Texas – Cold rain taps steadily on windows this morning, pooling along curbs and darkening pavement across North Texas. The setup looks harmless now, but the atmosphere is loading fast, and a sharp turn toward winter arrives this weekend.
A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning for Dallas–Fort Worth and much of North and Central Texas. An Extreme Cold Watch follows Saturday evening into early Monday. According to the National Weather Service, heavy mixed precipitation is possible, including snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
Snow and sleet totals between 1 and 5 inches are possible, with ice accumulations ranging from a quarter inch to as much as three-quarters of an inch in isolated areas. The highest ice threat appears north and west of Dallas, but impacts could spread quickly across the metro.
Precipitation begins as rain Friday, then transitions to sleet and freezing rain Friday night as temperatures fall. By Saturday, freezing rain and sleet may dominate, with snow mixing in at times. Travel could become extremely dangerous, especially along I-35E, I-35W, I-20, and I-30.
Ice adds a serious concern. The weight of ice on trees and power lines may lead to scattered outages, with stronger winds increasing the risk. Untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses could become impassable. Flash freezing is likely once temperatures drop below freezing.
Cold intensifies Saturday night into Sunday. Wind chills may fall near 10 degrees below zero, increasing the danger for anyone without heat or power. Conditions improve slowly Sunday, but cold air lingers into early next week.
Residents should prepare now. Delay non-essential travel, charge devices, protect pipes, and have alternate heat plans ready. Check on neighbors and bring pets indoors.
Five-Day Outlook for Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas
- Today: Mostly cloudy, mild, high near 60°
- Friday: Rain turning colder, high near 49°
- Saturday: Wintry mix likely, high near 29°
- Sunday: Chance of snow or sleet early, high near 24°
- Monday: Sunny but cold, high near 32°
