By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
Residents of Val Verde County should begin preparing today for several days of bitingly cold temperatures expected to descend on the region this week.
According to the National Weather Service extended forecast for Del Rio, temperatures tonight are expected to dip into the mid-30s, with highs Monday forecast to be in the mid-50s.
The National Weather Service is forecasting a clear night Monday, with low temperatures falling to below freezing, to 31 degrees. Tuesday will be sunny, with a high in the low 50s.
The low temperature on Tuesday night is again expected to drop to 33 degrees, with clouds moving into the region Wednesday, and the high temperature Wednesday expected to reach only 44 degrees.
The National Weather Service is calling for a “30 percent chance of snow showers, mainly after midnight,” on Wednesday night, with a low temperature again forecast to be 33 degrees.
On Thursday, the NWS predicts, “A chance of rain and snow showers before noon, then a chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45.”
The low Thursday night is forecast to be in the mid 30s.
The 830 Times reached out to local meteorologist Dan Schreiber for his take on the expected cold weather.
Here’s what he had to say:
“A cold front is in the process of coming through the region today. This will lead to slightly breezy winds and elevated fire weather conditions. The cold front today will allow temperatures Monday (tomorrow) morning to be in the 30s, with afternoon highs likely to remain cool in the 50s. As typical with most cold fronts that move through the Del Rio area, the coldest morning will likely be the second morning after, which is Tuesday morning, with lows in the 20s.
“A separate low-pressure system is expected to move into the region during the second half of the week, allowing a strong jet stream (very fast winds near the top of the troposphere) to move overhead, which will assist in creating the chance for either very cold rain or some mix of wintry precipitation at some point during the second half of the week.
“Because of the increased clouds associated with this low-pressure system, temperatures will remain low, likely maximizing in the 40s on Wednesday and possibly Thursday, with lows near or even below freezing on both days. If precipitation falls during the point in which temperatures are at or near freezing, it is possible we could see some snow, freezing rain and/or sleet. Otherwise, it will be mostly if not entirely rain. There is not a strong consensus yet in forecast models.
“Regardless, it is important to stress that this event does not currently appear to be incredibly significant like the February 2021 freeze event. There is a lot of media hype going ongoing, especially for other regions of the country, and while some general caution is advised for south-central Texas, this event does not appear to be an event that is abnormal for the winter season locally,” Schreiber wrote.
The meteorologist added, “As typical during cold spells in Del Rio and surrounding areas, there are a few basic precautions to consider: Dress appropriately for cold weather, provide warmth for your pets, insulate or wrap exposed water pipes and move cold-sensitive plants temporarily indoors.”
Peter Ojeda, communications and marketing director for the city of Del Rio, made the following statement today regarding the expected colder temperatures:
“Emergency management is monitoring the weather and remains in constant communication with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). At this time, we’re not expecting conditions to meet the threshold to activate a warming center, but all resources are in place if needed.”
The writer can be reached at delriomagnoliafan@gmail.com.
