f you thought winter was winding down, think again. A major Arctic front is barreling toward Dallas, bringing dangerously cold temperatures, biting wind chills, and the possibility of freezing precipitation.
The Extreme Cold Warning is in effect from Tuesday night through Thursday morning, and temperatures will drop to life-threatening lows. Now’s the time to prepare—because this cold snap isn’t messing around.
How Cold Will It Get?
This isn’t your typical winter chill. By Wednesday morning, temperatures will plummet to 15°F (-9°C), but with wind gusts up to 25 mph, it’ll feel more like -8°F (-22°C). The deep freeze will linger through Thursday morning, so don’t expect a quick warm-up.
And here’s the kicker—there’s also a chance of light freezing drizzle, especially in northwestern counties. While it’s not expected to cause major ice buildup, even a thin layer could make roads dangerously slick.
Travel Alert: Roads Could Turn to Ice Rinks
If you need to be on the road late Tuesday or early Wednesday, drive with extreme caution.
What you need to know:
- Bridges and overpasses will freeze first—be extra careful in those areas.
- Early morning commutes could be slippery, so leave extra time to get to work.
- Even a light drizzle can create black ice, which is nearly invisible on the road.
If conditions worsen, stay off the roads until things clear up.
What About Power Outages?
With temperatures this low, there’s always concern about strain on the power grid. ERCOT has already issued a Weather Watch from February 19 to 21, meaning electricity demand will skyrocket as people crank up the heat.
The good news? ERCOT says the grid is stable and no rolling blackouts are expected—but it’s still a good idea to be prepared just in case.
How to Stay Safe and Warm
- Keep the heat in. Close curtains, seal any drafty windows, and use blankets to insulate doors.
- Bring pets inside. If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them!
- Let faucets drip. Running water prevents pipes from freezing and bursting.
- Use heaters safely. Space heaters should never be left unattended or placed near anything flammable.
And most importantly—check on elderly family members and neighbors. Extreme cold can be especially dangerous for those who are vulnerable.