The weather will be shifting several times over the next few days.
This afternoon, the National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting wind gusts of up to 30 miles per hour with blowing dust possible.
But during the evening hours, a strong cold front will move through the region and drop temperatures to near freezing levels.
The NWS said motorists should use caution in areas with blowing dust and reduced visibilities.
“Chilly conditions will fill in behind the front and a late season freeze is possible Saturday morning across the northern Permian Basin,” the NWS bulletin stated. “Critical fire weather will be possible again Sunday afternoon and a fire weather watch is in effect for most areas.”
After the cold front moves through the area, temperatures will return to normal, including a forecast high of 87 degrees on Sunday.
No precipitation is in the forecast and Scurry County remains in the severe drought stage. Kent and Garza counties are now in the extreme drought stage, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Some areas of the Texas Panhandle are now listed in the highest drought stage — exceptional.
According to this week’s map, 66 percent of the state is listed in some stage of drought.