Frigid Blast Forecast Now Includes Frozen Precipitation

SAN ANGELO – West Central Texas braces for a significant weather change as a potent cold front makes its way through the region today. The highlight of the short term is the arrival of this very strong cold front, expected to traverse the Big Country this afternoon, the Concho Valley during the late evening, and the I-10 corridor overnight tonight.

Tonight, temperatures are set to plummet, reaching the teens in most locations. The Big Country faces the possibility of wind chills dipping below zero, prompting a Wind Chill Advisory in effect for tonight through Sunday morning. Other areas can expect wind chills in the single digits. 

Daytime highs for this afternoon will remain tolerable in the 50s and 60s with no precipitation expected during this time frame. However, the long-term forecast introduces precipitation chances.

Long-Term Outlook (Sunday through Friday)

The arctic air mass is expected to firmly establish itself across west central Texas by Sunday, accompanied by a Wind Chill Advisory for the Big Country through late Sunday morning. The shallow arctic air mass, coupled with warm south to southwesterly flow aloft, creates conditions for overcast skies and the possibility of very light precipitation from Sunday through Monday morning.

With temperatures staying below freezing in most areas, the precipitation is anticipated to be a wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain, possibly turning into light snow for northern regions by late Sunday night. While amounts are expected to be light, the potential for hazardous road conditions exists, and a Winter Weather Advisory may be necessary from Sunday afternoon into Monday morning.

Although the wintry mix is projected to end on Monday, bitter cold temperatures will persist through Wednesday morning. Additional Wind Chill Advisories may be issued, particularly Monday night, as a secondary surge of cold air moves through the area.

A brief warming trend is anticipated on Wednesday and Thursday before another cold front sweeps through on Thursday and Thursday night. Unlike the current front, this one is not expected to bring air as cold as tonight's Arctic blast. Residents are urged to stay updated on weather advisories and take necessary precautions during this period of extreme cold.