Frost in Houston Could Bring the Coldest Nights of the Year. Authorities Recommend Protecting People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants.
Frost in Houston could become a reality this weekend as an Arctic-origin cold front moves toward Southeast Texas. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the temperature drop would begin between Friday and Saturday, with possible freezing temperatures during the night Saturday into Sunday.
An Arctic Front Will Reach Houston Late in the Week
According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service office in Houston/Galveston, a “strong” cold front will move toward the metropolitan area between Friday night and Saturday morning. This system could bring the lowest temperatures Houston has recorded so far this winter season.
Meteorologists warn that some parts of the region could experience a severe frost, defined as temperatures of 24 degrees Fahrenheit or lower (-4°C), mainly during the nights of Saturday and Sunday. Although not all areas would reach those levels, the frost risk in Houston is enough to trigger preventive alerts.
Frost in Houston: Subzero Temperatures Overnight
Cameron Batiste, the lead meteorologist for NWS Houston/Galveston, explained that the greatest impact of the system will be felt during the overnight hours. According to the forecast, temperatures could fall to the upper 20s (-6°C) and lower 30s (-1°C) Fahrenheit between Saturday night and Sunday morning, and again from Sunday night into Monday morning.
Batiste noted that while the cold will be widespread, conditions can vary by area. Some parts of the metro area could stay slightly above freezing, while others would face more intense frosts.
Low Chance of Snow, but Ice Risk
Despite the cold, authorities currently rule out snow in Houston. Batiste indicated that if precipitation were to occur while temperatures are below freezing, the most likely would be sleet or freezing rain, not snow.
The Monday forecast from the NWS indicates Houston has about a 70% chance of rain on Saturday, but less than a 10% chance of freezing rain, snow, or sleet from Saturday through the early hours of Monday. Still, meteorologists warn that any ice buildup, no matter how small, could create dangerous driving and sidewalk conditions.
What to Do About Frost in Houston: The “Four Ps”
In light of the possibility of frost in Houston, the National Weather Service recommends preparing in advance and following the Four Ps rule:
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People: Make sure that older adults, children, and vulnerable individuals have access to adequate heating. Check that family members and neighbors are safe during the coldest nights.
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Pets: Bring pets indoors or provide them with a warm shelter. Extreme cold can be dangerous for animals.
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Pipes: Protect exposed pipes to prevent freezing or bursting. In some cases, leaving a trickle of water running can help prevent damage.
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Plants: Cover or move sensitive plants indoors to protect them from overnight frosts.
Batiste stressed the importance of having safe ways to stay warm and not underestimating the impact of cold, even if subzero temperatures occur only at night.
The Forecast Will Continue to Be Updated
The National Weather Service will continue issuing updates as the weekend approaches and the forecast becomes more precise. Authorities urge the public to stay informed and follow official advisories, especially if frost or freeze alerts are issued.
For now, experts agree that the greatest risk associated with this system will be the intense nighttime cold, more than snow or winter precipitation. Preparing ahead can make the difference in avoiding damage to the home and protecting health.
