Wildfire in Texas, May 14 to 19, 2026

Name: Wildfire in Texas, May 14 to 19, 2026
Start: 2026-05-14T15:30
End: 2026-05-19T18:30
Location: Texas

May 14 to 19, 2026 · NWS AMA · 10 events in 6 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 10 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

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The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 10

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS AMA wrote it up.

A prolonged hot and dry period was set up for the Panhandles in mid May. And with the lack of significant rainfall to help transition the grasses from cured to green, the fuels were well above the 90th percentile in dryness. While it's not uncommon for a high based storm or two to occur west of the dryline and create dry thunderstorms, on May 14th it was certainly more scattered to nearly widespread storms that occurred. Several lightning ignitions occurred, and given that the storms had severe dry microbursts associated, the fires that ignited would spread quickly. Thereafter the Panhandles would go through several consecutive days of critical to extremely critical conditions. And the issues of any new starts, as well as active fires that ignited on May 14th would take another run were of high concern. Overall 20 wildfires ranging from over 34,000 acres to some as small as a few acres would ignite in the TX/OK Panhandle between the 14th and the 18th.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Amarillo, TX wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 14, 2:56 PM CST, 34 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

Issued at 1256 PM CDT Thu May 14 2026
Elevated to critical fire weather conditions expected to persist through the weekend. With high end critical, due to higher wind, days expected Sunday and Monday.
Severe storms may be possible Sunday and Monday in the eastern Panhandles depending on the location of a dryline.

Area forecast discussion, May 14, 2:56 PM CST, 34 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Amarillo TX
356 PM CDT Thu May 14 2026

...New UPDATE...

.KEY MESSAGES...
Issued at 1256 PM CDT Thu May 14 2026

- Elevated to critical fire weather conditions expected to persist
  through the weekend. With high end critical, due to higher wind,
  days expected Sunday and Monday.

- Severe storms may be possible Sunday and Monday in the eastern
  Panhandles depending on the location of a dryline.

&&

.UPDATE...
Issued at 354 PM CDT Thu May 14 2026

Widely scattered thunderstorms have formed across the central and
western TX Panhandle and the OK Panhandle this afternoon. With
very dry conditions in the low levels across the area, not much
rainfall is expected from these storms. The dry low levels will
promote the potential for very strong wind gusts, some of which
may be destructive wind gusts up to 80 mph. Due to this concern, a
Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for the entire Texas and
Oklahoma Panhandles through 10 PM this evening. Minor forecast
adjustments have been made to account for the watch issuance and
the latest radar trends.

Muscha

&&

.SHORT TERM...
(This evening through Friday night)
Issued at 1256 PM CDT Thu May 14 2026

Dry air at the surface is expected once again this afternoon. A
surface boundary with some slight convergence is progged to run
SSW to NNE dividing parts of the eastern combined Panhandles from
the west. East of the boundary slightly higher Tds will keep
minimum RH values in the 20 to 30 percent range while the west
sees RH values in the 12 to 20 percent range. Despite the higher
RH values in the east this is the area likely to see critical fire
weather conditions this afternoon as winds are expected to be
higher in the 15 to 25 mph range. This afternoon a mid level
shortwave will move into the area colliding with increased H7
theta-e advection. This will help kick off some scattered
afternoon/evening thunderstorms. With a dry surface layer, DCAPE
values are progged to be in the 1500-1800 J/Kg range adding to
concerns for severe wind gusts that could potentially exceed 80
mph. With the lack of moisture and such high bases to these storms
expected, little precipitation is expected and should limit
overall hail growth as well. Current CAMs runs suggest storms
starting in the west and moving east through the late afternoon
into early evening. Potentially with a second or third round. With
low precipitation storms, dry lightning is a concern for fire
starts today.

