South Texas – A significant and potentially dangerous cold outbreak is expected to impact South Texas from Saturday night through Monday, prompting multiple cold-weather alerts including a Freeze Warning and Extreme Cold Warning, according to the National Weather Service in Corpus Christi.
Temperatures are forecast to plunge well below freezing across much of the Coastal Bend, Brush Country, and Rio Grande Plains. Lows are expected to fall into the low to mid-20s, with some inland locations dropping to near 18 degrees by early Monday morning. Wind chills could feel even colder, dipping as low as 5 to 12 degrees, creating life-threatening conditions for those exposed.
A Freeze Warning is in effect from Saturday evening through noon Monday for many counties, including Nueces, Kleberg, San Patricio, Jim Wells, Bee, Goliad, Victoria, Live Oak, McMullen, and Webb Counties. In addition, an Extreme Cold Warning will be in place from Saturday night through Monday morning, highlighting the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
The cold will pose a serious threat to:
- People and pets exposed to the elements
- Unprotected pipes, which may freeze or burst
- Crops and sensitive vegetation, which could be killed by prolonged freezing
- Livestock, especially without adequate shelter
Residents are urged to dress in warm layers, including hats and gloves, keep pets indoors, and check on elderly neighbors. Pipes should be wrapped or allowed to drip slowly, and portable heaters must be used safely—never indoors with grills or generators.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve after midday Monday, but officials stress taking action now to prevent damage and injury during this prolonged cold event.
