A cold front to bring chance for storms then below-freezing temps this week

Monday, February 17, 2025 6:48PM
A cold front to bring chance for storms then below-freezing temps
An arctic cold front is on the way this week. First this active pattern will bring the chance for a few thunderstorms Tuesday evening before the cold settles in Wednesday.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Get ready for cold air to make a big return this week as an arctic cold front drops in from the north Tuesday night.

Temperatures Monday afternoon will climb quickly with the help of the sun and winds shifting out of the Gulf. High temperatures will rise into the low 60s with all that sunshine, making for a nice President's Day.

What's the latest on this active weather pattern we're expecting this week?

After a calm and cool start to the week Monday, things change quickly by Tuesday. A weak surface low will bring the chance for showers and thunderstorms. A few storms could intensity enough to bring gusty winds and even small hail. The hail threat is thanks to how cold temperatures will be behind the Arctic front that arrives late Tuesday night.

How cold will it get with the arctic front, and when does the freeze line arrive?

The arctic cold front is slated to arrive Tuesday night, but the freeze line may not blow in until about 24 hours later. Extreme Cold Watches were issued farther north across the state from the panhandle to Dallas/Fort Worth. No cold weather alerts for Houston or Southeast Texas yet. At this time we are predicting a low in the mid-upper 20s for Thursday morning. People, pets, plants, and pipes will need to be protected from this incoming cold air, so you might need to devote some time this weekend to making sure you are ready for the freeze. Temperatures Friday morning to will be near freezing as well.

Is any wintry precipitation possible with next week's front?

Possible? Yes, but it's not likely at this time. By the time the freeze line enters Southeast Texas, most of the moisture is expected to be gone, but it's still early in the game. If enough moisture is left around late Wednesday when the freeze line arrives, then the primary mode of wintry precipitation in this case looks like it would be freezing rain. The mid-levels of the atmosphere look to be too far above freezing to support any snow in our part of Texas. Again, stay tuned!

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:
Southeast Texas
Houston
Harris County
Galveston County
Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties
Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties
Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

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