COUNTY LIFE
Fall cooldown arrives in central U.S.
It’s time to go find those winter jackets. A major cooldown is in store for the central United States, and as overnight temperatures will dive into the 40s to end the week, residents may find their feet hitting some cold floors to start the morning.
As if that isn’t enough of a deterrent to plans, the risk of severe weather is also in play for the end of the week.
“A slow-moving cold front, which has been hung up across the central U.S. the past few days, will finally get the green light to move east through this weekend,” said AccuWeather Meteorologist Matt Benz.
That cold front yanked temperatures down across the country’s midsection on Thursday, especially as Tropical Rainstorm Pamela rode the front and dumped heavy rain across parts of the region.
After a very warm Wednesday, which featured temperatures in the upper 80s F in Dallas, conditions will began to cool, and brought temperatures closer to average on Thursday. In Louisiana, Shreveport recorded temperatures in the lower 90s on Wednesday, about 10 degrees above normal. On Thursday, temperatures peaked in the mid-80s instead, which was just a few degrees above average.
The cold front is forecast to continue moving eastward as the week ends to sweep up Pamela, expanding the breadth of lowering temperatures. This will also significantly dent nighttime temperatures across the region.
Low temperatures in Dallas are typically in the upper 50s in mid-October but could drop into the 40s on Friday night and Saturday night. Daytime highs in the city may only scrape the 70s into the weekend.
Shreveport, with similar averages, will have its lowest temperatures on Saturday, with highs in the lower to middle 70s and lows in the upper 40s.
However, farther east, a deep, southerly flow ahead of this front will continue to make it feel more like late summer in the Ohio and Tennesse valleys. There, temperatures will run well above average with high dew points for mid-October, Benz said. https://playlist.megaphone.fm/?p=ACC3051914128&episodes=1
However, farther east, a deep, southerly flow ahead of this front will continue to make it feel more like late summer in the Ohio and Tennesse valleys. There, temperatures will run well above average with high dew points for mid-October, Benz said. https://playlist.megaphone.fm/?p=ACC3051914128&episodes=1
Cooler conditions will also expand into locations like Oklahoma City on Friday and Saturday, where highs are usually in the lower to middle 70s but are forecast to be in the upper 60s. Low temperatures are typically in the lower 50s this time of year at OKC, but Friday and Saturday night will both feature lows in the lower 40s.
Take time to remember all those who gave all for our freedoms in America. The Bowie News staff wishes you a safe and happy holiday day weekend this Memorial Day. The News office will be closed on Monday for the holiday.
AUSTIN – With Memorial Day weekend marking the unofficial start to summer boating season, Texas Game Wardens are preparing for one of the busiest boating weekends of the year and reminding Texans and visitors alike to put safety first before heading out on the water.
In 2025, Texas recorded 178 reportable boating incidents that resulted in 50 fatalities and 77 serious injuries. Eighty-four percent of those who died in boating incidents were not wearing a life jacket. Texas Game Wardens also made 223 Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) arrests last year.
“Memorial Day weekend is when many families get back on the water for the first time this year,” said Col. Ron VanderRoest, director of Law Enforcement for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “Before you leave the dock, take a few minutes to make sure your life jackets are on board, your boat is properly equipped and you have designated a sober operator.”
Texas Game Wardens encourage boaters to keep the following in mind before launching:
- Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Children younger than 13 are required to wear one while underway.
- Never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- The operator must wear the lanyard or have the engine cut-off switch fob on their person when operating a boat equipped with one.
- Operate at a safe speed and maintain a proper lookout.
- Take a boater education course. It is required for anyone born on or after Sept. 1, 1993.
- Check the weather before heading out and be prepared for changing conditions.
- Leave a float plan with someone you trust.
- Don’t overload your boat.
“Boating should be fun,” said VanderRoest. “A little planning and some common sense help keep it that way.”
Renting a Boat or Personal Watercraft
If you plan to rent a boat or personal watercraft, choose a licensed vessel livery (a business establishment engaged in renting or hiring out vessels for profit).
By law, vessel liveries must provide all required safety equipment, explain how to operate the vessel, review applicable boating laws and have the operator sign a form acknowledging they received this information. They are also required to carry liability insurance.
Before leaving the dock, renters should make sure the vessel has enough life jackets for everyone on board and that they understand basic operating rules, including those specific to personal watercraft.
Personal Watercraft Safety
Personal watercraft, including jet skis, are subject to special laws in Texas. Operators and passengers must always wear a life jacket, the operator must use the engine cut-off switch, and these vessels may not be operated between sunset and sunrise. Operators must also stay at least 50 feet from other vessels, people and the shore unless traveling at headway speed.
“Whether you’re launching your own boat or renting one for the day, take the time to understand the rules and make safety part of your plan,” said VanderRoest. “If you take safety seriously from the start, you’re far less likely to need help later.”
For more information about boating laws, required equipment and boater education courses, visit the TPWD Boater Education Program at tpwd.texas.gov/boatereducation.
Starting at noon on May 25 at The V (VFW) in Nocona there will be a program for the Memorial Day featuring speakers, cannons and a rifle team.
There will be a Memorial Day Celebration Dinner at 5 p.m. on May 25 at the Nocona Senior Citizens Center (Carpenter Shop).
Call for reservations at 940-825-3148. The meal will include barbecue ribs, french fries, beans, cole slaw, dessert and ice team. Adults are $10 and children $5.
Proceeds benefit the senior center and the Meals on Wheels program at Nocona.
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