Weather

The City of Lubbock libraries have partnered with Reliant Energy to open Beat the Heat cooling centers. They will formally begin when the National Weather Service forecasts three or more days in a row above 104 degrees. The centers will be at all four of Lubbock's public libraries during normal operating hours. Our reporter Sean Ryan has more on what the centers have to offer.

The National Weather Service in Lubbock has released preliminary survey results from last Thursday's storm. The survey confirmed eight tornadoes. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has details on the supercell event. Meanwhile, across Texas, demonstrators are planning a new wave of protests this weekend. The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez has more on the response to the Trump administration’s ongoing immigration crackdown.

As the summer sun intensifies, so does the risk of skin cancer. Our student reporter Sean Ryan has advice from a dermatologist at Texas Tech Physicians about skin protection and early warning signs. Meanwhile, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is proposing a rule that would shift how emissions grant funding is distributed. KERA’s Pablo Arauz Peña reports on growing criticism that the change would do little to reduce air pollution.

Lubbock’s outdoor warning system was put to the test for the first time as severe storms and tornado threats swept through the area Thursday night. The city’s Office of Emergency Management director recapped the cross-departmental response and gave recommendations for staying safe during future severe weather events.

Texas Tech’s softball team fell to the University of Texas in the Women’s College World Series final on Friday. Reporter Bishop Van Buren recaps the end of a historic Red Raiders run. Meanwhile, fans back in Lubbock took shelter from Thursday night’s storms and tornado threats.

This Memorial Day, our Samantha Larned has tips and recommendations from the USDA to make sure backyard barbeques stay safe. Texas has already seen temperatures hitting over 100 degrees this summer. And Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies reports that medical experts are warning about the dangers of extreme heat for pregnancies.

The Texas Department of State Health Services has reported an increase of only one measles case connected with the West Texas since Tuesday. Our Samantha Larned has more on how counties in the region are faring. Severe dust storms have been plaguing far West Texas and New Mexico this spring. A new study examines the cost of these storms.

Severe weather continued across the Panhandle this weekend, with thunderstorms, hail, fog, high winds, and even tornadoes. Damages are still being assessed, but officials estimated 20 houses with severe damage after Saturday's tornado near Canyon. No injuries or fatalities have yet been reported. The Texas Newsroom's Blaise Gainey reports after years of failed attempts, a bill to create Education Savings Accounts – allowing families to use taxpayer dollars for private schooling - is on its way to Gov. Abbott's desk.

Lubbock Monterey’s Aaliyah Chavez announced yesterday that she’ll be playing college basketball for Oklahoma University. Our Bishop Van Buren reports on her signing announcement and the legacy she’s already built in the Hub City. A burn ban is in place for the Lubbock area, prohibiting outdoor burning for the next 30 days. The city will see chances of precipitation on Thursday, but warm weather will continue into next week.

The Smokehouse Creek fire tore through the Texas Panhandle early last year, burning over a million acres in just weeks. In the small town of Canadian, where the devastation was severe, residents say the heartbreak lingers and a full recovery could take years.