First True Winter Cold Front Heading to Central Texas
Central Texas residents should prepare for a significant weather shift as a strong cold front barrels toward the region Sunday night into Monday morning. The system will bring the area’s first genuine taste of winter since the winter solstice, with temperatures plummeting and gusty winds making conditions feel even colder.
While Austin experienced temperatures dipping into the 30s just two weeks ago, this approaching front marks a more substantial winter event. Meteorologists are forecasting a sharp temperature drop that could catch unprepared residents off guard, particularly those spending time outdoors or commuting during the early morning hours Monday.
The gusty winds accompanying the front will create dangerous wind chill conditions, making the actual air temperature feel considerably colder. These blustery conditions are expected to persist through Monday, prompting officials to urge residents to dress in layers and limit outdoor exposure during peak wind hours.
In response to the incoming cold snap, the city of Austin may activate its overnight cold weather shelters to provide refuge for the homeless population. These emergency shelters serve as critical lifelines during dangerous temperature drops, offering warm beds, meals, and protection from the elements. City officials typically monitor weather forecasts closely and coordinate with local agencies to ensure vulnerable residents have access to safe shelter when conditions warrant.
Residents are encouraged to take precautions ahead of the front’s arrival. Protect outdoor plants, bring pets indoors, and check on elderly neighbors who may need assistance. Drivers should also be aware that gusty winds can affect vehicle handling, particularly for high-profile vehicles.
This cold front serves as a timely reminder that winter has officially arrived in Central Texas. While the region’s winters are typically mild compared to northern states, these periodic arctic blasts require preparation and awareness. As the system moves through, residents should stay tuned to local weather updates and heed any warnings or advisories issued by the National Weather Service.
MORE ON THE FORECAST FURTHER DOWN THIS POST IN “WEATHER”
A citywide effort to clear homeless encampments and get people to shelters came at a price.
$830,000, to be exact.
“GO Bonds allow cities to borrow money to pay for major community projects, such as streets, libraries, or open spaces. These bonds are repaid using property taxes, allowing improvements to be made without taking money away from important services.” — City of Austin
The City of Austin will be exploring possible bond packages in the new year.
The city of Austin announced Tuesday that it recovered $34.7 million in federal reimbursements related to COVID-19, Winter Storm Uri, Winter Storm Mara and the 2015 floods. (Austin American-Statesman)
During the pandemic, counties, cities and states got large chunks of money from the federal government to help meet immediate community needs. Travis County received $247 million in those funds, which are called American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars.
Shoplifting in Austin is skyrocketing
Shoplifting in Austin is surging.
— Austin Justice (@AustinJustice) December 25, 2025
APD data shows shoplifting reports are up 54% since 2022. This year alone, police logged 2,452 cases by the end of Nov, already topping all of last year.
Small businesses are feeling it too. Shops on South Congress are posting warning signs,… https://t.co/R4dLQ82e4t
Three people who abandoned an 11-month-old child in a vehicle while they bar hopped on 6th Street have been identified.
Austin Energy is aiming to improve electricity. A new 1500-foot utility pole was installed last week but it was a tricky operation.
CapMetro will end day pass sales in 2026 in favor of reloadable cards, apps and QR codes. The shift mirrors a national trend — and raises equity concerns for cash riders. (Austin American-Statesman)
Drivers who use US 183 will soon have the express lanes opened between Austin and Cedar Park.
Move over hot beam summer, it's bridge-mas! 🌉🎄
— TxDOT Austin (@TxDOTAustin) December 23, 2025
We're dreaming of a wide bridge deck and decking the bridges with beams of concrete.#txdot #bridge #austin #holidays pic.twitter.com/EXgahck3PK
Travis County leaders are still looking for the owners of the vehicles swept away in the July 4th floods. (FOX 7 Austin)
Applications another round of the Travis County CARES Flood Relief Fund are open until January 31st at 5 p.m. for residents impacted by the July 2025 floods, offering financial assistance for damages, with online applications available via the Central Texas Community Foundation website. You can apply here.
Thousands of gallons of wastewater spilled into a tributary of Gilliland Creek in Pflugerville earlier this week, killing fish in the area, according to Austin Water.
WEATHER
THURSDAY’S HIGH / LOW TEMPERATURES
AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
CAMP MABRY
5-DAY FORECAST / AUSTIN, TEXAS
911 operations are currently disrupted in parts of Gillespie County.
