Snow possible in Houston after weekend cold front
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A powerful Arctic outbreak tied in part to the polar vortex is set to send temperatures plummeting by Saturday — and possible snow next week.
Why it matters: The hazardous cold could stress the state's electricity grid, though state officials say there will be enough power to keep the lights on and furnaces running.
- "Grid conditions are expected to be normal," the state electric grid operator posted on X Wednesday.
Threat level: Mother Nature's refrigerator door is swinging open, with cold air spilling southward through the middle of next week.
- This event is likely to be far colder and more widespread than the Arctic outbreak that occurred earlier this month.
- Sunday will see highs in Houston in the 40s, but wind gusts could reach 20 mph — making it feel much colder.
- Temperatures are expected to continue dropping Monday and Tuesday.
What they're saying: "[Computer] guidance continues to show a risk of a hard freeze across much of Southeast Texas Monday and Tuesday night (especially north of I-10)," meteorologist Cameron Self with the National Weather Service in Houston said in a forecast discussion Thursday.
- "Data generally supports the idea that there will be enough lift and moisture to result in at least light precipitation," Self said. "There's enough of a chance of frozen precipitation to keep it in the forecast [though it's] too early to talk about precipitation amounts with any confidence."
- Cold air will persist all the way to the Gulf Coast, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecaster Zack Taylor tells Axios.
Good news: The National Weather Service says there's a 30-50% chance of snow in Greater Houston on Monday and Tuesday.
Yes, but: To help avoid freezing pipes, keep garage doors closed, open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors for more air circulation and drip water from faucets.
- Keep pets indoors as much as possible, wrap sensitive plants and make sure to check on elderly family and neighbors.