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5 Shocking Facts About Snow In Amarillo, Texas: Annual Totals And The Latest 2025-2026 Winter Forecast

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Despite Texas’s reputation for scorching heat, the northern city of Amarillo is a winter wonderland for a significant portion of the year. Situated deep in the high plains of the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo experiences a true winter climate that is drastically different from the rest of the state. As of Monday, December 22, 2025, the region is firmly entering its peak snow season, and understanding the local climatology is essential for residents and travelers alike.

The question of "does it snow in Amarillo, Texas" is best answered with hard data: the city is, by far, the snowiest major metropolitan area in Texas. The high elevation and northern latitude mean that residents must prepare for frequent snowfall, icy conditions, and occasional record-breaking blizzards every winter.

Amarillo, Texas: The Snowiest City in the Lone Star State

Amarillo’s location on the southern edge of the Great Plains, combined with its elevation of over 3,600 feet, is the key to its unique winter weather. This positioning makes it highly susceptible to cold fronts sweeping down from the Rocky Mountains and Canada, leading to significantly lower average temperatures and higher snowfall totals than cities like Dallas or Houston.

Here is a breakdown of the typical snowfall and winter climate in the Texas Panhandle:

  • Average Annual Snowfall: Amarillo averages between 16.3 and 17.9 inches of snow each year. This total is distributed fairly evenly throughout the winter season.
  • Peak Snow Months: The snow season typically runs from late November through March, with the most frequent and heaviest snow occurring from late December to early February. Historically, December is the snowiest month, averaging about 3.7 inches.
  • The Snowiest Time of Year: The period when snow alone is the most common form of precipitation lasts for about 1.4 months, generally from December 25 to February 5.
  • Unexpected Snow: While the winter months are the standard, Amarillo has a history of major snowfalls in the spring, with some of the heaviest snowfalls on record occurring in March.

The city’s climate is characterized by significant temperature swings, especially in the winter, which can lead to rapid melting and refreezing, creating dangerous ice (sometimes called "black ice") on roads and highways.

The 2025-2026 Winter Forecast: What to Expect for Amarillo

For the 2025-2026 winter season, weather outlooks for the Texas Panhandle present a mixed picture, making preparation crucial for the region. These long-range forecasts are critical for local entities like the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Potter County emergency services.

Current predictions from various sources include:

  • Farmers’ Almanac Prediction: The Farmers’ Almanac suggests a potentially colder and wetter winter for the Texas and Southern Plains region, with a higher chance of icy rain and significant precipitation events.
  • Old Farmer’s Almanac/NOAA Outlook: Conversely, other extended forecasts, including some from the National Weather Service (NWS), suggest that winter temperatures overall will be above normal for much of Texas, with precipitation and snowfall potentially below average. The coldest periods are predicted to be in mid-December, late January, and early February.
  • Recent Activity: The region experienced a measurable snow event as recently as late November/early December 2025 (approximately 28 days before the current date), which is a clear sign that the winter season is already underway.

Regardless of the overall outlook, residents should always be prepared for sudden, severe winter storms, as the high plains weather is notoriously volatile.

Record-Breaking Snowfall and Historic Amarillo Blizzards

Amarillo is no stranger to extreme weather events. The city’s history is peppered with massive snowstorms that have shut down the entire Texas Panhandle, proving that "Texas snow" is a serious meteorological phenomenon.

Three Historic Snow Events in Amarillo

These events highlight the extreme variability and intensity of winter weather in the region:

  1. The 19.0-Inch Storm: In a recent year, Amarillo experienced its second-greatest 24-hour snowfall on record, picking up a massive 19.0 inches of snow over February 24-25. This event ranks as the third-greatest single-storm snowfall ever recorded for the city.
  2. The October Record: In a rare occurrence, Amarillo saw a record-breaking 5.5 inches of snowfall in October, marking the first time in eight years that such a significant early-season storm had occurred. This event was even accompanied by "thunder snow."
  3. The May Miracle: The absolute latest measurable snowfall on record for Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle occurred on May 5-6, 1917, when a stunning 9.1 inches fell, proving that winter can linger well into the spring.

These blizzards often involve high winds, creating "ground blizzard" conditions that drastically reduce visibility, making travel on major arteries like Interstate 40 (I-40) and U.S. Route 287 extremely hazardous.

Driving and Preparation for Amarillo’s Winter Weather

For those traveling to or living in Amarillo, winter preparation is not optional. The combination of high winds, freezing temperatures, and heavy snowfall creates unique challenges.

Essential Winter Driving Tips

  • Monitor NWS Alerts: Always check the National Weather Service (NWS) for the Amarillo office before any travel. Pay close attention to Winter Storm Warnings and Ice Storm Warnings.
  • Vehicle Preparation: Ensure your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated and have good tread. Keep an emergency kit with blankets, non-perishable food, water, and a fully charged cell phone.
  • Understand the Melt Cycle: Because Amarillo often sees sunny days even in winter, snow can melt during the day and refreeze into dangerous ice overnight. This black ice is a primary cause of accidents.

The city and surrounding entities, including the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), are highly experienced in managing winter conditions, but personal responsibility is paramount when navigating the Texas Panhandle during the snow season.

Amarillo’s Snow: A Key Part of the High Plains Identity

The experience of snow in Amarillo is a defining characteristic of the city, setting it apart from the rest of Texas. While the average annual snowfall is comparable to northern cities, the rapid temperature shifts and the intensity of the blizzards are unique to the high plains climate. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor curious about the winter landscape, knowing that Amarillo is the true "Snow Capital" of Texas is the first step toward appreciating the region's diverse and sometimes extreme weather.

The consistent snowfall supports the local ecosystem and provides crucial moisture for the region’s agriculture, making the winter months an essential and beautiful part of the annual cycle.

5 Shocking Facts About Snow in Amarillo, Texas: Annual Totals and the Latest 2025-2026 Winter Forecast
does it snow in amarillo texas
does it snow in amarillo texas

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