Feels like -10°F: What to expect as the Big Country braces for extremely cold temperatures

Heading into a new work week and the final stretch of winter, another blast of cold air is making its way south of the Big Country as we speak. While there aren’t any major impacts expected in terms of precipitation, temperatures are set to drop dangerously low, with the area staying below freezing for around 72 hours!

class="wp-block-heading">Here’s what to expect over the next couple of days:

Early Tuesday morning the cold front reached our northern counties around 3 am, the front pushed south and stalled near I-20 by 6am, temperatures quickly dropped by 10° following the front. The high temperature believe it or not has already been reached for most places as the front continues to push down south temperatures will continue to plummet. Afternoon temperatures are expected to be in the teen in our northern counties, low 20’s in central counties and lower 30’s towards the heartland. Winds gusting up to 35mph will bring wind chill values as low as -10°F.

The cold air settles in by Tuesday night with lows plummeting into the teens and single digits. This marks the start of a 72-hour stretch where temperatures stay below freezing. During this time, an Extreme Cold Warning will be in effect. Be sure to follow the 4 P’s guidelines (people, pets, pipes, and plants), and keep an eye out for any tips from your electric company on staying safe indoors and out. Also make sure to turn of any scheduled sprinkler systems, or you might just come home to a winter wonderland.

Because of the prolonged cold, the National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning from Tuesday evening through Thursday afternoon. Wind chill values could drop as low as -10°F, which means hypothermia and frostbite can happen quickly if skin is exposed for too long. Pipes are also likely to freeze, so take precautions to prevent damage.

As for precipitation, this system isn’t expected to bring much. A few snow flurries and freezing rain/drizzle might pop up across the area due to moisture from the Gulf but no major travel impacts are anticipated. However, we still could see slick spots on bridges/overpasses with any moisture that remains on roadways overnight.

The real story here is the potential for record-breaking cold. Some of these 30-degree afternoons are still within our freezing stretch, and that could put us in the record books. The record low for Wednesday is 32°F, set in 2009, but the forecast high for that day is only in the upper 20s. Then on Thursday, we have another shot at breaking a record, with the forecast high around 32°F, compared to the record low of 35°F, set in 1959.

The bottom line, this cold is no joke. Stay weather-aware, bundle up, and check in with your local meteorologist for updates! On a lighter note, Jackets will feel like a thing of the past into next week.