Thunderstorm activity should conclude by 10 PM tonight with maybe
a lingering isolated virga shower somewhere in the area. Surface
winds in the eastern Panhandles may hang on to breezy south to
southeasterly winds in the 15 to 20 mph range while the west sees
winds fall to near 10 mph. A surface low is expected to develop
over the northwest Panhandles into SE CO and NE NM. This low is
expected to keep winds near 15 to maybe 20 mph for parts of the
eastern Panhandles out of the south for Friday afternoon. The
northwestern Panhandles are expected to see more northerly winds
NW of the low. Although chances are really low, would not
completely rule out some isolated pop up showers/storms in the
east tomorrow as well. PoPs may only be around 10 with such low
probabilities of measuring 0.01".

&&

.LONG TERM...
(Saturday through next Wednesday)
Issued at 1256 PM CDT Thu May 14 2026

Dry and hot conditions continue through Saturday, with maybe some
elevated fire weather conditions continuing in the southwestern TX
Panhandle. An upper level system will approach the Panhandles
Sunday bringing with it stronger winds increasing the likelihood
of widespread critical fire weather conditions. This system may
bring even stronger winds Monday. Probability of gusts exceeding
50 mph increase into the 20 to 60 percent range on Monday for the
northwestern half of the combined Panhandles. Also, for Sunday and
Monday, severe storms will be a possibility in the far eastern
combined Panhandles depending on where a dryline sets up.

This aforementioned system will also bring some cooler air for Tue
and beyond. Afternoon temperatures in the 90s to even lower 100s
in some areas, will lower into the 80s for Tue and Wed. PoPs
remain low through the long term mainly relying on the afternoon
heat to dry convection. However, there are some hints that that
may change going into Wed night.

&&

.AVIATION...
(18Z TAFS)
Issued at 1256 PM CDT Thu May 14 2026

Mostly VFR conditions expected to prevail through the period.
However, some low precipitation thunderstorms may impact the
terminals between 21Z and 02Z Friday. Confidence is low at this
time especially for KDHT and KGUY. Therefore, have not mentions in
the TAFs at this time, and may need amendments. Please not, due to
the nature of dry surface boundaries, these storms will have a
potential to produce severe and erratic winds at times. The
potential for small hail will exist too, with the probability of
large hail staying fairly low.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 1256 PM CDT Thu May 14 2026

Elevated to low end critical fire weather conditions will continue
into the weekend. Sunday and Monday will be the big days to watch
as winds are expected to ramp up. RFTIs may reach as high as 7
especially in the west. A 10 to maybe 20 percent chances exist in
the northwest Panhandles to surpass 50 mph gusts on Sunday.
Monday those probabilities pick up to 40 to 60 percent with a
probability around 20 percent for Amarillo on Monday.

&&

.AMA WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
TX...Red Flag Warning until 9 PM CDT this evening for TXZ003>005-009-
     010-014-015-019-020.

OK...Red Flag Warning until 9 PM CDT this evening for OKZ002-003.

&&

SHORT TERM...03
LONG TERM....03
AVIATION...03

Hazardous weather outlook, May 14, 12:38 PM CST, 2 hours 52 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Amarillo TX
138 PM CDT Thu May 14 2026

OKZ001>003-TXZ001>020-317-150645-
Cimarron-Texas-Beaver-Dallam-Sherman-Hansford-Ochiltree-Lipscomb-
Hartley-Moore-Hutchinson-Roberts-Hemphill-Oldham-Potter-Carson-
Gray-Wheeler-Deaf Smith-Randall-Armstrong-Donley-Collingsworth-
Palo Duro Canyon-
138 PM CDT Thu May 14 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the Texas and Oklahoma
Panhandles.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight.

Thunderstorms are possible across the Panhandles this afternoon
through this evening. Some of the storms may be severe, with
damaging wind gusts being the primary hazard in addition to
lightning.

Elevated to critical fire weather conditions are expected across
the area this afternoon through this evening. A Red Flag Warning
has been issued for the eastern Panhandles due to the anticipated
critical fire weather threat.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Thunderstorms will be possible each afternoon into evening, Friday
through Sunday. Thunderstorm activity will primarily favor the
eastern combined Panhandles.

