Lufkin Braces For Big Chill, Set To Break A Record From 1907

If the National Weather Service forecasters are correct, Lufkin should break a cold-weather record that has been standing for 119 years. A strong, late-season cold front is pushing slowly across East Texas. This boundary has been triggering severe storms and heavy rainfall. Downpours on Friday, May 1, are expected to drop anywhere from 1 to 3 inches of rain across the Pineywoods. It's going to be a cold rain, as well.

Breaking A Record From 1907

On Thursday, we will start to feel the effects of the cold front in Deep East Texas. The highs are expected to stay in the mid to upper 60s. Then, on Friday, the temperature should only top out in the upper 50s. That's not only 20-25 degrees below normal, but that will break the record for the coldest ever maximum temperature for that date.

On Wednesday, May 1, 1907, the high temperature in Lufkin only reached 60 degrees. That has held the record for the past 119 years, but if we stay in the upper 50s, as expected, the record will be broken.

Looking Back To 1907

Teddy Roosevelt was in the midst of his 2nd term as U.S. President in 1907. Star number 46 was added to the American flag when Oklahoma was granted statehood. Also in 1907, Pius X was Pope, and Hollywood legends John Wayne and Katharine Hepburn were born that year. We were still 7 years from the start of World War I, and 13 years from the first commercial radio broadcast.

Bundle Up and Be Prepared

A light jacket might be wise on Thursday, but a heavier waterproof jacket may be needed on Friday. In addition to a rainy, chilly day on Friday, northerly winds are expected to gust up to 25 mph. It's going to feel more like the first day of deer season than the first day of May. You may want to dress in something similar to what you wear at the deer stand.