A cold front moving into Texas late Sunday may deliver snow to areas of the state early next week, following an unusually warm Christmas weekend.
Temperatures over much of Texas are anticipated to remain in the 70s and 80s until Sunday. However, a shift in the weather pattern is expected to drive colder air south overnight into Monday, increasing the likelihood of light snowfall in the Panhandle and areas of West Texas.
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“Late Sunday night into Monday morning, we’re expecting a change in the atmospheric weather pattern,” said Kenny Greening, meteorologist at the National Weather Service (NWS) in Midland. “Our confidence in snow falling isn’t that high, though it’s in the forecast because the models are definitely showing that it’s a possibility,” he told the Midland Reporter-Telegram.
Why It Matters
Because of its geographic position and normally warmer climate, Texas experiences less snowfall. Much of the state is located well south of the jet stream; hence, Arctic air masses do not commonly penetrate the region. The majority of snowfall occurs between mid- and late January, when average temperatures are lowest.
What To Know
The NWS predicts a low possibility of snow in the Midland-Odessa area early Monday, with a likelihood ranging from 20% to 35%, depending on how moisture and cold air arrive and overlap. Temperatures are forecast to decrease rapidly, with highs near 43 degrees and lows around 28 by Monday night.
The shift occurs Sunday evening, when temperatures drop from a high of 72 degrees to a nighttime low of 34. Snow would most certainly fall before sunrise on Monday, with a largely cloudy sky for the rest of the day.
Other areas of Texas are expected to experience weather changes as well. El Paso has a 30 percent chance of showers late Sunday night, with rain likely to continue into Monday. Rain could fall in East and Southeast Texas cities such as Houston, Beaumont, and San Antonio beginning Sunday evening. Low temperatures in those locations are forecast to remain above freezing, but traffic may be hampered by wet roads.
Winds are predicted to increase up in Laredo during the weekend, with breezy weather continuing as the front passes through. While snowfall is not expected in South Texas, residents throughout the Lone Star State are warned to monitor conditions and prepare for colder weather early next week.
What Happens Next
The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the storm system and adjust the forecast as models develop.
