If you thought Texas winters were mild, think again! Austin is in the grip of an intense Arctic cold front, bringing temperatures that haven’t been seen in years. Overnight, the mercury plunged to a freezing 31°F (0°C), and it’s not warming up anytime soon.
Meteorologists warn that this brutal cold could be accompanied by a dangerous wintry mix. Freezing rain and sleet may develop, making roads treacherous—especially on bridges and overpasses. The National Weather Service has placed much of Central Texas under an Extreme Cold Watch, urging residents to take precautions as temperatures struggle to climb above freezing.
How Cold Will It Get?
- Friday, February 21: Cloudy and bitterly cold, with a high of just 35°F (2°C). Light precipitation is possible, and by the evening, conditions could worsen as freezing rain and sleet move into the region. Roads may turn slick overnight as temperatures dip to 31°F (0°C).
- Saturday, February 22: A cloudy start, with lingering icy patches in the morning. Temperatures will remain cold, reaching only 42°F (6°C). Light rain is expected, but the risk of frozen precipitation decreases as the day progresses. Overnight lows around 38°F (3°C).
- Sunday, February 23: The deep freeze begins to fade! Expect partly sunny skies and much more comfortable temperatures, with highs climbing to 61°F (16°C) and lows around 44°F (6°C).
- Monday, February 24: Say goodbye to the cold—Austin warms up dramatically! A mix of clouds and sun with temperatures soaring to 78°F (25°C). The low will be a mild 48°F (9°C).
- Tuesday, February 25: A gorgeous day ahead, with a high of 76°F (25°C) under partly sunny skies.
- Wednesday, February 26: Even warmer! Temperatures will push close to 79°F (26°C) before dipping to 48°F (9°C) overnight.
Why Is It So Cold in Texas?
This Arctic outbreak is part of a powerful system affecting over 230 million Americans. From Montana to Texas and even as far east as Georgia and Florida, millions are experiencing dangerously low temperatures and harsh winter weather.
Some regions have seen wind chills as low as -51°F (-46°C). Major cities like Kansas City, Omaha, Des Moines, and Minneapolis are reporting wind chills below -20°F (-29°C). Even areas along the Gulf Coast are dealing with unusually low temperatures in the 20s and 30s.
While Texas is no stranger to rapid weather changes, this kind of deep freeze is a rare event. The good news? The warm-up is coming soon.
How to Stay Safe During the Cold Snap
- Dress in layers – This Arctic air is dry and cuts right through thin clothing. Wear thermal layers, gloves, and hats to protect yourself.
- Be cautious on the roads – Freezing rain and sleet could make driving extremely dangerous, especially in the early morning and late at night. Avoid unnecessary travel.
- Protect your home – Keep faucets dripping to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
- Check on the vulnerable – Ensure elderly neighbors, children, and pets stay warm and safe.
When Will Austin Warm Up Again?
The worst of the cold will stick around through Saturday, but by Sunday, temperatures will start climbing significantly. By Monday and Tuesday, Austin will be enjoying highs near 80°F (26°C)—a nearly 50-degree jump in just a few days! However, this drastic swing in temperature could trigger storms later in the week, so stay tuned for updates.
For now, bundle up, stay safe, and be prepared for the unpredictable ride that Texas weather always delivers!
