Arctic Front Brings Dangerous Cold to North Texas

An arctic front swept through North Texas on Sunday, January 5, 2025, bringing dangerously low temperatures and wind chills as low as 5°F (-15°C). The National Weather Service issued a cold weather warning for the Dallas-Fort Worth area, urging residents to prepare for freezing conditions expected to persist through the week.

The front, driven by a mass of Arctic air, has caused temperatures to plummet across the northern and central United States. In North Texas, morning lows on Monday are forecast to drop to 26°F (-3°C), with wind chills making it feel even colder. Areas like Bowie, Gainsville, Sherman, Paris, and Decatur could experience wind chills as low as 10°F (-12°C).

“These temperatures are extremely dangerous and can lead to hypothermia if precautions aren’t taken,” said Nelly Carreño, chief meteorologist at Univision Noticias 23 in Dallas-Fort Worth. “Residents should limit outdoor exposure and dress in layers if they must go outside.”

The cold snap is expected to last through the week, with daytime highs struggling to reach 50°F (10°C). While no significant ice or snow accumulation is anticipated, isolated winter precipitation is possible by Thursday. Carreño added, “We’re monitoring the potential for light winter precipitation, but the likelihood remains low at this time.”

Wind gusts of up to 40 mph on Sunday added to the hazardous conditions, prompting warnings for drivers to exercise caution and secure outdoor items. The cold weather is part of a broader pattern affecting much of the U.S., with the Arctic front expected to bring below-average temperatures to the region throughout the winter.

Residents are advised to take precautions, including wearing thermal layers, protecting pipes from freezing, and checking on vulnerable neighbors. The cold spell is a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to extreme winter weather, even as the broader trend for the 2024-2025 winter season remains near-average temperatures and drier conditions due to La Niña.