Texas Weather

With its sprawling size and varying terrain, weather is a big topic in the Lone Star State.

Winter

Look for cold, Midwestern winters in the Panhandle, where snow is a more than occasional occurrence. Amarillo receives more than 15 inches of snow a year. Winters are more temperate in the DFW region with under three inches of snow annually. Snows also can occur in western reaches of the state; El Paso receives 5 1/2 inches of powder a year. In Central and South Texas, though, snows are rare with just an occasional dusting. During this time, cold fronts known locally as "blue northers" bring winter weather to the state.

Winter brings many part-time residents, known as Winter Texans, to the southern reaches of the state. The Rio Grande Valley is home to many Northern residents from October through March or April.

Spring

Spring is a nice time in Texas although flash flooding can cause some concerns, especially in the Hill Country. Drivers are cautioned never to drive across running water in the area. During this time, dust storms can plague the Panhandle and tornadoes can develop in the Hill Country, especially during late spring.

Summer

Summer is literally a hot topic in Texas, with temperatures over 100 degrees not unusual in any part of the state. Early summer and late spring mean the chance of tornadoes in the Hill Country and North Texas. Drought is a persistent problem many years and burn bans are frequently enforced as well as water rationing. Late summer and early fall can bring the threat of hurricanes to the Gulf coast.

Fall

Autumn is generally warm to mild throughout much of Texas. October is one of the best months of the year, a time when many towns take advantage of the good weather to host festivals.