UNITED STATES — A renewed severe weather threat is taking shape across the southern Plains, with the Storm Prediction Center outlining back-to-back risk areas for Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12, signaling the beginning of a more active mid-April pattern.
The focus is squarely on West and North Texas into western Oklahoma, where atmospheric conditions are expected to align for organized thunderstorms and potential severe weather over consecutive days.
Primary Risk Zone Centers on West Texas and Western Oklahoma
The outlined risk area covers a large portion of:
- Amarillo
- Lubbock
- Abilene
- Odessa
- Extending toward western Oklahoma
This region sits in a favorable zone where dryline activity, returning Gulf moisture, and strengthening upper-level winds are expected to interact.
Saturday Setup Begins the Active Pattern
On Saturday, April 11, the initial round of storms is expected to develop across West Texas.
Key factors include:
- Increasing moisture return from the Gulf of Mexico
- Building instability during the afternoon
- Early influence of an approaching western U.S. trough
Storms that form could become strong to severe, especially during late afternoon and evening hours.
Sunday Brings Expanded and More Organized Threat
By Sunday, April 12, the risk area expands slightly north and east, including more of western Oklahoma and areas closer to central Texas…