Texans are in for a wild weather ride as a powerful cold front moves across the state, bringing freezing temperatures, severe storms, and dangerous travel conditions. From North Texas to the Gulf Coast, the weather is expected to shift dramatically within hours, with some areas experiencing 40-degree temperature drops overnight.
The National Weather Service has issued multiple warnings and advisories, urging residents to prepare for hazardous conditions, including freezing drizzle, snowfall, gusty winds, and thunderstorms. The impact will be felt across all regions, with different challenges in store for North, West, South, and Southeast Texas.
North Texas: Freezing Drizzle and Snow Expected
In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, residents should brace for a sharp temperature drop as the cold front moves in. By Tuesday evening, freezing drizzle will begin to develop, creating slick and icy roads. By late evening, light snowfall will start, with 1 to 2 inches of accumulation possible in the northern Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma Panhandle.
The biggest concern? Dangerous travel conditions.
Roads could quickly become icy and hazardous, especially bridges and overpasses, which tend to freeze first. The Texas Department of Transportation is already preparing roads with de-icing materials, but officials warn that travel could become treacherous overnight into Wednesday morning.
Temperatures will plunge into the mid-20s, meaning any lingering moisture will freeze on contact, making early morning commutes extremely dangerous.
West Texas: A Battle of Warm and Cold Air
West Texas is seeing a dramatic weather tug-of-war between a cold front moving south from Canada and a warm front pushing in from Baja California. This will create wild temperature swings throughout the weekend.
- Thursday: Highs around 45°F, dropping to 33°F at night.
- Friday (Valentine’s Day): A pleasant 66°F in the afternoon, but cooling to 42°F overnight.
- Saturday: The warmth peaks at 67°F, before a massive drop to 27°F by nightfall.
- Sunday: A high of just 50°F, dipping to 30°F at night.
While Midland and surrounding areas won’t see significant precipitation, other parts of West Texas will face isolated snow showers in Lubbock and Amarillo and even blowing dust and showers near El Paso.
South Texas: A 40-Degree Temperature Drop in Just Hours
South Texas will start mild and comfortable, but by late Wednesday evening, everything will change.
Expect temperatures in the mid-50s in the morning, climbing to the low 70s by the afternoon. But don’t get used to the warmth—by 5 to 6 p.m., an Arctic blast will send temperatures tumbling. By Thursday morning, the mid-30s will take over, with wind chills making it feel like the 20s.
What to expect:
- Wind gusts will make the air feel much colder than the actual temperature.
- Light showers could develop, adding to the chill factor.
- Thursday and Friday will remain cold, with highs struggling to reach the 50s.
- By Saturday, temperatures will rebound to the 70s—only to plummet again by Sunday night.
This rapid temperature whiplash will put stress on power grids, water pipes, and outdoor plants, so Texans should prepare for freezing conditions.
Southeast Texas: Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms Before the Cold Hits
In Houston and surrounding areas, the storm will bring heavy rain and thunderstorms Wednesday morning between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m..
Key impacts:
- Roads will be wet and dangerous during the morning rush hour.
- Some areas could see standing water and localized flooding.
- After the storms move offshore, temperatures will begin to drop sharply.
By Thursday morning, Houston will wake up to mid-40s, with daytime highs in the 50s—the coldest day in weeks. Another cold front will arrive Saturday, bringing more rain and another sharp temperature drop, with highs struggling to reach the 50s by next week.
What Texans Need to Do to Stay Safe
This rollercoaster weather pattern means residents should prepare for multiple hazards at once—icy roads, thunderstorms, freezing temperatures, and potential power outages.
- Check the Forecast: Stay updated on weather changes and advisories.
- Prepare for Freezing Conditions: Protect outdoor pipes, cover plants, and bring pets inside.
- Limit Travel During Ice and Snow: Bridges and overpasses will freeze first—be cautious if you must drive.
- Have an Emergency Kit Ready: Keep flashlights, blankets, food, and extra batteries on hand in case of power outages.
