– Heads up, North Texas! The warm weather we’ve been enjoying lately is about to take a sudden dive. A Freeze Watch has been issued for the area, with temperatures set to plummet to a frigid 29°F (around -2°C) starting Sunday night and lasting into Monday morning. If you haven’t already shifted into winter gear, it’s time to start preparing, because this cold front isn’t playing around.
What’s Happening?
You might have noticed a bit of a cool-down lately, but nothing like what’s coming. Sunday night is when temperatures will really drop, and by Monday morning, we’ll be dealing with some of the coldest temperatures we’ve seen this season. The Freeze Watch covers North Texas, including the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding counties like Collin, Tarrant, Denton, and Rockwall counties. It’s a dangerous freeze, and it could cause serious issues if you’re not ready.
Why This Freeze is a Big Deal:
This isn’t just any cold front—it’s a sharp, sudden drop in temperature that could catch a lot of people off guard. Even if you’ve been enjoying some milder days recently, this freeze could bring trouble. Here’s why:
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Plants and Gardens: If you’ve been working on your garden or have plants outside, they could be at risk. Plants that haven’t been properly prepared for the cold could die off or be severely damaged. Flowers, vegetables, and shrubs are especially vulnerable.
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Frozen Pipes: This is the time of year when frozen pipes can cause big problems. Water expands when it freezes, which can cause pipes to crack or burst—leading to expensive repairs. Exposed pipes are at the highest risk, so it’s crucial to make sure they’re well-insulated.
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Cars and Vehicles: Have you checked your antifreeze levels recently? If not, now’s the time. A weak battery or insufficient antifreeze could leave you stuck with a car that won’t start or engine trouble.
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Crops: For those of you who farm or grow crops, this freeze could cause damage to delicate plants or produce. If you’re growing anything that’s sensitive to cold, it’s time to take action to protect your crops.
How to Prepare for the Cold:
The good news is, you still have time to take some simple steps to avoid the worst effects of this freeze. Here’s what you can do right now:
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Cover Your Plants: If you’ve got delicate plants outside, cover them up! Use old sheets, blankets, or even plastic tarps to protect them from the cold. If you can, bring potted plants inside for the night to keep them safe.
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Insulate Your Pipes: Exposed pipes, especially in attics, garages, and crawl spaces, are vulnerable to freezing. Wrap them up in foam insulation or old towels to protect them from the cold. Even letting a faucet drip can help prevent freezing.
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Bring Pets Inside: If your pets spend time outdoors, this cold snap could be harmful to them too. Bring them inside or provide them with a warm shelter. Even tough dogs need protection from this kind of cold.
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Check Your Car: Make sure your car is ready for the freeze. Check the antifreeze levels and make sure the battery is charged. If you don’t have a garage, consider keeping your car covered to protect it from the cold.
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Farmers—Protect Your Crops: If you’re growing anything sensitive to the cold, cover those plants with frost cloths, blankets, or tarps. And if you’ve got a greenhouse, make sure it’s sealed tight and consider adding extra heat if possible.
What to Expect Sunday Night Into Monday Morning:
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Sunday night: Temperatures will start to drop, hitting the low 30s in many areas, with some places reaching 29°F. That means any moisture left on the ground could freeze, leading to potentially hazardous icy conditions.
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Monday morning: The cold start to the day could affect your commute, so be extra careful if you’re heading out early. Expect icy spots on the road, and don’t forget to layer up before you head out the door.
This is one of those weather events that can sneak up on you if you’re not paying attention. Temperatures may bounce back up after the freeze, but the damage done by the cold could stick around longer. Whether it’s frozen pipes, ruined plants, or car trouble, being unprepared can turn this cold snap into a real headache.
