Dallas weather: Record-low temps, below-freezing wind chills, snowflakes fall across DFW

DALLAS – A few snowflakes are flying across North Texas this morning as wind chills drop below zero.

It’s important to layer up and keep faucets dripping through Friday, as temperatures likely won’t climb above freezing until then.

An Extreme Cold Warning is in effect for North Texas from 9 p.m. Tuesday through 9 p.m. Thursday. Wind chills are expected to push temperatures at or below zero.

Wednesday Forecast: Below Zero Wind Chills

Today’s weather will have a little bit of everything… in a Minnesota winter.

Light snowflakes have been spotted in parts of the Metroplex, including Stephenville and Cedar Hill. Temperatures remain in the teens, with 30 mph winds driving wind chills to zero and below.

Skies will be mostly cloudy, but the sun could break through in the afternoon and early evening. Highs will only reach the 20s, with wind chills staying in the teens.

Overnight, temperatures will once again drop into the teens. More lake-effect snowflakes are possible on the south side of the Metroplex later today.

Record-Low Temperature for Feb. 19

The record low for this date is 19 degrees, set in 1939. That record is expected to be broken today.

Live Radar

Thursday Forecast: Temps Stay Below Freezing

Thursday will be mostly sunny, but north winds will keep conditions bitterly cold.

Some areas of the Metroplex may briefly rise above freezing, but most will remain below freezing throughout the day. Northern areas will not warm above 32 degrees at all.

Overnight lows will drop back into the teens under cloudy skies.

7-Day Forecast

Saturday: Chilly, with a chance of freezing rain, especially south of the Metroplex.

Sunday: Morning temperatures rebound into the low 60s as a warming trend begins.

Monday & Tuesday: Mild and dry, with highs in the low to mid-70s.

Extreme Cold Warning

An Extreme Cold Warning is issued when temperatures or wind chills reach dangerously low levels for an extended period.

If you are in an area under this warning:

Avoid going outside if possible.
If you must go out, dress in layers and cover exposed skin.
Let someone know your whereabouts before heading outdoors.

Several shelters have opened up across North Texas to provide warmth to those without a safe place to stay.

The Austin Street Center opened a second shelter at Fair Park’s Grand Place Building this week. That location can accommodate 900 people.

Presbyterian Night Shelter in Fort Worth has also expanded its normal 725-person capacity to 900.

“The focus is to get people inside. We really encourage people to get off the streets and come into the shelter. When it gets this cold it really is life angering and it gets severe. So, we are open and want as many people to come in and seek shelter,” said Toby Owen with the Presbyterian Night Shelter.

The Salvation Army of North Texas also opened six of its overnight warming shelters across three counties. Those shelters will provide warm food and drinks, comprehensive care, and cleanup kits.

For more information, visit www.SalvationArmyNorthTexas.org.