Folks, if you’re in the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles, it’s time to take the cold seriously. A brutal Arctic blast has rolled in, and the wind chills are plunging to a dangerous -10°F. The National Weather Service is warning that this isn’t just a chilly day—it’s the kind of cold that can be life-threatening if you’re unprepared. Wind gusts of up to 40 mph are making it feel even colder than it already is, so if you’re outside or planning to be, you’ll need to take immediate action.
Why This Cold Snap Is No Joke
We’re no strangers to cold weather in the Panhandle, but this? This is something else. Wind chills this low are dangerous. At -10°F, frostbite can set in on exposed skin in less than 30 minutes. Your body will struggle to stay warm, and if you’re outside for too long, you could end up with more than just a chill—you could end up in serious trouble. And if you’re out working, commuting, or just trying to get through your day, this cold will take its toll if you’re not careful. If you have elderly family members, young children, or anyone with medical conditions, it’s even more critical to be cautious, as they’re more at risk for the cold’s effects.
What You Need to Do NOW
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Stay Inside if You Can: If you don’t absolutely need to be outside, stay in. This cold is no joke. The best thing you can do for your health right now is to stay warm indoors. If you have any outdoor plans, try to postpone them until this cold snap passes.
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Layer Up: If you have to go outside, don’t skimp on the layers. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat off your skin. Then add a warm, insulating layer like fleece or wool, and finish it off with a thick, windproof jacket or coat to keep the wind from stealing your body heat. The more layers you have, the better off you’ll be.
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Cover Every Inch of Skin: Your extremities are the first places to get hit by the cold. Wear a hat, scarf, gloves, and thick socks—anything you can do to cover your skin is crucial. If you have a face mask, neck gaiter, or balaclava, use it to protect your face from the cold wind. You can never cover up too much.
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Check on Family, Neighbors, and Friends: Cold like this is especially tough on vulnerable people—check on your elderly neighbors, anyone with health issues, and young children to make sure they have enough warmth and shelter. If you’re able, offer to help them out, whether it’s bringing in extra blankets or making sure their heating systems are working properly.
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Don’t Forget About Your Pets: It’s not just people who are at risk—pets are too. If you have animals outside, bring them indoors or make sure they have a warm place to stay. Even if your dog loves a winter walk, it’s better to make it quick and keep them bundled up.
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Stay Updated: The weather can change fast, so keep an eye on any new alerts or updates. If the conditions shift, it’s important to stay informed so you can adjust your plans as needed.
What’s Coming Next?
Right now, the cold front is at its peak, and we’ll be stuck with these dangerously low wind chills until at least 10 AM. After that, things should warm up a little, but it’s still going to be tough this morning. If you can stay inside until the worst has passed, do it. The wind will continue to blow, and that’s going to keep things feeling bitterly cold until the front moves out.
Once this cold front clears, things should get better, but for now, staying safe is the top priority. Don’t take chances—stay bundled up, check on your neighbors, and keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
This isn’t just cold weather—it’s dangerously cold weather. Take action now, stay inside if you can, and keep those around you safe. We’ve got this, Panhandle. Stay warm, stay safe!
