San Angelo, Texas – A powerful and unusually widespread Arctic outbreak is set to plunge much of Texas into dangerous cold beginning Saturday evening, with life-threatening wind chills and prolonged freezing conditions expected to last through Monday.
According to the National Weather Service offices in San Angelo, Austin–San Antonio, Midland–Odessa, and Fort Worth, Extreme Cold Warnings are in effect from Saturday evening through noon CST Monday across large portions of the state. Wind chills are forecast to fall to zero to 10 below zero in parts of West and Central Texas, with values as low as 5 below possible across the Hill Country, southern Edwards Plateau, and portions of South Texas. Even coastal and Rio Grande Plains communities will see wind chills drop into the single digits and teens.
The cold will impact major population centers including San Angelo, Abilene, Brownwood, San Antonio, Austin, Midland, Odessa, Dallas–Fort Worth, Waco, Killeen, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and surrounding rural counties. Prolonged subfreezing temperatures raise concerns for ruptured water pipes, power strain, and significant risk to livestock and outdoor animals. Some areas are also dealing with dense fog ahead of the Arctic front, adding travel hazards.
Emergency managers urge Texans to prepare now by insulating or dripping pipes, covering outdoor faucets, and protecting tender plants. Residents should limit time outdoors, dress in layers, and bring pets inside. Officials strongly caution against unsafe heating practices, including the use of grills or generators indoors.
The coldest conditions are expected late Saturday night through early Sunday and again Sunday night into Monday morning. While gradual improvement is expected Monday afternoon, additional advisories remain possible as this historic cold spell continues across Texas.
