Texas air feels heavier this morning as gray clouds skim low over rooftops and damp pavement glistens from passing showers. A warm, breezy start hides the December cold snap brewing just to the north, poised to drop into Houston by tonight. Residents heading out early may notice that warm gulf air fading fast — a hint of the freeze poised to settle across southeast Texas.
A Freeze Watch covers much of the Houston metro from late tonight through Monday morning, with temperatures near 24°F possible in outlying suburbs. This early-season cold surge arrives quickly after sunset, and meteorologists warn that tender plants, exposed plumbing, and unprotected outdoor fixtures may take damage if not secured. For now, winds stay manageable, but colder, drier air creeps south by evening.
Clouds linger through today as temperatures fall from the upper 60s toward 50°F by late afternoon, signaling the front’s arrival. Breezy north winds may create a sharper chill than the thermometer shows, especially west of downtown and along stretches of US-290 and I-10 where cold air tends to pool.
By tonight skies clear and cold takes control. Lows drop to the mid-30s inside the city, colder north of the Beltway. Wind chills could flirt with the upper 20s before dawn Monday. Travelers planning early Monday departures should expect crisp air, patchy frost in rural spots, and slower warm-up for vehicles.
Monday turns sunny and cool, with highs in the low 50s. Tuesday returns to more typical December warmth, reaching the mid-60s, offering a brief winter tease before another pattern shift later in the week.
