Midland, Texas – A hard overnight chill is set to grip the Permian Basin as a Freeze Warning targets the I-20 corridor and surrounding counties, bringing a sharp Fall temperature plunge and a high risk to tender vegetation before sunrise Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service Midland/Odessa, temperatures will fall quickly after midnight, bottoming out near 28 degrees between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. Sunday. The warning covers Midland, Ector, Crane, Winkler, Upton, Reagan, Pecos, Loving, Ward, and Reeves County Plains, including Midland, Odessa, Monahans, McCamey, Big Lake, Kermit, Rankin, Pecos, Fort Stockton, Alpine, and Mentone. Forecasters say frost will form rapidly, especially in low-lying and wind-sheltered areas along and south of I-20.
According to the agency, unprotected pipes, exterior faucets, and exposed irrigation systems may take damage if not insulated tonight. TxDOT crews expect isolated slick spots on bridges if moisture lingers from late-day dew or irrigation runoff. According to local emergency managers, ranchers and farmers should secure water lines and protect feed supplies, as extended exposure below freezing may stress young livestock.
Residents should bring pets indoors, insulate pipes, and cover outdoor plants before temperatures drop this evening. Lightweight layers will not be enough for early-morning travel. Drivers leaving before sunrise should allow extra time for potential frost on windshields and colder pockets near rural sections of US-67, US-385, and SH-349.
A gradual warmup returns late Sunday, but another cold push is possible early next week.
