North Texas Faces Season’s Coldest Air as Winter Nears
North Texas is experiencing its most significant temperature drop of the season as an arctic air mass settles over the region, arriving just days before the official start of winter. After months of unusually warm conditions, Sunday brought a dramatic shift that pushed temperatures far below seasonal averages.This fall has been markedly warm, with an average temperature of 73°F, placing it on track to become the second warmest fall on record at DFW Airport. However, final rankings will depend on Sunday’s colder readings.
Temperatures Drop Nearly 20 Degrees
The strong cold front that swept through North Texas on Saturday delivered an abrupt end to the unseasonably warm stretch. Over a 24-hour period, temperatures plunged by about 20 degrees, marking the steepest decline the region has seen this season.On Sunday morning, lows dipped into the low 30s, significantly colder than the typical average low of 42°F for mid-December.
Wind Chill Makes Conditions Even Colder
While the thermometer showed temperatures near freezing, gusty northeast winds—reaching about 25 mph—drove wind chill values down into the low 20s. This intensified the cold’s impact and prompted early-season reminders about frostbite risks, exposed skin protection and safe heating practices.The average high for this time of year is around 62°F, but Sunday remained well below normal as the arctic air mass held firm. Forecasters expect temperatures to stay colder for several days before a gradual midweek warm-up.
A Winter Preview for North Texas
Though winter has yet to officially begin, this early blast offers a preview of what the coming weeks may hold. Meteorologists caution that additional cold fronts are likely as the region transitions into the heart of the season.For now, North Texas residents are adjusting to a sharp seasonal reversal—one that marks the arrival of true winter air after months dominated by unusually mild weather.