Critical fire weather conditions will be possible on Sunday and
Monday across the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not anticipated at this time.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 14, 2:42 PM CST, 48 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Amarillo TX
342 PM CDT Thu May 14 2026

TXZ011-142115-
Oldham TX-
342 PM CDT Thu May 14 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTH CENTRAL OLDHAM COUNTY
THROUGH 415 PM CDT...

At 342 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Adrian, or 16 miles west of Vega, moving east at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Vega and Adrian.

This includes Interstate 40 between mile markers 16 and 38.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3519 10275 3528 10279 3546 10249 3522 10239
TIME...MOT...LOC 2042Z 249DEG 27KT 3525 10272

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

SH

Local storm report, May 14, 2:47 PM CST, 43 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Amarillo TX
347 PM CDT Thu May 14 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0336 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     6 WSW Adrian            35.25N 102.76W
05/14/2026  M59 MPH          Oldham             TX   Mesonet

            59 MPH wind gust measured at 6 WSW Adrian
            West Texas Mesonet site.

&&

RLF

Local storm report, May 14, 3:24 PM CST, 6 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Amarillo TX
424 PM CDT Thu May 14 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0417 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     11 WNW Bootleg          34.89N 102.99W
05/14/2026  M60 MPH          Deaf Smith         TX   Mesonet

            60 MPH wind gust observed at WT Mesonet site
            11 miles WNW of Bootleg, TX.

&&

RLF

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

10 wildfire. Local standard time, as filed.

Wildfire, Randall County

When: May 14, 3:30 PM CST to May 19, 6:30 PM CST
Where: Randall County forecast zone
Reported by: Park/Forest Service
Coordinates: 34.966, -101.897 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Hunggate fire was a started on May 14th due to dry lightning from a thunderstorm. The gusty winds from the storms and very dry grasses allowed for the fire to spread quickly. Multiple other lightning fires occurred that day, likely leading to limited recourses being available. Neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city of Canyon, TX were threatened. Mandatory evacuations were ordered for about 350 homes, but firefighters were able to hold the lines. However, there were still a few homes that were not able to escape the fire and were lost, along with several out houses, and the railroad bridge on the south side of Canyon. The fire is currently 95% contained as of May 19th and is noted to have burned 34,131 acres, but that's due to it being merged with the Chocolate Chip Fire.

Wildfire, Carson

When: May 14, 4:14 PM CST to 9:41 PM CST
Where: Carson forecast zone
Reported by: Park/Forest Service
Coordinates: 35.404, -101.354 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Lightning sparked a wildfire in Carson County on May 14th known as the McBride Incident. The fire sparked about 12 miles southwest of Borger, TX. It did manage to spread to 2,192 acres in a short time, but aggressive works from local fire fighters and Texas A&M Forest crews allowed for it to be contained later that evening.

Wildfire, Potter

When: May 14, 4:41 PM CST to May 15, 2:30 PM CST
Where: Potter forecast zone
Reported by: Park/Forest Service
Coordinates: 35.401, -101.894 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Dry lightning on May 14th ignited the Shifty Fire in northern Potter County, and the fire was able to spread quickly due to erratic wind gusts from the storm, but it was able to be contained by the afternoon of the 15th, and it's final size was 5,277 acres.

Wildfire, Hartley

When: May 14, 7:38 PM CST to May 16, 12:26 PM CST
Where: Hartley forecast zone
Reported by: Park/Forest Service
Coordinates: 35.840, -102.603 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Lightning sparked a wildfire in Hartley County Texas on May 14th and it was known as the Roman Fire. This fire would quickly spread to over 2,000 acres due to the winds and dry fuels. At one point the fire caused a shutdown of US highway 54 from RM3296 all the way to NM, due to smoke and low visibility. Mandatory evacuations for areas near highway 54 and FM 767 were briefly needed. On outbuilding structure was lost to this fire. The fire would go on to burn 6,294 acres. before being contained on the afternoon of the 16th.

