Fort Worth, Texas – A dangerous Arctic blast is set to sweep into North and Central Texas beginning Saturday evening, bringing life-threatening cold to millions across the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex and surrounding communities through early Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Fort Worth, an Extreme Cold Warning will be in effect from 6 p.m. Saturday through noon CST Monday for a large portion of North, Northeast, and Central Texas. Wind chills are expected to drop as low as 11 below zero across the Metroplex, with even colder values near 5 below possible farther south, conditions that can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
The warning covers Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Denton, McKinney, Frisco, Denton, Weatherford, Gainesville, Sherman, Paris, Waco, Temple, Killeen, and dozens of surrounding cities. Prolonged exposure to the cold increases the risk of hypothermia, especially for those without reliable heat or anyone spending extended time outdoors. Travel could also become hazardous if vehicles fail in the extreme cold.
Emergency officials urge residents to limit outdoor activity, dress in multiple layers, and fully cover exposed skin with hats, gloves, and face coverings. Residents are encouraged to check on elderly neighbors and those with limited heating and to prepare homes for extended freezing conditions.
The cold is expected to persist through the weekend before slowly easing Monday afternoon. Officials warn additional advisories may be issued if the Arctic air lingers longer than expected.
