CNS –
Weather forecast models are showing an increasing likelihood of snow or ice in North Texas on Thursday and Friday.
While the forecast remains in flux, National Weather Service meteorologists in Fort Worth say models are leaning toward a rain/snow mix over much of North and Central Texas starting Thursday morning and continuing into Friday.
Meanwhile, North Texans awoke Sunday to a ferocious blast of Arctic air with gusty winds to 40 mph. Sunday night and Monday morning will see lows in the 20s or teens, a frigid pattern that will continue all week.
Here’s the latest on what you should know ahead of this week’s winter blast.
What are the chances of snow in Fort Worth?
As of Sunday evening, the National Weather Service said “there is now a 70-80% chance that our entire forecast area observes at least measurable snowfall” Wednesday through Friday morning.
A shift of a few degrees by Thursday could diminish the chances of snow in Fort Worth.
“Again, the forecast at this moment does favor wintry precipitation over North and Central Texas and potentially some larger snowfall accumulations in the Thursday-Friguidance, frame,” the weather service said.
Winter Weather Strikes Again: Snow and Gusty Winds Expected in Arizona This Week
“In the next couple of days, we will start to get some help from additional medium-range model guidance and hopefully we can obtain a clearer vision on how this event will unfold.”
How much snow could Fort Worth and North Texas get?
Heavier snow of 2 to 3 inches could blanket the Interstate 20 and Interstate 30 corridors, the weather service said.
But that will depend on the track of an upper-level low moving into West Texas around Wednesday.
“As you all know, most Texas winter weather events are a game of just a few degrees and radically different outcomes can occur with just slightly colder or slightly warmer temperatures,” the weather service said. “This event will be no different.”
How cold will it be in North Texas this week?
The front that moved into North Texas on Sunday morning will bring the coldest air so far this season during the next few nights, starting Sunday night.
Midweek Weather Alert: Cut-Off Low Brings Snow and Rain to Arizona
Overnight lows will drop into the teens and lower 20s. Wind chills will drop into the single digits and low teens Sunday night. The National Weather Service issued a cold weather advisory for Sunday night into Monday morning.
Monday ’s highs in Fort Worth will be in the 30s or lower 40s with winds of 10 to 15 mph. Tuesday night and Wednesday night could be in the teens along the Red River with highs in the mid-30s to mid-40s.
“It is becoming increasingly likely that a few locations north of I-20 and across the Big Country will struggle to get above freezing on Wednesday,” the weather service warns. “This could put further strain on any vulnerable and unprotected pipes, so prepare accordingly!”
Will Fort Worth schools close for cold, snow or ice?
No announcement has been made by Fort Worth ISD as schools prepare to reopen Tuesday after the Christmas break. After a light snowfall and arctic blast on Martin Luther King Jr. weekend last year, many North Texas school districts closed and cited frigid temperatures.
Fort Worth schools usually start to consider delays or cancellations at least 24 hours in advance of winter weather. Announcements of schedule changes come no later than 5 a.m. on that day.
Are North Texas highways prepared for ice?
If you drove around this weekend, you may have noticed that major highways have been treated, including Interstate 35W and North Texas toll roads.
Texas Department of Transportation said crews applied brine on roads, bridges, and overpasses Friday ahead of the freezing temperatures.