Below-freezing temps likely as coldest weather of the season expected next week in SE Texas: What to know🧊

HOUSTON – Grab your coats, scarves, gloves and other warm clothing, Houstonians!🧥🧣🧤

There is increasing concern for a hard freeze across Southeast Texas that will possibly happen next Monday night into Tuesday morning, the National Weather Service announced. There is also the potential for another hard freeze Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

• READ MORE: ERCOT monitoring potential cold weather across Texas next week

What to expect

According to NWS, a strong arctic cold front is projected to move through Southeast Texas Sunday night into Monday morning. Significantly colder arctic air is expected to move into the area behind the front, with temperatures dropping into the low to mid-20s across the Piney Woods and Brazos Valley. South of I-10 and west of I-45, lows will reportedly be in the mid-20s to low 30s. The Houston Metro and along the coast lows will be in the mid to upper 30s.

• Is your home winter-ready? Here are some tips to help protect your home from freezing temperatures

NWS says the timing of the coldest temperatures is projected to be overnight Monday into Tuesday morning. Temperatures are expected to plummet into the teens for areas along and north of the I-10 corridor, while the Houston Metro and areas south of I-10 will be in the low 20s, a release said.

There is supposed to be an increasing chance of a widespread hard freeze (temperatures equal to or lower than 24F for two or more hours) during this timeframe. While lows will be a little warmer, there is the potential for a second night of temperatures meeting the criteria for a hard freeze Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

• Tips for preparing your home, pets and plants for freezing temperatures

Be prepared

With increasing concern for the extremely cold conditions and temperatures, NWS is urging Houstonians to be prepared.

Remember to:

• Bring pets indoors.
• Cover or insulate pipes (including pipes underneath raised homes).
• Bring potted plants indoors and apply a thick layer of mulch around outdoor plants.
• Check on family members and assist the elderly who may need help winterizing their homes.

Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) issued a special message called an OCN Monday ahead of the chilling weather, saying they are predicting an “extreme cold weather event” from Monday, Jan. 15 through Wednesday, Jan. 17.

According to the agency, the message is “the first of four levels of communication issued in anticipation of a possible Emergency Condition,” or “an operating condition in which the safety or reliability of the ERCOT System is compromised or threatened.”

• How ERCOT is preparing for winter weather