As temperatures begin to drop, residents in North and Central Texas are preparing for a chilly holiday weekend. The National Weather Service has forecasted rain, scattered thunderstorms, and a cold front that is expected to bring the coldest weather of the season.
On Saturday afternoon, showers and storms are likely to develop, with some areas potentially receiving up to an inch of rain. Severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued for regions including Northeastern Johnson, North Central Hill, and West Central Ellis counties, which are expected to feel the effects of strong winds and hail. Notably, reports indicate that a severe thunderstorm struck Alvarado, featuring gusts of up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail. This inclement weather has also caused significant travel disruptions, with around 650 flights out of DFW International Airport delayed as the Federal Aviation Administration implemented a ground stop due to thunderstorms.
The cold front is anticipated to arrive on Saturday, ushering in significantly colder and windy conditions. By Sunday, wind chills are predicted to plummet to the mid-teens to mid-20s, with a high of only 43 degrees expected for the day. Light precipitation may make a return on Monday, with a small possibility of light sleet or freezing rain occurring in the morning.
Looking ahead, residents can expect freezing temperatures to persist into the early part of the week before gradually warming up by the week’s end. The weather pattern is part of a broader system that has led to substantial snowfall in the Midwest, with northern Iowa experiencing over 8 inches and significant accumulations also reported across Chicago, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan.
Residents should brace for the colder conditions and prepare accordingly, ensuring they have warm clothing and are mindful of weather changes. The forecast is looking up toward the end of the week, with temperatures projected to rise into the 60s, providing a hopeful outlook as the winter chill begins to fade.