Coldest 'Snap' So Far This Year Expected to Arrive Sunday
For anyone who might have forgotten what winter feels like, a polar front is set to arrive late this weekend to cold “snap” them out of it.
“We’re talking low temperatures in the 10- to 15-degree range this Sunday (Jan. 14) through Tuesday (Jan. 16),” said Kerr County Emergency Management Coordinator William B. “Dub” Thomas.
Daytime temperatures will warm into the 30s and 40s, but with low temperatures in that range, pipes and other things are at risk for freezing and possible damage.
“The Austin/San Antonio National Weather Service forecast office said it is too soon to predict if there will be any precipitation with the front, but citizens need to be aware that the low temperatures will dip into the hard freeze range so that they can make the most of this mild weather week to prepare,” Thomas said.
The NWS forecasters stated that this Thursday afternoon could see temperatures warm up into the 70s or near the 80-degree range with mostly clear skies – offering residents a perfect opportunity to take care of cold-weather preparations.
The next low pressure system is set to arrive by Friday, bringing with it, once again, gusty winds of 25- to 35 miles per hour, the NWS said. The winds will die down by Saturday morning and temperatures will be in the upper 20s to lower 30s for lows reaching 60s on Saturday afternoon.
But then the strongest front of the season will move into Kerr County and across the Texas Hill Country by Sunday evening, dropping temperatures quickly into the 20s and 30s.
Residents and their guests should take every precaution possible to make sure their pipes are wrapped, cold-sensitive plants are brought indoors and pets are also brought into sheltered areas.
“Keep some water in gallon or 5-gallon containers. If your pipes freeze up, then you’ll still have some water for drinking and flushing toilets,” Thomas said.
“Also, if you use space heaters, please use them with caution at all times. Don’t leave anything flammable within three feet of space heaters,” he added. “If you think you might be low on natural gas or propane for your home, then get it now in advance.”
Additionally, put a blanket or two, a flashlight with fresh batteries and some drinking water in your vehicles. “If your car breaks down somewhere, then those supplies will come in handy if you have to wait for help,” Thomas added.
More details on the cold front will be posted later this week when weather models are updated.