Texas to See Unseasonably Warm Temperatures This Christmas Eve With Highs Near 80 Degrees
TEXAS — Holiday sweaters may need to stay in the closet this year, as Texas is forecast to experience unseasonably warm weather this Christmas Eve, with temperatures soaring well above normal across much of the state.
According to meteorologists with 41 Zone Weather, afternoon highs on Wednesday, December 24, could reach near 80 degrees in several regions, extending from the Panhandle down to the Gulf Coast. The state’s typically cool holiday season is being replaced with a mild, almost spring-like air mass — a sharp contrast to the Arctic chill gripping much of the central and eastern United States earlier this month.
Widespread Warmth From Amarillo to Brownsville
Forecast maps show highs in the upper 70s to low 80s across central and southern Texas, with Dallas, Waco, Austin, and Houston all expected to hover between 76°F and 79°F on Christmas Eve afternoon.
Farther west, Midland, Abilene, and San Angelo may also see the mercury reach 80°F, while Lubbock and Amarillo will remain slightly cooler in the mid to upper 70s. Along the Gulf Coast, Corpus Christi should reach 78°F, and Brownsville may touch 83°F, with Laredo likely topping the charts at a toasty 87°F.
“This pattern will make it feel more like late April than late December,” meteorologist Brett Adair explained. “There’s no sign of a strong cold front arriving before the holiday, which means Texans can expect a mild, breezy, and dry Christmas Eve.”
Unusual December Warmth Linked to Strong Southern Jet Stream
The warmer-than-normal readings are being fueled by a strong southern jet stream and high-pressure system parked over the Gulf of Mexico. This setup is funneling warm, dry air across the Lone Star State, preventing the usual late-December cold fronts from taking hold.
While the weather will remain comfortable for travel and outdoor gatherings, it’s another reminder of Texas’ increasingly volatile winter climate — where rapid temperature swings have become more common in recent years.
A Dry and Breezy Holiday Forecast
Forecasters say residents can expect mostly sunny skies and light southwest winds on Christmas Eve. While humidity levels will stay relatively low, gusts up to 20 mph could develop in some western and central counties.
The mild temperatures are expected to linger through Christmas Day, with highs remaining in the 70s statewide. No rain or major storm systems are currently projected for the holiday period.
“This is one of those rare Texas Christmases where air conditioning might make more sense than a fireplace,” joked one local forecaster.
Safety and Fire Weather Precautions
Despite the pleasant outlook, state officials are reminding residents to remain cautious about fire weather conditions, especially in central and western parts of Texas where relative humidity will dip below 25%. Dry grass and moderate wind speeds could raise brush fire risks in rural areas.
Texans Embrace a ‘T-Shirt Christmas’
Many Texans appear to be welcoming the warm weather, trading in scarves and coats for T-shirts and outdoor barbecue plans. Social media has already filled with posts from residents calling it a “shorts and sunglasses” Christmas Eve.
While some long for a chillier, more traditional holiday, meteorologists confirm that the warm spell will likely last through the final week of December, with only minor cooling expected to start the new year.
Texans planning to travel or celebrate outdoors can expect a comfortable, sunny, and unusually warm holiday season — one that may make December 2025 one of the warmest Christmas weeks on record for the state.
For ongoing Texas weather updates and local forecasts, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
