Here's How Lubbock's Frigid Weather Will Unfold

Here's how a very cold 48 weekend will shape up.

When It Hits

The real cold air hits Lubbock this morning at 8:00 a.m. That is probably why Texas Tech University decided yesterday to cancel classes for today and tomorrow; you just can't have students walking in weather this bad.

Why It's Bad For Humans And Animals

The problem with this cold front is twofold, the icy temperatures backed with high winds. By the time you read this, the cold has already kicked in with the wind exceeding 20 miles an hour after the aforementioned 8:00. These winds will stay consistently around 20-22 miles an hour through about 4:00 or 5:00 this afternoon. The temperature is expected to dip as low as 17 during the day. The National Weather Service has a "Windchill Calculator" and a temperature of 17 with winds at just 20 miles an hour puts the windchill below zero.

The Night Stays Unbearable

Things do not get much better after dark. Sure the winds will drop to about 10 miles an hour but temperatures will dip as low as 11 before midnight (windchill of -2.3 degrees). During the overnight temperatures will stay around 10 or 11 degrees and we won't be seeing anything warmer until about 8:00 a.m. Friday.

So What Does Friday Look Like?

Well, notice in the previous paragraph I said: "warmer" not "warm". "Warmer" means a high on Friday of about 22. The good news is, the winds should be only around 5-6 miles an hour (a windchill of 14 degrees).

The Cold Weather Continues On Saturday

Saturday's high should reach about 35 degrees, but a little of that wind is back at 10 miles an hour (windchill 27). As you can see, it's still not going to be too pleasant on Saturday.

Sunday (Christmas Day)

Your Christmas "miracle" arrives on Sunday, where it's going to be like none of this ever happened. We should bounce right back up to 51 degrees.

Protect Yourself And Your Pets

Even though most of this weather is over after a relatively brief period, it is more than enough to kill humans and pets. That is not an exaggeration. Please bring your pets inside, and make smart decisions on any attempts to go outside yourself.

(Ed note: All weather data from weather.com)