Powerful Cold Front Heading to Houston

See the timeline for the storms, cooler temps, and potential severe weather

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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A powerful cold front is moving into the Houston area this week, bringing a dramatic shift from record-breaking warmth to potentially severe weather, including damaging winds, hail, and heavy rain. The front will arrive on Wednesday, with the greatest risk of strong to severe storms in the Piney Woods region and along and east of the Brazos River.

Why it matters

Houston residents should be prepared for a significant weather event that could impact outdoor activities, travel, and power. The cold front will bring a return to seasonal temperatures after several days of unseasonably warm weather.

The details

The cold front will arrive on Wednesday, March 11, with the first wave of showers and thunderstorms in the morning followed by a more organized line of storms in the afternoon as the front pushes through. The main hazards will be damaging winds, locally heavy rainfall, and hail. Areas east of a Madisonville-Huntsville-Shepherd line are in a slight risk for severe weather, while much of Southeast Texas, along and east of the Brazos River, is under a marginal risk.

  • On Tuesday, March 10, temperatures will reach the low- to mid-80s under mostly cloudy skies, with breezy southerly winds gusting 25–30 mph.
  • On Wednesday, March 11, the cold front will bring the first wave of showers and thunderstorms in the morning, followed by a more organized line of storms in the afternoon.
  • On Wednesday night, March 11, the cold front will continue moving through the Houston area, bringing drier air and northerly winds. Overnight lows will finally drop into the 40s and 50s.
  • On Thursday, March 12, the first true taste of spring weather will arrive, with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s and lows around 50 degrees.

The players

National Weather Service Houston/Galveston

The local office of the National Weather Service that provides weather forecasts and warnings for the Houston metropolitan area.

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What they’re saying

“The good news is that we're expecting most of the fog overnight to be just an issue along the coast… the bad news is it's still going to be warm and muggy everywhere overnight.”

— National Weather Service Houston/Galveston (chron.com)

“There definitely is potential for storms to become strong to severe, especially in the Piney Woods. The main hazards will be damaging winds, locally heavy rainfall, and hail.”

— National Weather Service Houston (chron.com)

What’s next

Residents are advised to stay weather aware and have a way to receive watches and warnings, especially if planning outdoor activities.

The takeaway

Houston residents should prepare for a significant weather event this week, with the potential for severe storms, damaging winds, hail, and heavy rain as a powerful cold front moves through the region. The shift in weather conditions will be dramatic after several days of record-breaking warmth.