Freeze Warning Issued for North Texas Ahead of Cold Snap

A Freeze Warning is now in effect for nearly all of North Texas, starting at 9 p.m. on March 10, 2024, and lasting until 9 a.m. on March 11, 2024. The National Weather Service upgraded Saturday’s Freeze Watch to a formal warning due to the arrival of modified Arctic air, marking the coldest air of the season thus far.

Residents are advised to take immediate precautions as no precipitation is expected with the cold front. It is crucial to protect vulnerable plants and bring pets indoors. When venturing out late tonight or early Monday morning, individuals should exercise caution and dress in multiple layers.

Winds and Temperature Drop

The sharp temperature drop is significantly influenced by strong northerly winds. Sustained winds are anticipated to range from 15 to 25 mph, with gusts reaching between 30 to 35 mph later in the day. These conditions will accelerate the cold air’s movement into the region.

Temperatures this morning began in the upper 40s and low 50s, but the cold front will limit Sunday’s high to just below 60 degrees Fahrenheit for most areas. The strong winds will contribute to a cooler feel throughout the afternoon, with overnight lows expected to fall near or just below the freezing mark of 32 degrees in the immediate Metroplex. Areas such as Denton and Collin counties may experience temperatures dipping into the upper 20s.

The intense wind is projected to persist until sunrise on Monday, resulting in a significant wind chill. Most locations will feel like temperatures are in the upper 20s and low 30s, with some areas experiencing wind chill as low as the mid-20s.

Brief Cold Snap Before Warming Trend

Fortunately, this cold spell is expected to be brief. High pressure moving in from the west is forecast to shift winds to a southerly flow by Tuesday, which will drive temperatures back up. Highs are projected to rebound into the mid to upper 70s, and even the low 80s, by late in the week and into the weekend.

This warming trend will precede a possible return of rain, with a low chance of showers and thunderstorms anticipated for next weekend. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepare for the fluctuating temperatures as the weather in North Texas changes.