Cold front barrels toward Texas with heavy rain, big temp drop

Texas is getting an unusual June cold front that is expected to bring the biggest temperature drop to the Panhandle, while also raising rain and thunder chances across North Texas and parts of South Texas.

Forecasters say the front is moving into the state on Thursday, with the first noticeable cooling expected in the Panhandle. In Dalhart, temperatures are forecast to fall as much as 22 degrees after reaching 100 degrees the previous day.

North Texas timing

In North Texas, including the Dallas-Fort Worth area, thunderstorms are expected late Thursday through Saturday. The National Weather Service forecast cited in local reporting says severe weather is not expected, but lightning, gusty winds and brief heavy rain remain the main hazards.

Rain chances in North Texas are running around 40% to 60% through Saturday.

South Texas impact

South Texas, including San Antonio, is also expected to see some rain and thunder chances, but the front should deliver only modest relief there. Rain chances are lower, around 30% to 50%, and the cooldown will be less pronounced than in the north.

The broader heat pattern is still in place. An extreme heat warning was in effect Thursday for much of South and Central Texas, underscoring how short-lived the relief may be.

What to watch next

The biggest forecast questions are how far south the front will push before weakening, whether storms stay scattered and non-severe, and how closely temperatures match the expected Panhandle drop.

Forecasters expect temperatures to climb again by Sunday after the front passes, ending the brief break from early-summer heat.