Houston avoided the most severe impacts of last weekend’s winter storm, but cold conditions are set to return in the coming days as temperatures across the region drop once again.
While no rain or ice is expected with this system, the National Weather Service office in Houston and Galveston has issued a freeze watch in effect from Saturday evening through early Sunday morning. A cold weather advisory is already in place for Saturday morning.
Speaking to Houston Public Media on Friday, National Weather Service meteorologist Bradley Brokamp said officials are still monitoring conditions closely and have not ruled out extending cold weather advisories into Sunday morning. He noted that forecasted wind chill values could justify additional alerts late Saturday night into Sunday.
According to forecasters, temperatures are expected to fall into the mid-30s Friday night. By Saturday morning, strong winds could push wind chill readings down to near 13 degrees, creating dangerous conditions for exposed skin.
A hard freeze is anticipated early Sunday, with overnight lows ranging between 18 and 32 degrees across the Houston area. In response to the expected cold, the City of Houston announced it will open 12 warming centers starting at 5 p.m. Friday to provide shelter for vulnerable residents.
City officials have not yet shared how long the warming centers will remain open, stating that the decision will depend on evolving weather conditions.
