Freeze Warning Issued: Central Texas Counties Face Icy Temperatures

URGENT UPDATE: The National Weather Service has just issued a freeze warning for Williamson and Burnet counties, with temperatures dropping as low as 29 degrees expected overnight. The warning is in effect for the early morning hours of Tuesday, specifically between 3 a.m. and 8 a.m.

This sudden cold snap follows an unexpected weekend shift in temperatures, where Central Texas experienced highs near 80 degrees on Saturday, only to plummet by 25 degrees by Sunday. Conditions on Monday turned cold and drizzly, and a fresh surge of cold air is now set to sweep through the area tonight.

Meteorologists from the Austin/San Antonio bureau of the National Weather Service warn that a slight north wind combined with clearer skies will likely drive temperatures below freezing in some regions, particularly in the Hill Country and areas north of Austin. “High-resolution models indicate that freezing temperatures will primarily occur between 3 a.m. and 8 a.m.,” they stated.

Areas likely to experience the coldest temperatures include the Llano River valley, and towns such as Briggs and Bertram in northeastern Burnet County, along with Andice in northwestern Williamson County. This event coincides with the onset of Meteorological Winter, a three-month period used by climatologists for record-keeping.

There is also potential for a Freeze Warning to be issued for Blanco and Kerr counties if confidence in freezing conditions increases tonight. It’s important to note that both Gillespie and Llano counties have already recorded widespread freezing temperatures last month, so they are excluded from this warning.

While Austin-Bergstrom International Airport recorded a low of 31 degrees on November 11, downtown Austin only reached 40 degrees, indicating that the city has yet to experience a widespread freeze this season. Historically, Austin’s first freeze typically occurs around November 29, so residents are already a few days behind schedule.

After the cold snap on Tuesday morning, temperatures are expected to remain above freezing for the rest of the week. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to protect sensitive plants and pets from the impending cold.

Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.