Snow chances update: what’s changed since yesterday?

ABILENE, Texas (KRBC/KTAB) – As we approach colder weather next week, the likelihood of winter precipitation remains low, but temperatures will drop significantly, making winter weather safety a top priority.

Here are some essential safety tips to remember as we prepare for these frigid conditions. We’ll focus on the “4 P’s” protection for you, your pets, your pipes, and your plants.

1. Protect Yourself: In extreme cold, minimizing time outdoors is crucial to avoid frostbite or hypothermia. Be sure to dress in layers and wear hats, gloves, and scarves. If you have vulnerable loved ones, especially the elderly, check on them to ensure they stay warm and safe.

2. Protect Your Pets: Our pets are just as susceptible to the cold as we are, so it’s important to keep them indoors when possible. If they must go outside, limit their exposure to the cold and ensure they have a warm, dry place to retreat. If you have pets outdoors, consider bringing them inside during extreme cold spells.

3. Protect Your Pipes: Cold temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and burst. To prevent this, ensure outdoor pipes are insulated and leave cabinet doors open indoors to expose pipes to the warmth of your home and allow them to drip. If you have an irrigation system, disconnect the hoses and turn off the water supply to your sprinklers.

4. Protect Your Plants: If you have outdoor plants, know their temperature thresholds and take action to protect them from the cold. Cover plants with frost blankets or other coverings to help retain heat and shield them from freezing temperatures.

While all this happens during the week, travel will still be a priority as kids head back to school and many people go about their daily routines. While the chance of precipitation is still low, if any does occur, the roads may be icy in the mornings as the overnight freeze defrosts. Here are some tips for safer driving:

• Monitor Road Conditions: Monitor local news and weather reports for the latest updates and stay informed through the Texas Department of Transportation for real-time road conditions.

• Drive Cautiously: If roads look wet, proceed with caution. Slow down, avoid using cruise control, and leave extra space between your vehicle and others to allow for stopping distance. Also, be aware of black ice, which can be disguised by dark pavement.

Following these safety tips can help protect yourself, your family, and your property during these colder temperatures. To stay updated on the latest, download the BCH-To-Go App, where you can find more information.

Yesterday, we shared the exciting possibility of snow in our forecast. If you missed it, you could check out that update here. Since then, new data has continued to roll in. Let’s dive into what’s changed and what to expect now.

Recap of Yesterday’s Forecast

The previous update discussed how an arctic front and incoming moisture might team up to develop snowflakes across the Big Country. At that time, the temperatures were the key uncertainty.

Today’s Update: What’s New?

• Timing: The cold air is still expected to reach portions of the Big Country as early as Sunday evening, January 5; however, the moisture, if willing, is expected to arrive on Wednesday, January 8, and Thursday, January 9.

• Snow or Rain? According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are trending to be “below normal,” but there is still uncertainty on how cold they will drop. There is about a 65% chance that moisture will not be present. If that happens, we will see neither rain nor snow. On the flip side, there is a 35% chance that moisture will become more evident; however, if that happens, there is still a 50/50 chance we see snow or rain.

What’s Next?

As always, winter weather forecasts can evolve and change very rapidly. Be sure to stay tuned for further updates. We’ll continue to analyze new data and model runs as they get released. Stay warm and stay informed.