Midland, Texas – A sharp overnight chill will sweep across West Texas and Southeast New Mexico late Tuesday into early Wednesday, with temperatures expected to dip into the upper 20s in higher terrain and open valleys. The National Weather Service in Midland/Odessa has issued a Freeze Watch effective late Tuesday night through Wednesday morning for the Guadalupe and Delaware Mountains, Marfa Plateau, Davis Mountains, and portions of Lea, Gaines, and Dawson counties.
According to the National Weather Service, lows could fall between 26 and 30 degrees across Hobbs, Lovington, Lamesa, Fort Davis, Marfa, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park before sunrise Wednesday. The agency warns that frost and freeze conditions may kill crops and ornamental plants while also threatening unprotected outdoor plumbing.
Residents are urged to cover sensitive vegetation, drain irrigation systems, and protect outdoor faucets. Pet owners should ensure animals have warm, dry shelter as the first significant cold of the season settles in.
While skies remain mostly clear, light winds and dry air will allow rapid overnight cooling. Local roads, including U.S. 62/180, U.S. 285, and I-20, may see patchy frost at daybreak. According to TxDOT, no widespread travel issues are expected, but early drivers should remain cautious on mountain passes and shaded bridges.
Another cold push may return by the weekend, keeping late-fall conditions firmly in place through early next week.
