As the mercury takes a plunge, Houstonians are gearing up for a rare encounter with winter weather. ❄️🥶 The National Weather Service Office in Houston/Galveston has just released a crucial update, and it’s sending shivers down the spine – both figuratively and literally. Brace yourselves, as a winter weather advisory is set to take effect from 6 p.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday.
The latest update from the National Weather Service paints a picture of arctic air surging in behind a cold front, ushering in several cold days ahead. The forecast includes bitterly cold temperatures, wind chills that will leave you reaching for extra layers, and the main attraction – the potential for wintry precipitation on Sunday night into Monday.
Confidence is building in the likelihood of light wintry precipitation, primarily freezing rain and drizzle, making an appearance to the north of the Houston metro and extending into the northern and western suburbs. While the impacts are expected to be relatively minor, it’s crucial to recognize that even a hint of winter can create hazardous situations if precautions aren’t taken.
The National Weather Service cautions that the leading edge of the cold air is expected to catch up with the back end of rainfall in the area, resulting in a band of light freezing rain and freezing drizzle on Sunday night into Monday. As the night progresses into Monday, there’s a possibility of sleet mixing in as the colder air deepens.
The anticipated overall accumulation of ice is forecasted to be fairly light, measuring less than a tenth of an inch across the area. However, as Houstonians are well aware, even a light glaze of ice can spell trouble, especially for drivers on elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses.
It’s not all doom and gloom, though. The surge of cold, dry air is expected to bring an end to precipitation and icing on Monday. However, this is just the beginning of a prolonged wintry spell. Cold temperatures are predicted to persist well into the week, reaching their zenith on Monday and Tuesday nights.
In the meantime, Houston, it’s time to dig out those winter coats and be prepared. 🧥 Winter has officially arrived, and it’s making its presence known in the Bayou City.