Arctic Blast to Bring Freezing Temps by St. Patrick's Day

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An incoming Arctic front is set to push through the Brazos Valley this weekend, sending temperatures plummeting from the mid-80s down to the low 30s overnight on Tuesday, March 18. This sudden cold snap represents the coldest air mass the region will experience until next fall, with northern counties facing the greatest risk of freezing conditions. Residents with sensitive plants, vegetables, flowers, outdoor pets, and livestock are advised to take protective measures ahead of the brief but serious freeze.

Why it matters

The dramatic temperature swing from warm spring-like weather to near-freezing temperatures in a matter of days poses risks to local agriculture, horticulture, and animal welfare. Preparing for this unexpected cold snap is crucial to safeguarding tender plants, crops, and livestock from potential damage or harm.

The details

Temperatures will plummet from the mid-80s this weekend to the upper 50s by Monday, then plunge to the low 30s overnight Tuesday into Wednesday morning. While this freeze may be brief, it's serious enough that northern counties could see light freeze conditions — the first significant freeze of the season. Residents are advised to take steps to protect sensitive plants, vegetables, flowers, outdoor pets, and livestock ahead of the cold front's arrival on Sunday night.

• Temperatures will drop from the mid-80s this weekend to the upper 50s by Monday.
• The Arctic front will push through Sunday night, sending temperatures tumbling into the 30s by Tuesday morning, March 18.
• The real cold arrives Tuesday morning, St. Patrick's Day, when widespread 30s are expected across the Brazos Valley.

What’s next

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