Big Texas cold coming up: How does it compare to Feb. 2021?

So many Texans might be wondering if this coming cold outbreak will be comparable to the winter storms of February 2021. You remember that February winter storm that lit up Texas’ maps with winter storm warnings across all its 254 counties and then extended through the Northeast. Let’s discuss this.

First, this cold outbreak will be part of a relatively quick-moving system. The February 2021 winter storm passed quickly but very cold air stayed in place for many days as a blocked weather pattern kept the weather flow at a halt, allowing the cold air to sink in and stay dominating the Central Plains all the way down to Texas.

This winter storm is moving fast. Yes, temperatures will be frigid and will possibly beat many December records but there is no blockage, and the pattern will continue to move. In fact, temperatures will rebound to the low 70s in Houston by Wednesday. That’s a 40-degree rebound from the low 30s on Friday, December 23.

As far as the precipitation, we are not expecting any big ice storms to affect Texas. Our WeatherRadar shows some clouds over Texas on Thursday, but overall this storm will be fairly dry over Texas. Parts of Oklahoma could see some snowfall, but once the front passes over Texas, it will open the gates to the cold, with a few passing clouds over eastern Texas. If there was some moisture to be embedded in the area, then a few flurries could be possible over North Texas, but at this time, this chance is low.

North Texas will experience very cold temperatures starting Thursday afternoon. Highs by 3 p.m. will barely reach 32 degrees. Also, the winds will be strong from the north, which will make these already cold temperatures feel even colder. Wind gusts could reach 45mph. Wind chills could reach, in some areas, below zero degrees. Our TemperatureRadar shows that the temperatures will be extremely cold from Thursday night into Friday morning. These below-freezing temperatures will last for about 3 days. There is a good chance that by Christmas, parts of the southern fringe of the Metroplex could be just above 32 degrees. This is a good time to review your cold weather plans and know what you will do with your plants and pipes.

Across Southeast Texas, the coldest morning will be on Friday. The winds will also be part of the big story as they will make the temperatures feel in the single digit, in some areas as low as 2 degrees F, on Friday morning.

Temperatures this cold, in areas where they are not common, are tricky to forecast, as there are several factors like wind speed and cloud coverage that could produce significant changes. Rest assured that Texas is not used to these temperatures, so it will be cold. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday will be days to prepare for this cold weather outbreak. Remember to never use the oven as a way to warm up the house and generators should always be used outdoors, never in closed spaces such as garages, even if they are open. Flashlights are highly preferred over candles. Dress in layers and drink lots of fluids.