Weather

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.

Fire dangers continued this week on the South Plains and in the Panhandle, with wildfires, evacuations, and low humidity across the region. KERA's Toluwani Osibamowo reports on proposed changes to the state's bail system being discussed by Texas lawmakers. The public is invited to attend Coffee with the Mayor tomorrow morning, hosted by Lubbock Mayor Mark McBrayer and District 5 council member Jennifer Wilson. The event begins at 7 A.M. at United Supermarket located at 11310 Slide Rd.

The Texas Tech men’s basketball team will begin play in the NCAA Tournament on Thursday. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more on the matchup. Calmer weather helped to slow wildfires in the Texas Panhandle as crews worked toward containment, but some fires continue to burn across the state.

Amid dangerous weather conditions, 65,000 Xcel Energy customers are without power and several wildfires burn in the Texas Panhandle. While collapsed structures and zero visibility affect drivers and residents across the region.

The National Weather Service in Midland says a “windbag” is expected across West Texas on Friday, potentially rivaling last week’s dust storm that caused travel disruptions across the region.

Forecasters say West Texas is bracing for another round of intense wind and high fire danger on Friday. Potential gusts across the south plains could reach up to 80 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service. The No. 9 ranked Red Raider men's basketball team kicks off Big 12 Tournament play tonight. KTTZ reporter Bishop Van Buren has more on the efforts to build on the program’s 100th season.