Cold Snap Hits Rio Grande Valley: What to Expect
The Rio Grande Valley is bracing for another round of biting cold temperatures as a significant weather front sweeps through the area. The National Weather Service in Brownsville has issued a freeze warning effective from 9 p.m. Monday until 10 a.m. Tuesday, predicting a return to sub-freezing conditions.
Unseasonably Cold Temperatures
Early Monday morning, thermometers recorded chilling lows across the region, with Brownsville and McAllen plummeting to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, while Harlingen and Raymondville dropped even further to 27 degrees. This sudden chilly trend can be attributed to the arrival of an Arctic front that settled over Deep South Texas over the weekend, bringing the coldest air of the season.
What’s in Store for Tonight?
Forecasters predict that the cold air mass will linger through Monday night, potentially bringing temperatures down to the 20s and low 30s. The NWS reported, "Another round of freezing temperatures is forecast for Monday night into Tuesday morning," urging residents to prepare for another bite from winter.
Wind Chill Advisory
As wind speeds are expected to decrease, conditions along the coast will see some improvement by Monday evening. However, a Small Craft Advisory is still in effect until 9 p.m. Monday, with hazards including a high risk of rip currents and high surf warnings in place until 6 p.m. Monday. The NWS also noted that with reduced wind speeds on Tuesday morning, wind chill values are likely to be slightly warmer than in previous days.
Detailed Temperature Projections
Meteorologists have provided a breakdown of expected highs and lows for key areas on Monday. In Brownsville, the high is anticipated to reach 45°F, dipping to 37°F by 9 p.m. and 33°F by midnight. Harlingen is forecasted to achieve a maximum of 47°F by 3 p.m., falling to 36°F by 9 p.m. and 32°F at midnight. Similarly, McAllen is expected to peak at 49°F by 3 p.m. and drop to 37°F and 33°F as the night approaches.
Additionally, by the early hours of Tuesday, Brownsville could experience a minimum wind chill of 27°F, while Harlingen may see 26°F and McAllen 28°F. Raymondville is expected to reach an actual temperature of 29°F, with a wind chill minimum of 23°F, as reported by the NWS.
Understanding Wind Chill
Wind chill, often described as the "feels like" temperature, is a crucial measure that combines wind speed and actual temperature. This index indicates how quickly heat is lost from exposed skin, making it vital for residents to guard against potential frostbite and hypothermia during these extreme weather conditions.
Long-Term Weather Outlook
Despite predictions of a warmer and drier than normal winter, the latest three-month forecast from NWS underscores the possibility of enduring cold snaps like the one currently gripping the Valley. Meteorologists suggest that there may be at least one more occurrence of an ‘Arctic express’ event between late December and February, with a 30-50 percent chance of a severe freeze or possibly icing in parts of the Valley.
Future Temperature Trends
While temperatures are expected to gradually rise later from Tuesday through Thursday, a brief cooldown is anticipated again, potentially dropping into the high 30s or low 40s during the early mornings of Friday and Saturday.
Summary
Residents in the Rio Grande Valley should prepare for another cold night ahead. With temperatures set to drop into the 20s and warnings in place, it’s essential to take precautions against the cold. Stay informed, dress warmly, and keep an eye on local forecasts as conditions evolve over the coming days.
Related Resources
For additional information on how to stay warm during this extreme weather and resources such as shelters, visit this comprehensive guide.
Stay safe and warm!
