MIDLAND, Texas — An Extreme Cold Warning has been issued for parts of West Texas and southeastern New Mexico, including the Guadalupe Mountains, where dangerously low temperatures and wind chills are expected from late Friday night through Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters said wind chills could fall as low as 4 degrees below zero across much of the Permian Basin, with slightly higher but still hazardous conditions in the higher elevations of the Guadalupe Mountains, where wind chills may drop to around 2 degrees above zero.
The warning affects large portions of west and southwest Texas and southeast New Mexico, including Midland, Odessa, Big Spring, Fort Stockton, Pecos, Andrews, Seminole, Monahans, Hobbs, Carlsbad and Artesia, as well as Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
Meteorologists warned that frostbite and hypothermia are likely if exposed skin is not protected. Officials also cautioned that the prolonged freeze could lead to burst water pipes, especially in uninsulated structures.
Residents are urged to remain indoors when possible, dress in layers if venturing outside and protect plumbing by insulating pipes or allowing faucets to drip. Pets should be brought indoors, and outdoor animals should have access to warm, dry shelter, food and unfrozen water.
The extreme cold is expected to persist through Monday morning, with temperatures gradually moderating later in the day.
