Arctic Blast to Plunge Texas and Oklahoma Into Freezing Wind Chills Thursday Morning
DALLAS, TEXAS — A powerful Arctic cold front is sweeping through the Southern Plains, set to bring freezing wind chills and frigid temperatures across Texas and Oklahoma by early Thursday morning. Meteorologists warn that this round of cold air will feel even more intense due to strong north winds, with “feels-like” temperatures plunging into the single digits and teens across Oklahoma and the 20s across much of Texas.
The latest model guidance shows the Arctic air mass settling in late Wednesday, spreading south through the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area overnight and reaching Austin, San Antonio, and Houston by sunrise Thursday.
Wind Chills Near Zero in Oklahoma, 20s Deep Into Central Texas
By Thursday morning, the coldest air will be centered over Oklahoma and North Texas, where brisk northwest winds will make conditions feel bitterly cold.
- Oklahoma City (OKC): Wind chills near 0°F
- Tulsa: Around 10°F
- Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW): “Feels-like” temperatures in the upper teens to low 20s
- Austin and San Antonio: Wind chills between 22–28°F
- Houston: Feels-like temperatures in the 30s, with actual lows near 40°F
In northern parts of Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle, actual air temperatures could dip into the teens, while Amarillo and areas near the New Mexico border may see readings close to 0°F.
Another Shot of Winter for the Southern Plains
This Arctic surge marks the second major cold blast of the week, following a period of unsettled weather that brought sleet and freezing rain to portions of Oklahoma and north Texas earlier. The newest system, however, is expected to be mostly dry — with its impact coming from wind and temperature drops rather than snowfall.
Meteorologists say the pattern is typical for early December but still a shock for southern residents, especially after recent mild conditions. “This is a true Arctic air mass, not just a chilly breeze,” one forecaster said. “It’ll feel like winter hit overnight.”
Precautions for Residents
Officials are advising people across Oklahoma, North Texas, and Central Texas to take precautions as temperatures plunge:
- Protect people and pets: Limit time outdoors; provide warm shelter for animals.
- Prevent pipe damage: Insulate exposed pipes and leave faucets dripping overnight.
- Check on neighbors: Especially the elderly and those without adequate heating.
“This isn’t extreme enough for widespread power concerns, but it’s cold enough to catch unprepared residents off guard,” meteorologists noted. “Wind chills in the single digits can still lead to frostbite with prolonged exposure.”
Looking Ahead
The Arctic air will linger through Friday morning before moderating slightly into the weekend. Highs will gradually rebound into the 40s and 50s across Texas and 30s across Oklahoma, though another cold front could arrive next week.
Stay informed on developing temperature trends and safety alerts at NapervilleLocal.com.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.