The Science Behind Why 60 Degrees In Texas Can Feel Warm Or Cool

If you’ve ever thought, “Why does 60 degrees in Texas in November feel like jacket weather, but it’s t-shirt weather in April?”, like me, you’re not alone. Turns out, there’s some science behind why that same 60 degrees in Texas can feel totally different depending on the season. Weather experts have dug into it, and here are the four main reasons:

1. It’s All About Humidity

Springtime in Texas brings higher humidity levels, making the air feel warmer. Fall air is usually drier, so a nice 60-degree day doesn’t have that same warm “kick” as it would in April.

2. The Ground’s Got a Chill

Here’s something you might not think about: ground temperature. By May, the ground’s been warming up, radiating warmth even if the air is cooler. But in November, the ground is just starting to cool down, which keeps that 60 degrees feeling a bit on the frosty side. Plus, we're in a desert, so the ground radiates both heat and cold.

3. Windy Season

As you well know if you've lived in Lubbock for any amount of time, fall tends to be less windy than spring, but it's STILL windy around here. A fall breeze can make that 60 feel more like 50. So yeah, you might want to factor in that wind chill before ditching your jacket this November.

4. Our Bodies Get Used to the Last Season

Your body’s natural internal thermostat is used to whatever you’ve been experiencing. In spring, we’re coming out of a cold winter, so 60 feels warm and welcome. In fall, we’re fresh off that famous Texas summer heat, so that same 60 degrees feels more like sweater weather.

So if you’re grabbing a hoodie in November but thinking about short sleeves in April, don’t worry—you’re just feeling the science behind the seasons!