Stronger Cold Blast to Sweep Across Texas and Oklahoma Early December, Bringing 40s and Possible Wintry Mix

DALLAS, TEXAS — As meteorological winter officially begins on December 1, forecasters are warning that a much stronger cold blast is set to impact Texas and Oklahoma, signaling an early start to the season’s chill. The cold air mass, expected to move in by Sunday, December 1, will follow closely behind the Thanksgiving cold front and bring widespread below-average temperatures and brisk winds across the region.

According to meteorologists, the strongest front of the season so far will push through the Plains late Saturday, sending temperatures tumbling into the 40s for daytime highs and the 30s overnight in many parts of North Texas and Oklahoma. Some areas could even see a wintry mix of rain and sleet, especially in the Texas Panhandle and northwestern Oklahoma.

Cold Front Pattern and Timing

The upcoming Arctic push is tied to a blocking ridge over Alaska, which typically forces cold air southward into the lower 48 states. As Alaska warms, meteorologists explain, the downstream flow brings frigid air to the central U.S.—and this time, it’s arriving right on schedule for early December.

“Usually when Alaska warms up, we get colder air down south, and that’s exactly what’s happening this weekend,” forecasters said. “By Sunday, we’ll see temperatures dropping well below normal across the southern Plains.”

The front will arrive Saturday evening, pushing through North Texas and Oklahoma overnight. By Sunday, most of the region will experience daytime highs only in the low 40s, with wind chills making it feel like the 30s.

What Residents Can Expect

The Texas Panhandle and North Texas could see light precipitation along with the front—mostly a cold rain, though a brief wintry mix of sleet or snowflakes can’t be ruled out early Sunday morning.

By Monday, conditions will remain chilly and raw, with highs struggling in the upper 30s to low 40s. Rain chances will taper off before temperatures fall below freezing Monday night, meaning widespread icing is not expected at this time.

“Residents will feel a sharp difference as this front moves in,” meteorologists noted. “It’s not the kind of system that brings a deep hard freeze yet, but it’s certainly a strong reminder that winter has arrived.”

Light Freeze Expected, But No Major Pipe Concerns

Forecasters predict light freezes in rural areas but do not anticipate the kind of prolonged cold needed to damage pipes or vegetation. Lows will hover near 32°F in northern Texas and Oklahoma, with mid-30s across central regions.

“This one won’t require wrapping pipes just yet,” experts advised. “We’ll see a couple of frosty mornings, but not the severe kind of cold that causes widespread issues.”

Early Winter Outlook

The early December system is part of a broader shift toward below-normal temperatures across the central and southern United States. Forecast maps show much of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas under a “well below average” zone, extending into parts of the Midwest and lower Mississippi Valley.

Meanwhile, warmer-than-average temperatures will persist in the western and eastern U.S., creating a strong contrast that fuels active weather across the central states.

Meteorologists say this front could set the stage for additional cold outbreaks later in December, depending on jet stream behavior and snow cover trends in the northern Plains.

Summary

When: Strong cold front arrives Saturday, Nov. 30 into Sunday, Dec. 1
Where: Texas, Oklahoma, and surrounding southern Plains
What to Expect:
- Highs in the upper 30s to mid-40s
- Wintry mix possible in northern zones
- Light freeze by Monday morning
- Breezy northwest winds making it feel colder