Happening NOW:
Storms ahead of the front: As soon as you step outside, you’re going to feel the wet, gusty conditions as we track a chance for thunderstorms this morning ahead of an arctic blast headed our way—with the potential for freezing rain and a hard freeze. Feels-like temperatures will drop as low as 5–10 degrees by Monday.
This morning we’ll track rain and a chance for thunderstorms moving from the west—areas like Columbus, Katy, and Brenham—before reaching the downtown area by 7 a.m. and the coast by noon, followed by more rain tonight ahead of the storm.
We’re tracking the chance for rain and thunderstorms this morning. We’re not ruling out hail and heavy but brief downpours. Rainfall amounts are tracking at less than 0.10”, but we could see higher totals in stronger thunderstorm cells as we ramp up into severe weather—with more rain on the way. Temperatures today will drop to around 40, but watches and warnings are in effect.
Winter Weather Alerts:
These winter weather alerts are in place from 6 a.m. Saturday through 6 p.m. Sunday.
For the Winter Storm Warning (shown in pink) we are expecting heavy mixed precipitation with freezing rain and cold rain. Total ice accumulations between a tenth of an inch and a quarter of an inch are possible.
This can cause power outages and will likely impact trees. Travel can be nearly impossible, especially on bridges and overpasses. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your car in case of an emergency.
To check road conditions you can call 511.
For the Ice Storm Warning (shown in purple) we are expecting significant icing. Total ice accumulations will be between two tenths of an inch and half an inch.
This will bring the chance for power outages and tree damage. Travel can be impossible and is strongly discouraged. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your car in case of an emergency. To check road conditions you can call 511.
Extreme cold warning
An extreme cold warning is in place from 6pm Saturday through noon Monday. Wind chills will feel as low as five below zero inland and as low as 10 degrees by the coast.
LIST: SCHOOL CLOSINGS
Weekend Cold Front:
The cold front arrives Friday with the arctic air moving in Saturday. The temperatures tumble from highs in the 70s on Friday to highs in the lower-40s, and even upper 30s by Sunday. Morning lows drop into the 20s and 30s. These will be the coldest temperatures we’ve seen so far this season.
We’re tracking an impactful winter weather situation this weekend in Houston, with freezing rain possible in the area. Freezing rain is the most dangerous form of winter precipitation.
Even a thin layer of ice, less than a tenth of an inch, can create hazardous driving conditions and lead to power outages if it collects on trees near power lines.
But timing is key! The freezing air, less than 32°, and precipitation have to match up. If it doesn’t, we’ll simply get a cold rain. The timing for now is Saturday night. Below in pink is the freezing rain forecast.
On top of this, wind chills will be in the teens, so it will feel bitterly cold.
Saturday’s Forecast:
Through the morning, we’ll see off-and-on cold rain. As arctic air pushes in during the afternoon, areas north of Houston may start to see ice — but for the metro, I expect the changeover from cold rain to freezing rain to happen overnight Saturday night, once temperatures drop below freezing.
Sunday’s Forecast:
Early Sunday morning we’ll have the potential for icy roads, with below-freezing temperatures and lingering freezing rain. Most of the freezing rain and sleet should end by around noon Sunday, but highs will be right near freezing. It’s going to be bitterly cold all day, and unfortunately that means little to no melting.
Now if we are able to see more sunshine and warm above freezing it’s possible our roads all de-ice at this point. Regardless, Sunday night looks to be the coldest of this stretch.
Monday’s Forecast:
Monday morning we’ll wake up with temperatures in the teens and 20s, but with the wind it could feel closer to 6 degrees. If ice doesn’t melt Sunday afternoon, we could still have icy spots Monday morning. By Monday afternoon, highs near 40 should allow things to thaw and road conditions to improve.
Tuesday’s Forecast:
Keep your pipes and plants protected Monday night, we’re expecting our final hard freeze Tuesday morning. After Tuesday afternoon, we’re done with freezing temperatures for the rest of the week.
Your Extended Forecast:
We will see the potential for another freeze next weekend, but right now it remains dry.
This forecast will become much more specific as we get closer to the weekend and models come into better alignment.