An arctic air mass invaded the area Wednesday night ushering in the coldest temperatures so far this winter. The arctic front entered the Big Country late Wednesday then surged south across the remainder of the area. Strong north winds will develop behind the front with temperatures falling into the low to mid 20s by daybreak Thursday. The strong winds in combination with the cold temperatures will result in wind chill indices lowering into the single digits and low teens during the morning hours. In addition to the cold temperatures, some light freezing drizzle or snow flurries may develop behind the front through early morning. No accumulation is expected but some patchy slick spots may develop on area roadways.

An extended period of very cold temperatures will occur across west central Texas into Saturday morning with overnight lows dropping into the lower and mid teens both Thursday night and Friday night. The subfreezing temperatures will pose a danger to livestock and pets, and result in the freezing of unprotected pipes. Plan now to protect water pipes, livestock, domestic animals and remember to check on the elderly.

The arctic air mass will shift east on Saturday with temperatures warming into the lower 50s by Sunday.