Arctic blast to chill Houston this week

• The city is also opening warming centers for vulnerable individuals.

Driving the news: Following some overnight rainfall, a front will usher in clear skies and cooler temperatures Wednesday, NWS Houston meteorologists say.

Threat level: The coldest air will hit the Houston metro early Thursday morning, dipping just below freezing with wind chill temperatures near 20 degrees.

• Communities north of Houston could see even colder temperatures.

Zoom out: The cold weather is part of a larger Arctic blast sweeping the country, which is poised to break dozens of cold-weather records.

• The outbreak is consistent with events that some studies have shown to be more likely due to rapid Arctic climate change.

What's next: After Thursday, temperatures in Houston will fluctuate in the 30s and 40s until Sunday, when it will reach the low 60s by midday.