West-Central Texas is bracing for a brutal winter blast as an Arctic air mass grips the region. Temperatures are set to plummet into the teens, but with gusty north winds, it will feel even colder—as low as 5°F in some areas.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Cold Weather Advisory, warning residents that this bitter cold will persist through Friday morning. With wind chills dropping to dangerous levels, even brief exposure to the cold can lead to frostbite or hypothermia. Officials urge everyone to take precautions and stay warm.
How Cold Will It Get?
The freezing temperatures will impact multiple areas across West-Central Texas:
- San Angelo, TX: Wind chills between 5°F and 8°F overnight
- Abilene, TX: Feels-like temperatures will drop to 6°F
- Brownwood, TX & Surrounding Areas: Expect wind chills hovering around 5°F
The actual air temperature will fall into the mid to upper teens, but strong northern winds at 15-25 mph will make it feel significantly colder than what the thermometer reads.
Why Is This Cold So Dangerous?
Texas is no stranger to cold weather, but temperatures this extreme can cause major disruptions. These bitter conditions can bring serious health and infrastructure concerns, including:
- Frostbite & Hypothermia: If skin is exposed to wind chills below 10°F, frostbite can set in within 30 minutes. Hypothermia is also a risk, especially for those without proper winter clothing or heating.
- Frozen & Burst Pipes: Texas homes aren’t built for extreme cold, and pipes can freeze and burst, leading to expensive water damage.
- Car Trouble: Many drivers may wake up to dead car batteries Friday morning, as extreme cold drains power and causes engine issues.
- Heating System Strain: With heaters running at full blast, older heating systems could fail, leaving residents without heat during the coldest hours of the night.
How to Protect Yourself & Your Home
With these dangerously cold conditions approaching, now is the time to prepare.
- Bundle Up! If you must go outside, wear multiple layers, gloves, a hat, and a scarf to cover exposed skin. Limit your time outside.
- Keep Your Pipes From Freezing. Let faucets drip slightly, open cabinet doors under sinks, and insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing.
- Check on Elderly Neighbors & Pets. The elderly, young children, and pets are at the highest risk. Ensure they have access to heat and shelter.
- Be Careful with Space Heaters. If using one, keep it at least three feet away from flammable objects and never leave it unattended.
- Prepare for Possible Power Issues. Charge phones, stock up on extra blankets, and be ready in case heating systems struggle overnight.
How Long Will This Arctic Cold Last?
The worst of the cold will last through Friday morning, with gradual warming in the afternoon. However, another cold front could arrive over the weekend, bringing more freezing temperatures at night.
Meteorologists are closely tracking this Arctic blast, and updates will follow as needed. For now, residents should take this cold seriously and prepare for an icy night ahead
