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LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – update 5:45 p.m. – Severe thunderstorm warning until 6:30 p.m. for E Hockley, Lubbock, NE Terry and N Lynn counties. Storms could produce gusts to 70mph. A storm west of Lubbock in Hockley County might contain up to 1″ hail.

Once again, a few thunderstorms have developed on the South Plains. Like yesterday, the main threat from storms will be damaging wind gusts. Also, lightning strikes could start wildfires.

The Storm Prediction Center has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Lubbock and the South Plains until 10 p.m. Friday, shown in green below.

A watch is issued for the potential for severe weather. Warnings are issued when severe weather is occurring.

The dry line has mixed well east of Lubbock this afternoon. Behind this boundary, the dew point is in the 20s and 30s…really dry air. With the temperature in the upper 90s (and even triple digits off the Caprock), the relative humidity is below 15%. Combined with gusty wind, the wildfire risk is high. A fire weather warning (or red flag warning) is in effect until 9 p.m. Friday for Lubbock and the South Plains.

Where thunderstorms do develop, they will move from west to east through this afternoon.

Hot weekend

It’s going to stay hot this weekend. The storm chance will be lower, but we can’t rule out an isolated storm. Even if one develops, it won’t produce much rain.

Next week

We see a pattern change second half of next week. Since it’s still several days away, and this drought has been so persistent, we’re not getting to excited just yet. But cooler days with a chance for rain and thunderstorms is the forecast at this point next Wednesday through Friday.