A fast-moving winter system is set to hit Southeast Texas in waves this weekend, beginning with rain and possible thunderstorms Saturday morning before temperatures plunge, roads ice over and a prolonged hard freeze grips the region into early next week.
Forecasters say temperatures will drop quickly after the front moves through Saturday, with freezing conditions likely lasting into early next week. While there’s still uncertainty about how much precipitation Houston could see, confidence is growing that cold alone will create problems for travel, pipes and anyone spending time outdoors.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and when.
Friday: Last relatively calm day
Friday is essentially the final window to get ready before conditions start to deteriorate. Temperatures will remain mild compared to what’s coming, and no wintry precipitation is expected.
- Finish insulating exposed pipes and outdoor faucets
- Bring sensitive plants inside or cover them
- Use the day to prepare homes and outdoor areas
Saturday: Cold front moves through
A strong Arctic front is forecast to arrive sometime Saturday, marking the beginning of the freeze.
- Temperatures are expected to steadily fall behind the front
- Winds are expected to increase, making it feel much colder by evening
- Conditions are expected to continue to worsen after sunset
Saturday night into Sunday morning: Hard freeze sets in
This is when forecasters say the cold really takes hold and residents are asked to avoid getting on the road.
- Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing across much of Southeast Texas
- Lows in the Houston area could fall into the low to mid-20s, with colder readings farther inland
- The duration of the freeze could raise the risk of burst pipes and plant damage
Sunday: Cold doesn’t let up
Even during the day, Houston may struggle to warm up.
- Highs could remain in the 30s or low 40s
- Any moisture on roads could refreeze, especially on bridges and overpasses
- Travel could still be tricky even without active precipitation
Sunday night into Monday: Watching for ice
Forecasters are keeping an eye on the potential for light precipitation moving over cold surface air.
- If precipitation develops, it could fall as freezing rain or sleet
- Even light ice accumulation could create hazardous conditions
- Confidence in exact impacts remains low, but the risk is there
Early next week: Slow improvement
Cold conditions may linger before temperatures gradually rebound.
- Freezing temperatures could persist into Monday morning
- A slow warm-up is possible later Monday or Tuesday
- Any ice that forms may take time to melt, especially in shaded or untreated areas
What Houstonians should do now (if they haven’t already)
Preparation is key ahead of the freeze can help limit damage and stress. Even if you don’t anticipate the freeze to be a duplicate of the 2021 Winter Storm Uri, experts have repeatedly told Chron that residents should plan for the worst.
- Insulate exposed pipes and outdoor plumbing
- Bring pets indoors and protect plants
- Avoid unnecessary overnight or early-morning travel if icing develops
- Continue checking forecasts and advisories as details become clearer
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