursday with gusty winds, lightning and heavy rainfall being the main hazards," forecasters wrote.
Forecasters said Wednesday and Thursday both see the potential for more widespread storms, though it is still unclear which day will be more active. The weather service said "one of the two days will have potential for a more organized convective event," but significant activity on both days "might be a stretch."
The strongest storm concerns are locally heavy rainfall and strong downburst winds, according to the forecast discussion. The National Blend of Models shows a 20 to 30 percent chance of at least a half-inch of rain across the northern Panhandles over the two-day period, with a 10 to 20 percent chance across the south.
The rain chances do not mean the heat is gone. The NWS said temperatures will remain above average through the week, with moderate to major heat risk for parts of the area. Highs are expected to stay in the upper 90s to around 100 through Tuesday, though forecasters said winds should help keep most locations below advisory levels.
The weather service said there were no watches, warnings or advisories posted for the Amarillo forecast area as of Monday morning.
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This article originally published at Cold front's arrival could bring storms, strong winds to Texas. But when?.