Wildfire, Oldham

When: May 14, 11:34 PM CST to May 16, 12:20 PM CST
Where: Oldham forecast zone
Reported by: Park/Forest Service
Coordinates: 35.405, -102.603 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A multistate fire known as the Line Fire which had a combined total burn area of 30,144 acres, burned about 10,000 of that was on the Texas side in Oldham and Hartley County. The fire started the afternoon of the 14th due to lightning, but wouldn't enter Texas until just after midnight on the 15th CDT. The fire is currently noted to be 90 percent contained.

Wildfire, Randall County

When: May 15, 10:33 AM CST to May 18, 10:18 AM CST
Where: Randall County forecast zone
Reported by: Park/Forest Service
Coordinates: 34.966, -101.897 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Chocolate Chip Fire ignited on the morning of Friday the 15th about 17 miles southwest of Canyon, TX. The winds caused this fire within just hours of igniting to expand to over 10,000 acres moving so fast it managed to jump interstate 27. By Friday afternoon it merged with the Hunggate Fire. At this point since it is part of the Hunggate fire it's 95 percent contained.

Wildfire, Randall County

When: May 15, 3:52 PM CST to May 16, 11:44 AM CST
Where: Randall County forecast zone
Reported by: Park/Forest Service
Coordinates: 34.966, -101.897 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Western Fire was ignited by equipment use, most likely welding on Friday May 15th around 5pm. The fire would go on to burn 1,137 acres before being contained on Saturday May 16th. This fire in conjunction with the other fires around the Canyon area (Hunggate and Chocolate Chip), had cause for concern that the Palo Duro Canyon State Park, River Falls, and Pullman Acres, would be threatened. So evacuations were issued and about 4,500 local utility customers were affected by power shut offs. Eventually the fire was halted and the evacuations were lifted.

Wildfire, Dallam

When: May 15, 6:56 PM CST to May 16, 1:30 AM CST
Where: Dallam forecast zone
Reported by: Park/Forest Service
Coordinates: 36.278, -102.602 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Rita Blanca Unit 32 Incident was ignited the evening of May 15th and would go on to quickly burn 8,907 acres, before being controlled overnight that night.

Wildfire, Oldham

When: May 17, 2:57 PM CST to May 18, 10:33 PM CST
Where: Oldham forecast zone
Reported by: Park/Forest Service
Coordinates: 35.405, -102.603 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Blue Diamond Fire ignited on private ranch land near Boys Ranch. The fire would go on to burn 741 acres and did threaten the town of Boys Ranch for that evening. The fire was noted mostly contained by the evening of the 18th.

Wildfire, Potter

When: May 17, 3:24 PM CST to May 19, 3:24 PM CST
Where: Potter forecast zone
Reported by: Park/Forest Service
Coordinates: 35.401, -101.894 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Stinky Fire was ignited from the Amarillo Landfill the afternoon of the 17th. Extreme Fire conditions were observed on the 17th. The fire was believed to be controlled that evening, and while it started off as just about 5 acres given it's location and the weather conditions Fire Warnings were issued on the 17th for the northwest portions of Amarillo. Either a new fire, ignited or the fire lost containment under the extreme fire conditions the afternoon of May 18th. The fire would go on to burn over 2500 acres, before being contained. Some homes were unfortunately lost in the process of the fire spreading. Bishop Estates was evacuated as the fire threatened the neighborhood.

What these are

Wildfire: A fire burning in wildland vegetation, with its acreage and damage where known.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Texas in 2026 Every state in 2026 This day in weather history Warnings in Texas, May 2026

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1325078, 1325084, 1325085, 1325086, 1325083, 1325079, 1325080, 1325082, 1325087, 1325081.