Public Health & Safety Notice: Winter Weather Advisories and Vital Resident Alerts
Official Weather Advisory: Hard Freeze and Low Water Warnings
The City of Houston and the National Weather Service have issued a Hard Freeze Warning effective through 9:00 AM this morning, Sunday, February 1, 2026. Residents are urged to continue taking precautions to protect people, pets, plants, and pipes as temperatures in many inland areas have dipped between 19°F and 24°F. Additionally, a Low Water Advisory remains in effect for Galveston Bay and Matagorda Bay until 6:00 PM this evening. Tides are expected to run approximately 2.0 feet below normal levels, creating a high risk for vessel grounding in shallower portions of the bays.
Warming Centers and City Facility Operations
In response to the extreme cold, regional warming centers remain operational to provide a safe refuge for those in need. Locations in Fort Bend County will stay open through the end of the day. Within Houston city limits, officials remind residents that while most municipal offices will resume standard business hours on Monday, certain facilities follow weekend schedules. Notably, as of January 2026, all City of Houston Neighborhood Depositories and Environmental Service Centers are closed on Sundays and Mondays. Residents planning to dispose of heavy trash or recycling should wait until these facilities reopen on Tuesday at 9:00 AM.
Public Health Alert: West Nile Virus and Recall Notices
Harris County Public Health (HCPH) has officially confirmed the first positive mosquito samples of 2026. The West Nile virus (WNV) was identified in mosquito populations within the 77041 and 77032 ZIP codes of North and Northwestern Harris County. Residents in these areas are advised to eliminate standing water around their homes and use EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors. Furthermore, the Houston Health Department continues to monitor a standing recall on ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula. Caregivers are urged to check lot numbers and discontinue use of any affected products immediately to prevent potential health complications.
Upcoming Civic Deadlines: Voter Registration
Houstonians are reminded that tomorrow, Monday, February 2, 2026, is the final day to register to vote for the upcoming March 3 Primary Election. Eligible citizens who have recently moved or changed their names must update their registration by the end of the next business day to participate in the primary. Registration forms can be found at local post offices, libraries, or through the Texas Secretary of State’s website.