Houston, Texas – A rare and dangerous cold outbreak is set to impact southeast Texas this weekend, bringing subfreezing temperatures and bitter wind chills that could threaten safety, homes, and infrastructure across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Houston/Galveston, an Extreme Cold Warning is in effect from 6 PM Saturday until noon CST Monday for much of south-central and southeast Texas. Wind chills are expected to drop as low as 5 degrees below zero well inland, with values near 10 degrees along the coast. Frostbite and hypothermia are likely if exposed skin is left unprotected.
The warning includes Harris, Montgomery, Brazos, Fort Bend, Galveston, Brazoria, Matagorda, Chambers, Liberty, Walker, Wharton, Austin, Colorado, Washington, Grimes, Polk, and surrounding counties. Cities impacted include Houston, The Woodlands, College Station, Conroe, Sugar Land, Pearland, Pasadena, Baytown, League City, Galveston, Freeport, Angleton, Lake Jackson, Wharton, Bay City, and Brenham.
Officials warn that hard freeze conditions could lead to ruptured water pipes and damage to unprotected plants. Residents are urged to wrap exposed plumbing, bring pets indoors, limit time outside, and safely use heating equipment.
An Extreme Cold Watch is also in effect from Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning, signaling the potential for another round of dangerously cold wind chills. The Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect from 6 PM Saturday through noon Monday, and additional alerts may be issued as conditions evolve.
