This story has been updated with additional information.
At almost mid-June, the Amarillo area hasn’t really hit its stride in hot weather. We’ve experienced some good rainfall and moisture, according to Luigi Meccariello, National Weather Service lead meteorologist, which keep temperatures down as well as drought and threats of wildfire, but now the temperature is bound to ramp up with some areas, bringing on heat advisories for the area. On Tuesday, the temperature hit 100 degrees in Amarillo and surrounding region, but fortunately on Wednesday, a cool front moved in.
According to the weather forecast, temperatures were expected to climb up by Thursday through Saturday with chances of reaching 100 degrees again, until Sunday, when chances for rain develop.
Amarillo and area citizens are no stranger to the extreme Texas heat with temperatures rising into the 100s several days in the summer. According to Meccariello, in 2024, Amarillo hit the 100 mark some 36 days. Hopefully, things will not be as extreme this year, as the meteorologist said he didn’t see any such trends in the forecasts. But as we know, June through July are normally the hottest months, so we took a look around the city to see what residents were doing to chill out.
Some adults beat the heat by staying inside, spending most of their time in air-conditioned residences, businesses and/or public spaces, or by getting frozen treats like ice cream or snow cones. Others head outside but stay in the shade. But there are always golfers, lake people and outdoors people who venture out to face the elements.
Meanwhile, at this time of year, many families in Amarillo and Canyon and the surrounding area seek out local water amenities to cool off, including parks with pools and splash pads.
Amarillo city parks with splash pads
In Canyon, the Canyon Aqua Park (CAP) located at 1900 12th St. has two sessions daily.
Amarillo city pools and parks are open for the season, with a few renovations going on at some locations. The AMBUCS inclusive playground at John Ward Memorial Park, formerly known as the Medical Center Park, was closed June 2 for resurfacing but has since been reopened.
The playground was reopened as of June 18, according to a Facebook post shared on the Amarillo Parks and Recreation page.
Amarillo Parks and Recreation Director Michael Kashuba said the temporary closure reflects how popular the playground has become. “We’re seeing seven to nine years’ worth of wear happen in just three years,” Kashuba said. The new layout expanded the poured-in-place rubber surfacing around high traffic areas such a spinning equipment, where the surface breakdown is most common. Artificial turf was replaced in remaining areas, with adjustments aimed at improving safety and surface life.
Southwest Pool at John Stiff Memorial Park was closed May 30 due to mechanical failure that required repairs of a broken pump motor, according to Kashuba, who said many of the city’s pools are 50 to 60 years old. But the pool was quickly reopened in a few days and is operating at full capacity.
“These projects reflect our responsibility to not just maintain what we have, but to plan ahead,” he said. Instead of putting on Band-Aids, the city wants to think about serving Amarillo families for the next 30 years.
Residents can check the city’s website or follow Amarillo Parks and Recreation on social media for updates on the city’s facilities.
City of Amarillo pools
Canyon keeps it cool in summer
The City of Canyon has a beautiful Canyon Aqua Park (CAP) that holds a host of kids and adults. Lately, however, they are at full capacity and are only accepting online tickets. While they are having to turn people away, they can’t go over a certain capacity for safety reasons. And by the looks of it, it’s full every evening after 5 p.m. and also during the day.
The aqua park runs two shifts, Monday through Saturday, at noon-3 p.m. and and 4-7 p.m.; on Sunday, it’s 1-4 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Fees vary from $6 to $8, with children 3 and younger getting free admission and senior citizens enjoying a $2 discount. Since its opening in 2017, the CAP has been a “go-to” waterpark in the Texas Panhandle. They have lap swimming on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7-8 p.m. for $4 a session.
Another hot cool spot is the Snoball STOP on 24th Street. They have at least 100 flavors and sell as many as 200 snow cones a day, according to Kember Mowry. The “rainbow” is one of the crowd favorites and definitely worth a stop.
Palo Duro Canyon turns into giant oven
Palo Duro Canyon can be at 12 degrees higher than normal cities due to its unique geography and the Texas summer heat. The canyon walls, made of rock, absorb solar radiation and radiate that heat back into the canyon, turning it into a giant oven, according to various reports. Rocks radiate heat and the low elevation traps warm air, creating a microclimate that can be significantly hotter than the surrounding area.
Every year, Park Rangers can assist 30 or more people who frequently have to be air-lifted out of the canyon, due to heat related illnesses and not following precautions against hiking in mid-day. WTAMU students helped install 24 temperature and humidity sensors on the floor and walls of the canyon in the summer of 2021, and preliminary observations appear to confirm the long-held belief that the canyon traps heat like an oven, sending temperatures on the canyon floor soaring.
In particular, the Lighthouse Trail, temporarily closed on extreme heat days, sees some of the hottest temperatures in the canyon, according to four weather stations installed along the four-mile trail.
The ongoing study is believed to be the first large-scale examination of the canyon’s climate. Two additional sensors used in the study were installed several years ago by Texas Tech University for its West Texas Mesonet project.
Heat safety tips
Stay hydrated: Drink lots of water, Gatorade, Powerade and other hydrating fluids, if you have to be in the heat. Take frequent breaks, because heat exhaustion can come on quickly without warning.
Wear loose fitting clothes: Tight fitting clothes aren’t the best choice when it’s over 100 degrees outside.
Hottest part of the day: Typically, the hottest part of the day is between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., but that can vary. The sun is at its highest point around noon, but it takes time for Earth’s surface to absorb the heat and air temperatures to reach its peak. It’s best to stay inside during the hottest time of the day to avoid heat related illnesses and burning.
Make sure pets have plenty of water and shade. If you walk them, put your hand flat to the ground or pavement. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for them and they can burn their paws and or other parts of their body. When you drink, let them drink.
Don’t ever leave a child or pet in the car: Even for a few minutes, with windows partially rolled down and in the shade, heat rises quickly in a car and can be deadly.
Stay away from coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages: If you’re out in the sun, these types of drinks can dehydrate you quickly and lead to dangerous situations.
Wear sunscreen: Lotion up and dress appropriately. Covering up your arms with a light weight shirt, light colored top, can actually keep you cooler. Straw hats with a large brim help keep your face and head from getting too much sun while being stylishly cool.
Call for help: If you get dizzy, light-headed or nauseous, get in shade immediately and call for help. Don’t douse yourself with cold water, because it can put you in shock and can be life-threatening.
The Farmer’s Almanac for 2025 has predicted a gradual build up to the heat, with June temperatures being near normal and July and August bringing above normal in most regions. Last year was the Earth’s hottest summer on record since 1880, barely surpassing 2023’s record.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: With 100-degree highs, Amarillo area residents seek out venues and treats to cool off
Reporting by Nell Williams, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
