Texas is living up to its reputation for dramatic temperature swings. After a cold start this morning across much of the state, a significant warm-up is on the way this afternoon. Many locations will see a 30 to 40 degree climb as dry air, clear skies, and light winds help temperatures rebound.
While our neighbors to the north and east deal with bitter cold and rounds of snow this week, Texas is sitting comfortably between weather systems. No Arctic outbreak, no winter storm, and—aside from patchy fog—no major hazards in the immediate forecast.
Below is a look at what you can expect over the next several days.
No Rain in the Short-Term, But Fog Possible
Texas remains dry today, tonight, and into Wednesday. The only notable issue will be patchy morning fog, especially across:
South Texas
Deep South Texas
Southeast Texas
This fog should dissipate by mid-morning each day. Otherwise, skies stay mostly clear with light and variable winds through midweek.
Wildfire Danger Slowly Increasing
Even though recent rainfall helped improve soil moisture, surface grasses across much of Texas have cured for winter. As temperatures warm and humidity drops during the afternoons, fire danger will increase to moderate levels—especially across:
The Big Country
Portions of West and Central Texas
No critical fire weather is expected yet, but this will be something to monitor as we continue through a very dry pattern.
A Quiet Upper-Air Pattern
Upper-level winds over the next 6–7 days keep most storm systems to our north and east. That means:
Very cold air stays out of Texas
Reinforcing cool fronts arrive occasionally
No significant winter weather threats
Our next potential rain-maker may arrive in 7–8 days as the southern branch of the jet stream tries to become more active. Until then, conditions stay quiet.
Temperatures: Big Swings Continue
Today (Tuesday)
50s across the Ark-La-Tex and far East Texas
60s–70s elsewhere
A very pleasant December day statewide
Wednesday
50s in the Panhandle and West Texas
70s–80s across South and Deep South Texas
60s along and north of I-20
Thursday
Widespread 70s, even in the Panhandle
Above-average warmth for early December
Friday
A cool front drops highs into the 40s–50s in the Panhandle
60s–70s elsewhere
Mid to upper 80s possible again in Deep South Texas
Saturday
Another mild day statewide before Sunday’s weak cool front
Sunday
Cooler air spreads across the northern half of Texas
Highs: 50s north, 60s–70s south
Rain Chances Stay Low
The Weather Prediction Center keeps almost all of Texas dry through early next week. Only the immediate Rio Grande Valley and Gulf Coast may see a few sprinkles over the next 7 days.
Confidence is growing that Texas remains dry for at least a week, with only the smallest chance of showers returning over the weekend.
Looking Ahead
The extended outlook from the Climate Prediction Center continues to favor:
Above-average temperatures December 14–18
Below-average precipitation for most of Texas
Any meaningful rain chances may not arrive until mid-December or later.
Final Thoughts
Texas continues its cold-morning/warm-afternoon routine with no major weather hazards this week. Enjoy the comfortable stretch, keep an eye out for early morning fog, and expect temperatures to stay above average through much of mid-December.
For your latest local forecast, radar, and updates, check the Texas Storm Chasers mobile app.