The powerful Arctic cold front pushing across the country is causing temperatures in Texas to plunge, with warnings and cold weather advisories blanketing the state.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued freeze warnings for central, eastern and coastal Texas, while cold weather and wind advisories are in effect along the Gulf Coast through Monday morning.
Why It Matters
The freezing temperatures can cause frostbite and hypothermia as well as causing damage to crops, vegetation and homes.
Texans are bracing for potential snowfall later this week, raising concerns about transportation and electricity infrastructure, which have been severely affected during past extreme cold events.
What to Know
The NWS reports that Houston and coastal areas could be hit with wind gusts up to 40 mph creating a biting chill of 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
In central and eastern Texas, similar sub-freezing conditions are forecast. Temperatures could fall as low as 24 degrees with wind chills reaching as low as 10 degrees.
North Texas, including Dallas-Fort Worth, is on alert for wind chills ranging from 5 to 10 degrees, which could cause frostbite in minutes.
Meteorologist Dylan Federico called the situation "dangerous" on X, warning North Texans of single-digit wind chills on Monday morning.
The Texas power grid failed in 2021 as a frigid storm left more than 4 million without power or access to food and water. The storm also killed hundreds.
What People Are Saying
Dylan Federico, meteorologist for Fox 4 Dallas-Fort Worth, on X: "Dangerous situation with wind chills already in the teens in North Texas. It will feel like the single digits tomorrow morning. Stay safe!"
Ryan Maue, research meteorologist, on X: "Dallas-Fort Worth right on edge of heavy snowfall. We're talking upwards of 15 inches possible by Friday morning... Whatever falls will melt on Saturday when temperatures push 50 degrees."
Chris Ramirez, KHOU11 meteorologist: "In anticipation for the cold blast headed our way the NWS has issued a Freeze Warning for all of southeast Texas from 12am-9am Monday. Temperatures tonight are expected to drop to at or below freezing. We could see temperatures drop into the 20s north of Houston.
Jordan Darensbourg, KVUE meteorologist: "A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect for all of Central Texas from Midnight tonight through 10 a.m. Monday morning, as lows could get down to the 20s and wind chills could get down to the teens. Remember the Four P's - Pets, Plants, Pipes, and People."
What Happens Next
Texans should prepare for more freezing temperatures and possible snowfall through the week, with warmer conditions expected by the weekend.
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