Welcome to 2022: Dangerous Arctic Blast to Drop Temps into the Teens New Year's Day

SAN ANGELO – The first day on the new year will see temperatures plummet to the teens behind a strong Arctic cold front that could burst pipes, damage crops and kill pets.  

2022 will begin across West Central Texas with gusty west winds at 10 to 20 mph gusting to 30 mph in front of the cold front Saturday morning.  The strong frontal boundary will push through the Big Country before noon reach the Concho Valley by 2 p.m.  

Gusty winds this high can blow around loose and unsecured objects and make driving hazardous especially for high profile vehicles traveling east to west on open stretches of roadway including interstate highways. 

High temperatures will reach near 70 degrees before noon and will drop sharply throughout the afternoon with the passage of the cold front.  Temperatures will dip to the upper teens overnight with wind chills in the single digits by sunrise Sunday.  Temperatures will warm only to the 40s on Sunday with another cold wave coming through Sunday night and temps cold drop a few degrees more.  

There is a slight chance of some snow flurries in the Big Country Saturday night but no snow accumulation is expected.  

Temperatures and wind chill values this low are dangerous for exposed pipes, plants and especially pets.  Bring outdoor pets inside or make sure they have adequate shelter and access to water if they must be left outside.  Exposed plumbing should be wrapped and plants should be covered or moved inside.  

This is a dangerous weather situation.  Residents are urged to monitor weather conditions as they change throughout the day and night and to prepare accordingly.