Lubbock’s First Freeze Could Arrive Soon as Temperatures Drop Across the South Plains

This is the true start of fall on the South Plains. The cooler weather could lead to Lubbock experiencing its first freeze sooner than expected. Long-term predictions say that daytime highs will drop into the upper 60s and 70s. This means the nights will get cooler and maybe even the first freeze will happen.

Based on past weather records, EverythingLubbock.com says that the city's first freeze usually happens on October 30. If things keep going the way they are, that means Lubbock could get frigid before Halloween. The report stated, "In some years, the first freeze occurs earlier, while in others it happens later," but typically, October 30 marks the transition from cool fall air to winter.

After several warm weeks in September, the weather is finally getting cooler. This is because of recent cold fronts that have pushed high temperatures down across the area. Meteorologists say that the trend of cooling will continue over the coming weeks, especially at night.

For people living in the South Plains, the first freeze will happen at a different time depending on where they live. In the south and southeast, including parts of Lynn and Garza counties, temperatures do not usually drop below 32°F until after November 1. In the north, freezing temperatures happen earlier in October.

Even though there are no instant freeze warnings, weather forecasters are telling people to get their gardens, outdoor plumbing, and sensitive plants ready for the first hard freeze of the season. One weather forecaster in the area said, "It is better to get ready now than to scramble when the first freeze notice comes out."

More than that, the National Weather Service tells people that West Texas's dry grasses are more likely to catch fire on cold, windy days when the first freeze happens.

Still, many people in Lubbock cannot wait to enjoy the warmer parts of fall before winter comes. One person who lives there said, "I cannot wait because I love fall."

So far, it looks like the city will have a normal autumn: cool mornings, cool afternoons, and soon enough, the first freeze. As the temperature drops further in Lubbock and the South Plains, people who live there may want to enjoy the last few warm days of October before it gets too cold.