TEXAS – After several days of unseasonably warm weather, Texas is about to experience a sharp shift in temperatures. Starting Saturday night, February 8, a cold front will bring a drastic temperature drop of 20-30 degrees across most of the state, bringing some much-needed winter chill to the Lone Star State.

Over the past week, temperatures in many Texas cities have been unusually warm, with highs reaching well above 80°F. However, this warm spell is about to end as a cold front moves in, causing a noticeable drop in temperatures, especially for the Texas Panhandle and other parts of the state. Let’s dive into the details of what to expect from this cold front.

A Sudden Freeze for the Texas Panhandle

In the Texas Panhandle, temperatures are expected to drop quickly and dramatically. The cold front will bring freezing nights and much cooler days, especially as it moves in on Saturday night into Sunday. Lows are expected to dip below freezing all week in this region.

For example, in Dalhart, temperatures will plunge to a shocking 18°F on Saturday night. By Sunday, the high temperature will barely reach 40°F, a stark contrast to the warm weather the area has been enjoying earlier in the week. This sudden drop in temperature is typical of the Texas Panhandle’s unpredictable weather, where mornings can be freezing, but afternoons may see highs in the 60s or low 70s.

Similarly, Amarillo will experience a sharp temperature dip, with subfreezing nights continuing through next week. Afternoon temperatures in Amarillo will drop by more than 30°F from the 80-degree days earlier in the week to just above 50°F on Sunday.

Cold Front to Hit San Antonio

San Antonio, which has also experienced warmer-than-usual temperatures, will see a slightly delayed cold front that will bring much-needed relief from the summer-like weather. While temperatures in San Antonio have been climbing, peaking at 90°F by Saturday, the cold front will finally arrive, bringing a drop of more than 20°F by Monday.

The city has felt more like late spring than early February, with dew points above 60°F making it feel humid. However, by Sunday, February 9, a weak cold front will begin to cool things down. This change will bring a gradual reduction in temperatures, with highs reaching the low 80s on Sunday and Monday, followed by a cool-down on Monday evening.

Along with the cooler weather, the National Weather Service predicts a chance of showers and thunderstorms, with 20-40% chances starting Monday afternoon and continuing into Tuesday. This rain is much-needed and will help cool down the already humid air in the region.

North Texas to See Sharp 30-Degree Drop Overnight

In North Texas, particularly around the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, a major 30-degree drop in temperatures will occur overnight from Saturday to Sunday. The warm, spring-like weather that the region has been experiencing will quickly come to an end as the cold front hits.

Saturday’s temperatures are expected to reach a high of 89°F in Fort Worth, but by Sunday afternoon, the temperature will only reach 56°F. This sudden change will also bring a chance of precipitation. The National Weather Service predicts a 5% chance of showers on Monday in Fort Worth, with a more significant chance of rain continuing into Tuesday.

Preparing for the Temperature Shift

Though the cold front is expected to bring relief from the warm weather, it won’t be cold enough to call for heavy winter clothing in most areas. The coldest temperatures will mainly affect the Texas Panhandle, where subfreezing temperatures will be common during the night. In other areas like San Antonio and Dallas, the cool-down will feel refreshing, but it won’t be enough to require winter coats, just lighter layers.

The weather will continue to fluctuate throughout the week, but the cold front’s arrival will remind Texans that winter isn’t over yet. As temperatures drop, it’s important to stay prepared for quick changes and keep an eye on local forecasts.