Winter Storm Watch prediction on 1/19/25

NWS Now Predicting Up to 5″ of Snow, Sleet

1/19/25 at 9 AM – This morning, the National Weather Service (NWS) updated its predictions for the Winter Storm Watch and Cold Weather Advisory issued yesterday. The possible accumulations of snow increased from 3″ to 5″ with ice accumulations of around one tenth of an inch also possible.

Banding will lead to a disparity in snow totals. Some areas could receive less than 5″ and some could receive more. Exact locations of heavy snow bands are uncertain. Monitor the latest NWS forecasts for updates.

Wind gusts will be as high as 35 MPH for large portions of southeast Texas from Monday evening through Tuesday afternoon.

From NWS on Sunday Jan. 19 at 8 AM.

Timing of Precipitation

From NWS Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 8 AM

Plan on dangerous road conditions that will impact commutes.

Bitter Cold to Follow Snow

Bitter cold will follow the snow and ice. Tuesday night, NWS predicts temperatures will drop to 18º F at Bush Intercontinental Airport and barely reach above freezing on Wednesday. So, the snow and ice may not have time to melt before they refreeze.

Wind chills could drop to the single digits by Wednesday morning in some areas.

Gusty northerly winds today through Tuesday will result in wind chills in the 10’s and 20’s…so you’ll need layers if going outside.

How Cold Near You?

Many areas will fall below freezing on Monday evening and potentially remain below freezing into Wednesday afternoon. During that period, temperatures may only warm a few degrees above freezing. Sub-freezing temps could still around for 36-45 hours.

Monday AM Forecasted Low Temperatures: 

  • North of HWY 105: 22-26
  • North of I-10: 25-29
  • Houston metro (inside Beltway): 27-29
  • Coastal Counties: 28-31
  • Beaches/Galveston: 31-34

Tuesday AM Forecasted Low Temperatures:

  • North of HWY 105: 24-26
  • North of I-10: 25-28
  • Houston metro (inside Beltway): 27-29
  • Coastal Counties: 27-30
  • Beaches/Galveston: 30-32

Wednesday AM Forecasted Low Temperatures: 

  • North of HWY 105: 14-17
  • North of I-10: 15-18
  • Houston metro (inside Beltway): 17-19
  • Coastal Counties: 19-22
  • Beaches/Galveston: 28-30

Precautions include Pipe Protection

Maximum preparations and precautions for sub-freezing conditions for many hours should be completed today. Failure to complete proper precautions may result in significant damage to vegetation and infrastructure.  

  • Protect sensitive vegetation.
  • Protect any exposed outdoor pipes (sprinkler systems should be shut off and properly drained). Pipes in attics and along exterior walls of structures could freeze at these levels.
  • Prepare proper shelter and warmth for animals and livestock and make sure water sources are not frozen.
  • Persons should limit outside exposure to a minimum.
Cold weather safety from NWS

Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/19/25

2700 Days since Hurricane Harvey