A strong, arctic front moved through Texas on Thursday, and Friday morning will bring the coldest temperatures of the season along with dangerous wind chills. 

What You Need To Know

  • The coldest air of the season is here

  • A hard freeze is expected state-wide Friday morning

  • Breezy to gusty winds will set up dangerous wind chills as low as -17 in North Texas to single digits and teens south

  • Plan to limit your time outdoors if possible, and make sure all exposed skin is covered and protected

The arctic air arrived to Texas on Thursday, and the coldest morning of the season along with dangerous wind chills are expected Friday morning.

Stay indoors if you can. With most of state expected to experience sub zero to just single digit wind chills, frostbite and hypothermia are a real concern if you're not taking care of yourself. 

Limit time outdoors and make sure all exposed skin is covered and protected. Be sure to dress in enough warm, layers. 

Most of the state is under a Wind Chill Warning into Friday, but parts of South Texas will be under a Hard Freeze Warning and Wind Chill Warning into Saturday. 

Wind gusts will range from near 30 to 40 mph in the morning from Central to South Texas, and eventually relax for most by the evening, but gusty winds will continue into Saturday along the coast and through South Texas. 

That's why Wind Chill Warnings will continue for this part of the state. 

 

 

Friday morning wind chills

Heading outside Friday morning? You’ll need to protect your neck, hands and head! This is the time for all the warm layers. Hand warmers are great, too.

Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pets. Consider putting an extra warm layer on your furry friends. Even with a fur coat, this type of cold can still be impactful. 

The lowest wind chills be felt across North Texas, ranging from -15 to -5. Austin to San Antonio will feel more like -7 to just single digits. It may feel like single digits to teens from Southeast to South Texas as well. 

Afternoon temperatures will range from 20s to 30s for most, and it will still feel colder when you factor in a breezy north wind. El Paso will be one of the warm spots with a high near 40.

Warming up with sunshine on Christmas Day

Mornings stay below freezing for most of the state into the holiday weekend, but afternoons will trend warmer on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

Highs will range from 40s to 50s, and most will enjoy sunny skies. So if you're not loving the cold now, there's something to look forward to. A spring like feel returns by the end of next week with highs in the 60s and 70s. 

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