Texas Braces for Bitter Cold as Wind Chills Drop Into 20s and 30s Across Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio
DALLAS, TX — A powerful cold air mass will grip much of Texas overnight and into Tuesday morning, sending wind chills into the 20s and 30s across major metro areas, including Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Meteorologists warn that this will be the coldest morning of the season so far, with biting winds making it feel far colder than actual air temperatures.
Wind Chills Expected to Fall Into the 20s and 30s
High-resolution forecast models show that the combination of strong northerly winds and plunging temperatures will produce “feels like” conditions ranging from the upper teens in northern Texas to the mid-30s along the Gulf Coast.
The HRRR weather model projects that North Texas will feel temperatures in the 10s to low 20s, with central and southern regions — including Austin and San Antonio — experiencing wind chills in the mid to upper 20s. Coastal cities like Houston and Galveston are expected to remain slightly warmer but will still face “feels like” readings near freezing by daybreak.
Meteorologists emphasize that these are not just air temperatures, but the temperatures your skin will actually feel, as cold winds accelerate heat loss from the body.
Major Texas Cities to Wake Up to a Freezing Commute
Residents in Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio are advised to bundle up before heading out Tuesday morning. The National Weather Service says commuters should prepare for temperatures between 25°F and 35°F, with brisk winds persisting through the early hours.
Officials are reminding Texans to dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and limit time outdoors, particularly for children and the elderly. Wind chills this low can cause discomfort and, with prolonged exposure, may lead to frostbite in northern parts of the state.
In rural regions across the Panhandle and northern Hill Country, temperatures could fall even lower, with actual readings in the upper teens and wind chills dropping into the single digits in isolated areas.
Cold Pattern Likely to Persist Through Midweek
The cold surge will hold firm through midweek as Arctic air continues to pour into the Southern Plains. Daytime highs on Tuesday will struggle to climb above the 40s in much of North and Central Texas, while areas closer to the Gulf will only reach the low 50s.
Meteorologists expect another reinforcing cold front later in the week, keeping temperatures below seasonal averages through the weekend. Clear skies overnight could allow for additional frost formation in inland areas by Wednesday morning.
Safety Tips for Texas Residents
Officials urge residents to take precautions:
- Protect pets and plants from the cold.
- Check on elderly neighbors or those without adequate heating.
- Bring outdoor pipes and irrigation systems indoors or cover them securely.
The Texas Department of Transportation has also advised drivers to watch for black ice on bridges and overpasses, particularly in northern counties.
How cold did it get in your Texas town this morning? Share your weather photos and experiences with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
