A strong surge of Arctic air and a round of impactful wintry precipitation are expected to affect all of North and Central Texas from Friday afternoon and evening through the upcoming weekend. Freezing rain, sleet, and snow are all possible, and temperatures are forecast to remain below freezing for an extended period. Travel disruptions and impacts to infrastructure are likely across the region. A Winter Storm Watch is now in effect for the entirety of North and Central Texas from Friday afternoon through late Saturday night. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead for hazardous travel conditions and potential power outages, and to monitor updated forecasts in the days ahead.

An Arctic cold front will move into the region early Friday morning. As temperatures fall, rain is expected to transition to freezing rain and sleet later in the day. The most likely window for the onset of wintry precipitation is midday Friday through the evening for most locations, with the far southern areas seeing a changeover closer to midnight. These timing estimates may shift as new data becomes available.

Dangerously cold temperatures are also expected through the weekend. Once readings fall below freezing Friday evening, they are likely to remain below freezing into Monday for much of the region, and into Tuesday across parts of North Texas. There is greater than a 50% chance that temperatures will drop below 10 degrees Saturday night and Sunday night, posing a significant risk to exposed pipes. Residents are urged to protect plumbing by covering outdoor faucets, opening indoor cabinets, dripping indoor faucets, and locating their water shut‑off valve. Sprinkler systems should be turned off to prevent ice formation on sidewalks and roadways.

Ahead of the front, scattered showers and drizzle will continue through the morning before tapering off in the afternoon. Rainfall totals of around one‑quarter inch or less are expected, with the highest amounts in East Texas. High temperatures today will reach the 60s, with some partial clearing later in the day.

Officials emphasize that now is the time to prepare for the expected winter weather. Recommended steps include stocking at least three days’ worth of non‑perishable food, water, and medications; ensuring pets have adequate warmth; updating first‑aid kits; and charging electronic devices. Home preparations include testing heaters, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors; protecting outdoor pipes; sealing doors and windows; and ensuring safe use of portable heaters and generators. Drivers should keep gas tanks full and assemble an emergency car kit with blankets, jumper cables, water, snacks, a phone charger, and an ice scraper.

In the Austin and San Antonio areas, the highest potential for ice accumulation from early Saturday through Sunday is focused on the Hill Country and the I‑35 corridor, where there is a 40–60% chance of at least one‑tenth of an inch of ice. Probabilities decrease farther south, including in San Antonio. Forecast confidence remains lower regarding exact ice totals, timing, and the duration of freezing temperatures, and residents are encouraged to check for frequent updates.

Another surge of Arctic air will reinforce the cold Friday evening, with forecasters expressing very high confidence in hazardous temperatures through the weekend. Wind chills by Sunday morning may fall just below zero, with single‑digit and teen values common across the region.

As the region moves toward a potentially significant winter storm affecting parts of the southern and central United States, officials urge residents to stay aware of changing conditions and follow forecast updates closely.

Mild temperatures in the mid‑60s to low‑70s are expected today, with low chances for light rain or drizzle mainly along and east of I‑35. Clearing will begin in western areas, while mostly cloudy to partly cloudy skies persist along the I‑35 corridor and coastal plains.

Stay tuned to KNCT for hourly updates from Bill Hecke at the bottom of each hour, and visit myKNCT.com for on‑demand reports.