Freeze warning issued for Big Country as temperatures plummet

BIG COUNTRY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Heading into Wednesday night, a Freeze Warning will be in effect for the entire Big Country. On Tuesday, a cold front pushed through the area, bringing temperatures down to near or below average and setting the stage for a couple of frigid nights ahead.

Temperatures are expected to drop near freezing and even below freezing in rural areas. This warning will remain in effect from 3:00 to 9:00 a.m. Thursday, with subfreezing temperatures ranging from 27° to 32°F. The coldest readings will likely be found in low-lying and rural areas.

In Abilene, the forecasted morning low sits around 34°F, but that can vary quite a bit depending on location. If temperatures manage to dip below freezing at the Abilene Regional Airport, where official data is recorded, it would mark the first freeze of the season.

This timing lines up fairly well with our historical average. Typically, Abilene sees its first freeze around November 13th. The earliest recorded freeze occurred on October 18, 1948, while the latest came on December 24, 1939. For comparison, last year’s first freeze arrived on November 29th, when temperatures dropped to 31°F.

With the potential for freezing temperatures, it is important to protect sensitive plants, cover outdoor faucets, and wrap exposed pipes.

Bundle up, stay warm, and enjoy that chilly start to Thursday morning!