Houston, January 29, 2026
Houston is preparing for a significant cold snap this weekend as weather officials have issued an Hourly Weather Impact Alert for a hard freeze. Residents can expect prolonged freezing temperatures, with the potential for ice and strong winds. This weather event forms part of a larger system affecting the Midwest and Eastern U.S. Historical instances of severe cold weather, such as the 2021 Valentine’s Week Winter Outbreak, have caused hazardous conditions previously. Residents should stay informed and prepared for the expected impacts.
Houston Braces for Hard Freeze This Weekend
Houston is preparing for a significant cold snap as weather officials have issued an Hourly Weather Impact Alert for a hard freeze targeting the city this weekend. Prolonged freezing temperatures are expected across the region.
Impact and Timeline
The alert indicates that a timeline of freezing conditions is anticipated for Houston. This weather event is part of a larger system, with another Arctic blast surging south across the northern Plains, and expected to cross the Midwest and bring extreme cold to the Eastern U.S..
A winter storm watch has been issued for parts of Southeast Texas, including the Brazos Valley and Piney, where prolonged freezing temperatures and hard freezes are possible. The upcoming weekend is identified as the highest impact period for these conditions. Residents in Greater Houston should also be prepared for potential ice and freezing conditions from the winter storm, coupled with strong winds.
Historical Context
The region has experienced severe cold weather events in the past. For instance, the Valentine’s Week Winter Outbreak in 2021 brought snow, ice, and record cold, leading to both a Hard Freeze Warning and a Wind Chill Warning. This previous event also resulted in hazardous road conditions. Additionally, a Southwest Cold Weather Event in 2011 led to significant outages and curtailments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the main weather alert issued for Houston?
A1: Weather officials have issued an Hourly Weather Impact Alert for a hard freeze targeting Houston this weekend.
Q2: When is the highest impact period for the freezing conditions?
A2: The upcoming weekend is identified as the highest impact period for these conditions.
Q3: Which other regions in Texas are affected by a winter storm watch?
A3: A winter storm watch has been issued for parts of Southeast Texas, including the Brazos Valley and Piney, where prolonged freezing temperatures and hard freezes are possible.
Q4: What additional hazards are expected in Greater Houston?
A4: Residents in Greater Houston should be prepared for potential ice and freezing conditions from the winter storm, coupled with strong winds.
Q5: Has Houston experienced similar severe cold weather events recently?
A5: Yes, the Valentine’s Week Winter Outbreak in 2021 brought snow, ice, and record cold, leading to both a Hard Freeze Warning and a Wind Chill Warning.
Key Features of the Winter Weather Event
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Main Alert | Hourly Weather Impact Alert issued for a hard freeze. | Houston |
| Targeted Period | This weekend (highest impact period). | Houston / Southeast Texas |
| Expected Temperatures | Prolonged freezing temperatures, hard freezes possible. | Houston / Southeast Texas |
| Additional Hazards | Strong winds, potential ice. | Greater Houston |
| Origin of Cold Air | Arctic blast surging south across northern Plains, Midwest. | Nationwide / Eastern U.S. |
| Winter Storm Watch | Issued for parts of Southeast Texas (Brazos Valley, Piney). | State-level (Southeast Texas) |
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Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
