Brutal Arctic Blast Threatens Texas This Week

Brutal Arctic Blast Threatens Texas This Week

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Enjoy the last warm day of weather in Texas because a powerful arctic cold front is about to bring a can of whoop-chill to our state. The cold front will arrive in the Texas Panhandle before sunrise tomorrow, bringing a sub-freezing airmass and brutally cold wind chills with it. Current timing estimates have the cold front crossing Interstate 20 in the Permian Basin, Big Country, and North Texas around lunchtime Tuesday, but it could arrive a bit earlier. We’ll see the front continue moving quickly south/southeast Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday evening, bringing gusty north winds and much colder temperatures to all of Texas by Wednesday morning.

Extremely cold temperatures of -3°F to -8°F are expected in the Panhandle Wednesday morning. Wind chill temperatures may approach -25°F. Single-digit lows are likely in West Texas and Northwest Texas, with teens across the northern half of the state, possibly reaching down into the Hill Country. Wind chills will likely be near or below zero.

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Very cold temperatures are expected across the northwestern half of Texas on Wednesday morning. Temperatures below zero are likely in the Panhandle, with wind chills down to twenty-five below zero. It will be cold elsewhere in Texas, too.

Thursday morning will be very cold across Texas, with a freeze likely across Texas except the Borderland and Rio Grande Valley. Single digit low temperatures are likely in the northwestern/northern third of Texas.

The Panhandle, West Texas, Northwest Texas, Texoma, and parts of North Texas (including western/northern D/FW) may remain below freezing until Thursday or Friday afternoon. Very cold overnight temperatures, with some locations near 0°F, are again expected Wednesday and Thursday nights. Everyone except the Borderland (Far West Texas) and the Rio Grande Valley will experience nighttime freezes Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings. A slow warm-up begins on Friday, and all of Texas should rise above freezing (if just for some) for a few hours Friday afternoon. More significant temperature rises are expected on Saturday and Sunday, with high temperatures in the 60s and 70s by Sunday across Texas.

Snow and Ice Threat Tomorrow and Wednesday

Snow showers are expected in the Texas Panhandle on Tuesday and Tuesday night. Minor accumulations are possible, with perhaps up to an inch of snow in the northeastern Texas Panhandle. Strong north winds and a dry, powdery snow will cause most accumulating snow to blow around, reducing visibility and potentially creating slick roads. Light freezing drizzle and freezing rain may occur Tuesday evening/night in Northwest Texas, Texoma, and North Texas – including the D/FW Metroplex.

While most of the attention is on the cold air of Tuesday , there will also be the chance for some snow in the Texas Panahndle. There is still a fair bit of uncertainty on just how much snow may fall so stay aware for future updates. Up to an inch of snow may fall in the northeastern Panhandle, with blowing snow.

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As the arctic front moves through Northwest, North and Central Texas tomorrow, there will be a low potential for light freezing drizzle/rain after sunset. Minimal accumulations may still pose a travel hazard, especially to elevated surfaces and overpasses.

Overall, accumulations look to be in the ‘little to none’ category, but some may receive a glaze of ice on exposed objects, resulting in slick spots on bridges, overpasses, and roads. Widespread travel disruptions aren’t expected at this time, but we’ll keep a close eye on the data as we move into tomorrow. Scattered showers and storms will occur on Tuesday and Tuesday night across the eastern half of Texas. Some storms may be strong, with small hail, heavy rain, and frequent lightning. Up to an inch of rain is possible in East Texas and Southeast Texas. Widespread severe storms and flash flooding are not expected.

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