Arctic Front Hits Texas, Plummeting Temperatures Expected
San Antonio, Texas – An Arctic cold front has swept across South Texas, bringing a significant drop in temperatures and gusty winds. Meteorologists are warning residents to take necessary freeze precautions as temperatures are expected to plummet, leading to several nights of freezing conditions.
The cold front arrived Tuesday evening, causing temperatures to fall rapidly. Residents are urged to bundle up as jacket weather is anticipated every day until Sunday. Highs will struggle to reach the mid-40s, while lows will dip into the 20s, particularly in the Hill Country.
“Wind chills are expected to plummet into the teens by Wednesday morning,” said Justin Horne, a meteorologist with KSAT 12 News. “Big coats will be necessary to stay warm through the morning. Although we will see a slight rebound into the 40s during the day, temperatures will drop quickly after sunset.”
The National Weather Service has issued a hard freeze warning for Thursday morning, forecasting temperatures in the low 20s for metropolitan areas like San Antonio and possibly reaching the teens in rural locations. Meteorologists warn that exposed pipes could freeze, making it critical for homeowners to take preventive measures.
As temperatures cool, clouds are expected to increase on Friday, limiting high temperatures to the upper 30s. This may lead to a chance of light rain from Friday night into Saturday, although current forecasts suggest that liquid rain will dominate rather than wintry precipitation.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has issued a Weather Watch, alerting the public to the increased electricity demand anticipated due to the cold snap. The agency, which oversees the state’s power grid, is closely monitoring conditions to prevent outages.
“ERCOT is working with the Texas Energy Reliability Council and other state agencies to prepare for the extreme weather,” said ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas. “Currently, we anticipate normal grid conditions and have no calls for conservation at this time.”
Vegas noted that since the severe winter storm of 2021, the grid has added 13,500 megawatts of capacity, with increased inspections and preparations underway ahead of the anticipated cold.
In preparation for freezing temperatures, the Texas Department of Insurance recommends several steps to protect homes and vulnerable pipes. Homeowners should check insulation in attics, cover outdoor plants, and prevent pipes from freezing by allowing faucets to drip during the cold snap.
“If you suspect a pipe has frozen, keep the faucet open to allow water to flow when it melts,” a department representative advised. “It’s also essential to know how to turn off your main water valve if a pipe bursts.”
Pet owners are reminded to bring outdoor animals inside and provide adequate shelter for any pets that must remain outside. The SPCA of Texas emphasizes that pets are susceptible to cold weather just like humans.
Additionally, residents are encouraged to stock up on fresh batteries for flashlights and ensure that smoke detectors are functioning properly, as power outages may occur.
As the cold weather persists, community members are advised to stay informed through local news updates and to take action now to ensure their safety and well-being.
