More warm weather to come and what that will mean for Amarillo
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Amarillo is alerting the Texas Panhandle area as it prepares for near-100-degree weather and above throughout the week and, as we enter further into the summer months, the chance for more severe weather.
According to NWS Amarillo meteorologist Christian Rangel, the area reached an average high of 99 degrees Tuesday afternoon, with areas reaching the lower 100s. The meteorologist stated these temperatures are above average for this time of year, with the average being 91 degrees.
"We are slightly above average. That is what we have seen so far over the past few days, but nothing close to our records. That would be around 107 and higher; here in our area, we have been around the low 100s," Rangel said.
Rangel said that the heat following the recent influx of rainfall the area received will allow for areas to dry out and disperse.
"For many places, this recent heat is a good thing. There is still some standing water that accumulated over the past month that we couldn't get rid of due to the ongoing rainfall and cloudy/cool climates. Now we are seeing that begin to dry up," Rangel said.
The meteorologist stated that with the warm weather drying up all the extra moisture, there is potential for added humidity. Currently the area is facing above average humidity levels, but the area heat index has not exceeded the actual temperature.
"Now this could change, especially if our temperatures increase along with our humidity values, but where they are at the moment, fortunately, we are not faced with any concerns with our temperatures as far as our heat index goes," Rangel said.
The NWS assures that this warmer weather is not a precursor indicating a new severe drought will be brought into effect. However, the area will see a bit of a dry period with the occasional rainfall and more severe weather systems.
Currently, due to the heat, the Palo Duro Canyon State Park is under an Active Heat Advisory. The NWS urges community members to remain vigilant in staying up to date on the weather and be aware of any severe weather/heat advisories coming to their area, as that will help people to better prepare for their day.
In a previous interview, the NWS suspected that the current weather conditions were a result of the recent changing into an El Niño climate pattern and that these fluctuations would occur until mid-July where the northern hemisphere will officially complete the transition of the climate pattern.
In a prediction made by Rangel, with the amount of recent rainfall the area has received over the past month and with how wet and green area vegetation is, he suspects that the area will not be under a burn ban this Independence Day but says the official decision will be made by county officials.
Judge Nancy Tanner signed that the disaster declaration in Potter County, specifically the Canadian River Basin, was lifted June 20, ahead of the 30-day extension expiration date. "However there are still places within Potter County that are in the City that are areas of concern," the Potter County Sheriff's Office noted in a Facebook post. "We just ask folks to remember to be careful, use common sense and obey any barricades that are in place!"
For more information or to stay up to date on weather notifications, follow the NWS of Amarillo online or on their Facebook or Twitter pages.
A tornado watch was issued around 4 p.m. Wednesday for parts of the eastern, Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles until 10 p.m. Wednesday, including the cities of Perryton, Canadian and Borger, ahead of the storm system's development over the next few hours.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo expected to face severe weather and warmer days