According to the Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office, a fiber line was cut sometime Christmas Day along U.S. Hwy 87.
A San Antonio man allegedly experiencing a mental health crisis was arrested for impersonating a border patrol agent and threatening motorists with a firearm.
Houston police are investigating after a body was reported in Buffalo Bayou on Wednesday, the latest discovery amid heightened scrutiny of unexplained deaths along the city’s waterways. (Houston Chronicle)
In a recent clash over digital rights and parental controls, a Texas law aiming to restrict children’s access to app stores has been halted by a federal judge.
ICE agents have arrested more than 9,100 people in South Texas — nearly one-fifth of all such arrests in the entire state since Donald Trump took office.
Without enough workers, construction has slowed, sending a ripple effect throughout the economy. Economists suggest that this will drive housing costs up — even as Texas officials focus on bringing such costs down. (Texas Public Radio)
Four people were found dead in a home in Terrell on Christmas Eve.
Bexar County authorities made an arrest Wednesday in a murder case. BCSO deputies responded to a call early Wednesday morning for a shooting that left a 42-year-old man dead. (KSAT-TV)
Houston authorities are searching for 44yr old Jose Aaron Henriquez, who is considered armed and dangerous. Henriquez is wanted for murder and DWI with a child under 15.
Attorney Keith Jackson is pressing for accountability after Brazos County Attorney Earl Gray declined to pursue charges against a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper involved in an incident with South Carolina football players.
Last week, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an online complaint form for people to report potential violations of Senate Bill 8, which is called the “Texas Women’s Privacy Act.”
Texas has to pay over $1 million to a law firm after trying to force book vendors to review and rate books for sexual content before selling them to public schools.
Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock asked if his office should reject schools that are affiliated with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) or that are affiliated with the Chinese government.
A new $37 million dollar Costco is taking shape in New Braunfels. (My San Antonio)
‘Twas a year of high highs and low lows for Texas progressive types, and as we roll through the holidays and steel ourselves for what looks like exciting prospects in the midterm year of 2026, we look back on both the Texans that gave us hope – and the Texans who gave us heartburn – in the 2025 rundown of the five best and five worst Texans of the year.
Just a few weeks ago, the editors and producers of the Texas Standard made out their lists and checked them twice, picking out stories from the past year that filled them with a certain sense of uplift – something that can at times seem so elusive.
In the spirit of the season, we’re sharing some of these feel-good stories with you on a special edition of the Texas Standard.
(Episode from December 25, 2025)
SPORTS
NBA: De’Aaron Fox scored 29 points, and the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 117-102 on Thursday for their third win over the defending NBA champs in the past two weeks. The Spurs also defeated the Thunder in an NBA Cup semifinal on Dec. 13 and in San Antonio on Tuesday. The teams meet again on Jan. 13 in Oklahoma City. (Yahoo! Sports)
Amen Thompson scored 26 points to lead six players in double figures and the Houston Rockets never trailed in beating Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers 117-96 on Thursday night.
Kevin Durant added 25 points and nine assists for the Rockets, who ended a two-game skid while improving to 7-7 on the road. (Yahoo! Sports)
Stephen Curry scored 23 points and knocked down a key 3-pointer with 3:45 left to help seal it, Jimmy Butler added 14 points, nine assists and nine rebounds, and the Golden State Warriors beat the Dallas Mavericks 126-116 on Thursday. (Yahoo! Sports)
San Antonio, Houston and Dallas have the day off today but are all back on the courts tomorrow.
STANDINGS
NFL: Dak Prescott threw for 307 yards and two touchdowns, and the Dallas Cowboys blew most of an 18-point lead before squeezing past the Washington Commanders 30-23 Thursday. (Yahoo! Sports)
PODCAST
The Houston Astros land pitcher Mike Burrows in a three-team deal with the Pirates, continuing a trend of low-risk pitching bets. Jason Bristol and Jeremy Booth break down what the trade says about Houston’s current trade capital, then zoom out to a bigger picture conversation: Is MLB intentionally shifting player development costs to college baseball?
In this episode of Texas Country Reporter, explore three West Texas stories rooted in creativity, small-town revival, and the people who bring these communities to life. Visits to Beaumont and Sanderson.
