Arctic Front Headed To Central Texas Means Temps In The 40s This Week

AUSTIN, TX — Okay, first up, it's called "winter."

Many Texans, unaccustomed to cold climate, are perennially taken aback with the onset of winter — even though the climate is exponentially more forgiving than in other parts of the country where it really, really gets cold — referencing cold weather as if personally aggrieved with Mother Nature, with palpable umbrage. Such Texans make reference to the sudden cold as if an extraterrestrial invasion had descended on their city, as if the sky were falling or as if it is a sign of the Apocalypse.

They freak out.

So this yields an opportunity to alert that colder weather is in store for the remainder of this week and through the weekend, even after unseasonably higher temperatures enjoyed last week (like Nov. 28, when the high temperature was recorded at 78 degrees).

By late Wednesday night, an arctic front is expected to move through South Central Texas, with much colder conditions occurring Thursday through Friday, according to forecasters at The Weather Network. Across the Hill Country, high temperatures will range from the upper 30s to the low 40s across the region and mid to upper 40s elsewhere.

Oh, and there will be wind. North winds sustained at 15 mph to 25 mph and gusts of up to 35 mph will be experienced across the Hill Country and east of Interstate 35, say forecasters.

"The windy conditions will make it feel much colder during the day on Thursday, with wind chill values in the mid to upper 20s across the Hill Country and mid 30s to around 40 elsewhere," forecasters write.

Sorry, but it gets worse: Across the Hill Country on Thursday night, wind chill values will fall into the upper teens and 20s elsewhere, according to the forecasters at The Weather Network. Many areas in Central Texas will experience a freeze on Thursday night, they add.

"Freezing temperatures across the Hill Country could last nine to 12 hours in some spots Thursday night through Friday morning," forecasters expound. "Across Central Texas and the Austin metro area, freezing could last three to six hours."

Elsewhere, including the San Antonio metro area, freezing temperatures are expected to be brief where they occur, forecasters noted as if twisting the knife just a little bit deeper into the backs of cold-challenged Central Texans.

Here's the day-to-day rundown, provided by The Weather Network:

On Wednesday, Dec. 7, the morning high will be 41 degrees, increasing to 63 degrees by afternoon and 59 degrees by evening, forecasters predict.

Through the remainder of the week, the high temps will still reach the 60s, but often barely (with the exception of this coming Sunday, with a predicted high of 68 degrees). Thursday night will see the lowest of the lows, expected to reach the 32-degree freezing mark by nightfall. Through the remainder of the week, brace yourself for brisk temps in the 40s.

See for yourself in checking the daily forecast by clicking here.

Just make sure to wear a coat, particularly in the evenings, and you should be okay. This too shall pass. If you're truly susceptible to cold weather and/or a hypochondriac at its outset, here's a handy graphic from the folks at the National Weather Service for a self-diagnosis.

And do know that it could be far worse. Freezing rain and snow mixed with rain is expected the Northwest portion of the U.S., making road conditions treacherous.

For as "cold" as you might think it gets here, you'll likely come across that curious subset of the population known as "winter Texans" escaping the harsh climates of their own region to spend the season in the comparatively balmy winter experienced here in Central Texas.

These are typically retirees or business owners with a second home in Texas or owners of RVs. They traipse from place to place — at flea markets, swap meets and whatnot — in an effort to stay busy while escaping the harsh climate of their region in something of a moveable hibernation, if you will.

So just keep the coat handy, and count your blessings. Think of those "winter Texans" hitting the flea market circuit at a frenetic pace before heading home at winter's end and realize, again, that it could be far, far worse.

Here's another handy National Weather Service graphic designed for parents and guardians on how to dress the kiddos depending on the cold weather:

>>> Image courtesy of National Weather Service