If you haven’t pulled out your heaviest coat yet, now’s the time. A powerful Arctic front is sweeping through Houston on Tuesday night, bringing a dramatic temperature drop, gusty winds, and wind chills that will make it feel as cold as 17°F (-8°C).
After weeks of relatively mild winter weather, this sudden deep freeze will hit hard, making Wednesday morning one of the coldest of the season. The National Weather Service has issued a Cold Weather Advisory, warning residents to prepare for bitter conditions overnight into early Wednesday.
How Fast Will Temperatures Drop?
The shift will be fast and dramatic. Houston will go from a mild and rainy Tuesday to a frigid and windy Wednesday morning in just a matter of hours.
- Tuesday Evening: Temperatures will start dropping quickly after sunset. Rain and even a few strong thunderstorms are expected ahead of the front, with gusty winds and possibly small hail in some areas. By late evening, temperatures will fall into the 40s (5°C).
- Overnight into Wednesday Morning: The Arctic air will plunge temperatures into the upper 20s (-2°C), but with blustery north winds, it will feel much colder. Wind chills will drop as low as 17°F (-8°C), making it one of the coldest nights of the season.
- Wednesday, February 19: Even with sunshine, temperatures won’t warm up much. The high will only reach 47°F (8°C), and gusty winds will keep it feeling much colder. Overnight, expect a hard freeze as temperatures dip to 27°F (-3°C).
How Long Will the Cold Last?
The freezing temperatures will stick around for a few days before a much-needed warm-up by the weekend.
- Thursday, February 20: High of 45°F (7°C), low of 31°F (-1°C). Continued cold, with the possibility of slick roads and icy patches early in the morning.
- Friday, February 21: Mostly cloudy, with highs near 41°F (5°C) and a chance of light rain or drizzle, which will make it feel even chillier.
- Saturday, February 22: A slight warming trend begins, with highs reaching 46°F (8°C).
- Sunday, February 23: A major warm-up! Sunshine returns, and temperatures will climb to 66°F (19°C), marking the end of the cold spell.
How This Will Impact Houston
This isn’t just a chilly day—it’s a serious weather event that could cause problems across the city.
- Dangerous Wind Chills: With real feels in the teens, frostbite can develop on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. If you must be outside, bundle up with layers, hats, and gloves.
- Frozen Pipes & Heating Risks: Sub-freezing temperatures could lead to frozen pipes. Wrap exposed pipes, let faucets drip overnight, and keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate.
- Pets & Plants at Risk: Bring pets indoors and cover sensitive plants to protect them from freezing temperatures.
- ERCOT Weather Watch in Effect: The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has issued a weather watch from February 19-21 due to expected high electricity demand. While the grid is expected to hold, residents are encouraged to conserve power where possible.
How to Stay Safe
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the cold. Wind chills will make it feel even worse than the actual temperature.
- Drive with caution. Any moisture left on the roads from Tuesday’s rain could freeze overnight, creating black ice in some areas.
- Charge devices in case of power disruptions.
- Use space heaters safely—keep them away from curtains, blankets, and flammable materials. Never use stoves or ovens to heat your home.
Final Thoughts
This Arctic front is bringing some of the coldest temperatures Houston has seen this season, and it will hit fast. Prepare now to avoid getting caught off guard by the sudden freeze.
While relief is coming by the weekend, the next few days will be tough—so bundle up, take precautions, and stay warm
