Houston Braces for Arctic Blast Ahead of Marathon Weekend

HOUSTON, Texas – A powerful arctic cold front is set to sweep through Houston this weekend, bringing freezing temperatures, icy conditions, and challenges for thousands of participants in Sunday’s Chevron Houston Marathon. The front, arriving Saturday morning, will usher in a dramatic temperature drop, with wind chills making it feel like the upper-20s at the race’s start.

Meteorologists predict the coldest air will arrive early next week, with temperatures plunging into the mid-20s by Tuesday morning. The region could experience a 36-hour freeze, with highs struggling to reach 32°F on Tuesday. Precipitation is expected to transition from cold rain and sleet on Monday night to snowfall by Tuesday morning, creating hazardous road conditions.

“The most dangerous weather is expected starting Monday night and lasting through Tuesday,” said Chief Meteorologist Anthony Yanez of KPRC 2. “Sleet and snow will start on Monday night, with snowfall expected by Tuesday morning. All snowfall is expected to end by Tuesday evening.”

Despite the frigid forecast, the Chevron Houston Marathon will proceed as planned. Race officials and city leaders have implemented safety measures, including warming buses, medics along the course, and 10 city-operated warming centers opening Sunday. Houston Mayor John Whitmire emphasized the importance of preparation, urging runners and spectators to dress in layers.

“As we prepare for winter weather, the Chevron Marathon must go on,” Whitmire said during a Friday press conference. Dr. Lars Thestrup, the marathon’s medical director, advised participants to protect their extremities and avoid shedding layers too early in the race.

While some runners expressed concerns about the cold, others welcomed the challenge. “I’ve never liked the cold,” said participant Kory Davison. “Running a marathon in it makes it a little bit unfavorable.”

City officials also addressed safety concerns following recent events, but the FBI confirmed there are no credible threats to the race. The marathon is expected to conclude with temperatures in the 40s, but the arctic air will linger through Wednesday, with a hard freeze anticipated early that morning.

Residents are advised to prepare for the freeze by protecting plants, pets, and pipes. The wintry weather is expected to subside by Wednesday afternoon, with temperatures rising above freezing for the remainder of the week.