An Arctic air mass is set to plunge temperatures across Texas and Louisiana, prompting the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue freeze warnings. Residents in these areas are bracing for sub-freezing conditions as Winter Storm Blair intensifies. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming weather impacts.
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Why This Matters
This winter has seen significant temperature fluctuations, with warm spells followed by sudden cold snaps. The Arctic outbreak, caused by a disruption of the polar vortex and accompanied by Winter Storm Blair, is now bringing frigid temperatures to a large portion of the United States.
These freezing temperatures raise serious concerns about energy demands, health risks for vulnerable populations, and travel safety. Natural gas prices may spike due to increased heating needs, and frostbite or hypothermia risks loom for those exposed to the cold without proper precautions.
Freezing Temperatures Forecast
The NWS issued freeze warnings early Sunday morning for south-central and southeast Texas, including major cities like Houston and Galveston, as well as southwest Louisiana. Freeze warnings are issued when “significant, widespread freezing temperatures are expected.”
Impacts in Texas
In Texas, freeze warnings are in effect from midnight Sunday through 9 a.m. CST Monday, with temperatures expected to drop as low as 28°F in some areas. Additionally, Houston County faces even harsher conditions, with a “hard freeze warning” predicting temperatures as low as 22°F.
Residents are urged to take precautions to protect outdoor plumbing by wrapping pipes or allowing them to drip slowly. Other NWS recommendations include:
- Dressing in layers to stay warm.
- Keeping pets indoors as much as possible.
- Avoiding the use of generators or grills indoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Texas is no stranger to Arctic outbreaks. In 2021, a similar polar vortex event caused severe winter storms, leaving millions without power for days.
Impacts in Louisiana
In southwest Louisiana, a freeze warning will be in effect from 3 a.m. to 10 a.m. CST Monday, with temperatures ranging between 28°F and 32°F. Alongside freezing conditions, wind advisories warn of potential damage to trees and power lines, possibly resulting in outages.
The NWS advises residents to protect exposed skin from frostbite and hypothermia risks, as prolonged exposure to these temperatures can be life-threatening.
Winter Storm Blair and Polar Vortex Effects
Winter Storm Blair is moving across the central U.S., bringing heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, and ice. The storm is expected to dump the largest snowfall in a decade across parts of Kansas, the Ohio Valley, and the Central Appalachians, with some areas seeing reduced visibility and impassable roads.
This Arctic outbreak is linked to a weakened polar vortex, which allows cold air typically contained at the poles to spill southward. Erica Grow Cei, an NWS meteorologist, explained:
“Arctic outbreaks are often associated with a weakening of the Polar Vortex, causing cold air to spread southwards.”
What People Are Saying
Meteorologist Ryan Maue highlighted the rapid temperature drop in Texas, tweeting:
“Dallas Ft Worth just went from 67°F to 48°F with frontal passage w/nearly 50 mph wind gusts. Temperatures continue to fall to near freezing by 7 p.m. this evening.”
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What’s Next
Most freeze warnings are expected to expire by early Monday morning, but Winter Storm Blair will continue moving toward the Mid-Atlantic region, bringing hazardous conditions along its path.
Residents in affected areas should remain vigilant, take precautions to protect themselves and their property, and stay informed of updates from the NWS.
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