Bundle Up Houston: Arctic Blast Brings Dangerous Wind Chills and Hard Freeze Warnings

Arctic Front Grips the Bayou City

Houstonians are waking up to some of the coldest air of the season as a powerful Arctic front has officially taken hold of Southeast Texas. For Monday, January 26, 2026, the National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning that remains in effect until noon Tuesday. Residents are urged to take immediate precautions to protect the 'four Ps': people, pets, plants, and pipes.

Morning: A Bitterly Cold Start

The morning hours are particularly dangerous, with actual air temperatures hovering in the low 20s across most of the metro area and dipping into the teens in the northern suburbs like Conroe and The Woodlands. However, the real story is the wind chill. With northerly winds sustained at 10 to 20 mph and gusts reaching up to 30 mph, the "feels like" temperatures are plummeting to the single digits and even zero in some outlying areas. Commuters should be wary of lingering icy patches on elevated surfaces and overpasses left over from weekend precipitation.

Afternoon: Sunshine with Little Warmth

While the heavy cloud cover is expected to break by midday, the return of the sun will do little to move the mercury. Afternoon highs are forecast to struggle, barely reaching the upper 30s—likely peaking around 37°F to 38°F. This is significantly below the seasonal average for late January. Despite the clear skies, the steady northerly breeze will maintain a persistent chill, making any outdoor activities uncomfortable without heavy winter gear.

Evening and Overnight: The Hard Freeze Returns

As the sun sets, temperatures will drop rapidly back below the freezing mark. By late evening, Houston will once again settle into a hard freeze. This second night of sub-freezing temperatures increases the risk of burst pipes, particularly for homes with exposed plumbing. Overnight lows are expected to hit 25°F in the city and lower in rural areas.

Current Warnings and Advisories

• Extreme Cold Warning: Active through Tuesday at 12:00 PM for all of Southeast Texas.
• Hard Freeze Warning: In effect for the entire Greater Houston area overnight.
• Small Craft Advisory: Active for Galveston Bay and nearshore waters due to high winds and rough seas.

Local officials and meteorologists recommend checking on elderly neighbors and ensuring that all outdoor pets have been brought inside to a warm environment. Warming centers across the city, including those at various community centers, remain open for those in need of shelter from the elements.