A strong arctic cold front is set to bring record-breaking cold temperatures to North Texas. Residents are advised to take steps to protect their homes, property, and pets from the frigid weather.
A strong arctic cold front is set to bring North Texas another round of temperatures significantly below normal. Residents are advised to prepare for some of the coldest air experienced this season. While the current forecast predicts a low chance of wintry precipitation for early next week, this could change. The cold front is expected to move across North Texas on Friday night, with Saturday's highs reaching the upper 40s to lower 50s.
However, a strong northerly wind will make the air feel like it's in the 30s.Sunday will begin cold, with lows in the mid to upper 20s and wind chills in the teens. Afternoon highs will gradually increase to the mid to upper 30s. Even colder temperatures are anticipated for Monday (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day), with lows dipping into the teens and highs reaching the mid-30s. With this arctic air mass in place, the possibility of wintry precipitation developing across North Texas is always present. While the current forecast indicates a low chance, the period from Monday to Tuesday is being closely monitored. It's important to stay informed as the forecast evolves. Before the cold snap hits, residents are encouraged to take preventive measures to protect their homes and property. This includes replacing worn weather stripping on doors and windows to ensure a good seal, keeping warm air inside and cold air out. Most modern windows are sealed within the frame, but older windows may be sealed with a glaze that can crack and require replacement. The glaze may need to be applied at a specific temperature and sufficient time for curing, making spring or fall the ideal time for this maintenance. Additionally, checking gutters to ensure they are clear and allow water to flow freely to the downspout is crucial. Clogged gutters can lead to water entering the home. The Texas Department of Insurance also recommends trimming trees away from power lines, homes, and cars, and checking the insulation level in attics. Many North Texans already know to insulate their outdoor faucets, but during prolonged cold snaps, it's advisable to leave inside faucets on external walls dripping overnight to prevent freezing. While the constant dripping can be annoying, placing a sponge or towel in the sink can silently catch each drop. If you're away from home for a few days, leaving faucets dripping can help keep pipes on external walls more exposed to heat. Any pipes in attics, crawlspaces, or other exposed outdoor areas will also require insulation. For outdoor faucets, disconnect hoses and insulate the valves. Simply wrapping valves with towels is not a long-term solution; consider investing in inexpensive exterior faucet covers made of foam that easily attach to the faucet bib and provide excellent protection against freezing.If a pipe is suspected to have frozen, keep the faucet open to allow water to flow once it thaws. It's also essential to know the location of your main water valve and how to turn it off in case of a pipe burst. Remember that even pets or animals that typically live or sleep outdoors can be susceptible to the cold, experiencing hypothermia and pneumonia. The SPCA of Texas emphasizes that if you're feeling cold, chances are your pet is too. Bring pets inside and ensure other outdoor animals have appropriate shelter, dry and well-insulated, to shield them from freezing temperatures and potential death.Perennial potted plants should be brought indoors, while those that cannot be moved inside will need to be covered. Delicate plants can be protected with sheets, blankets, or landscaping frost blankets, which trap heat. During extreme cold, multiple frost blankets may be necessary. The Dallas Arboretum recommends watering the soil by hand only a day or two before a freeze, keeping the foliage dry to insulate the plant's roots. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides further guidance on this topic. It's advisable to turn off your irrigation system for several reasons. Running it on its normal schedule during a freeze could result in water being sprayed onto streets, potentially creating dangerous ice patches for passing cars. Additionally, you want to avoid the risk of broken pipes or valves that can occur with an unwinterized system. To winterize your irrigation system, turn off the timers and back-flow devices, even if you have freeze or rain sensors installed. Ensure the main line is drained, and any above-ground pipes should be insulated. Your HVAC system also requires winterizing. While air filters should be changed or cleaned every three months or season, there are other essential steps. Regularly inspect your ductwork for holes caused by vibration or rodents to ensure uninterrupted airflow. If part of your HVAC system is located in the attic, it may be a haven for rats, mice, and squirrels seeking warmth to build nests.Finally, even if your pool equipment includes a freeze protector, it's crucial to check the pump daily to ensure it's circulating water through your pipes.
COLD WEATHER NORTH TEXAS WINTER STORM PREPAREDNESS HOME SAFETY PET SAFETY
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