Dramatic Cold Front Brings Gusty Winds and Plunging Temperatures to Central Texas
Central Texas residents are bracing for a significant weather shift as a powerful cold front moves through the region, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Wind Advisory from Sunday evening at 6 PM through noon today.
The dramatic weather change is bringing sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts potentially reaching 45 mph, creating hazardous conditions for those with outdoor plans or travel scheduled for this morning.
The temperature drop accompanying this cold front is nothing short of remarkable. Many areas are experiencing a 30- to 40-degree plunge in temperatures overnight, transforming the mild late December weather into a decidedly wintry scene. Austin residents who enjoyed upper 70s to low 80s on Sunday will wake Monday morning to temperatures in the upper 30s to low 40s, with wind chill values falling into the 20s and low 30s due to the persistent northerly winds. This sharp shift marks the coldest air of the season so far for many communities across the region.
Local officials are urging residents to take precautions ahead of the strong winds. Gusty conditions may blow around unsecured objects, and small tree limbs could be knocked down, potentially resulting in scattered power outages. High-profile vehicles should exercise extra caution on area roadways, and anyone with lightweight outdoor furniture, trash cans, or holiday decorations should secure them before the winds pick up. The good news for those with New Year’s Eve plans is that this cold snap will be short-lived, with temperatures rebounding to around 60 degrees by New Year’s Eve and near 70 on New Year’s Day.
MORE ON THE FORECAST FURTHER DOWN THIS POST IN “WEATHER”
Travis County and Mustang Ridge authorities responded to a crash early this morning.
In San Marcos, eastbound Highway 80 at River Road, heading toward Martindale, is back open after a major crash Sunday night.
A woman is dead after a driver drove the wrong way and crashed on US 183 near the airport on Sunday morning.
APD says that officers responded to reports of a wrong-way driver going south in the northbound lanes on US 183 near McCall Lane in southeast Austin.
Also on Sunday, an APD cruiser was involved in a crash on 183.
Several Austin businesses are asking the city to consider bicyclists as they work through new designs for 6th Street.
Meanwhile, Austin’s Get Home Safely program highlights safe, affordable ways to get around the city and how, with a little planning, you can enjoy your New Year’s Eve night out without worrying about paying a potential parking ticket.
ICE activity was reported in a couple of areas in the ATX Sunday.
An area woman’s recent arrest for shoplifting at a local Target store brought her lengthy criminal past to light and questions as to why she is allowed to continually commit crimes.
AUSTIN WOMAN caught stealing over 100 items from Target, just days after stealing a car and driving around with meth and crack.
— Austin Justice (@AustinJustice) December 29, 2025
Sarah Witek's summer 2025:
• July 10: Arrested with meth, crack cocaine, and a stolen car. Both drug felonies rejected by DA. Plea deal for car theft… pic.twitter.com/l9G5ghsBSr
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport experienced a significant surge in travelers over the weekend. (CBS Austin)
The Vandergrift High School Legacies dance team is packing their bags and heading to the UK to take part in London’s annual New Year’s Day parade. (FOX 7 Austin)
PODCAST
With Texas being the home to several major U.S. cities, which one is actually the best? Our colleagues over at City Cast Houston, host Raheel Ramzanali and executive producer Laura Isensee, join City Cast Austin host Nikki DaVaughn and producer Elissa Castles to get to the bottom of it. Between entertainment, food, affordability, and outdoor space, does Austin have what it takes to win?
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Travis County Judge Andy Brown say their winter weather plans include minimizing power outages, keeping roads safe and opening places for people to stay warm during the day and overnight. (KUT 90.5)
WEATHER
SUNDAY’S HIGH / LOW TEMPERATURES
AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
CAMP MABRY
PRECIPITATION
Austin is 1.61 inches of precipitation below normal for December and 10.68 inches below normal for the year.
…WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON
CST MONDAY…
* WHAT…North winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected
following the passage of a cold front.
* WHERE…Across of south central Texas.
* WHEN…From 6 PM Sunday to noon CST Monday.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Small
tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high
profile vehicles. Use extra caution.
Secure outdoor objects.
5-DAY FORECAST /AUSTIN, TEXAS
LAKE TRAVIS WEATHER TIMELAPSE
What some experts are calling a “sleeper race” may end up being one of the most impactful. (CBS Austin)
Senate Bill 38 takes effect January 1 to streamline Texas evictions by allowing landlords to seek summary judgments without a trial in certain cases. The law requires tenants to swear under penalty of perjury that appeals are made in good faith while also authorizing electronic delivery of eviction notices. Critics warn the faster process could worsen homelessness and confuse renters, while proponents say it protects property owners from squatters and non-payment. (FOX 7 Austin)
I signed a law making it easier to remove squatters from your property.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) December 29, 2025
It takes effect January 1st.
It's a new property rights law that improves land landowners' rights.https://t.co/zxmzTLPg7u
In the Rio Grande Valley, 98% of ACA enrollees received an advanced premium tax credit that lowered their monthly payments. Those subsidies will decrease January 1. (Texas Tribune)
When looking at some of the largest mass layoffs that hit several Texas metros in 2025, Dallas and Houston took the biggest job market punches.
In the biggest blow, Tyson Foods – a major mass producer of food including brands like Tyson, Hillshire Farm, Jimmy Dean and Sara Lee – announced it’ll be ceasing its B-shift hours at its plant in Amarillo. In all, 1,761 employees will be forced to join the unemployment line by January 20. (My San Antonio)
A year after a deadly train collision in Pecos, resident and local government officials said they remain vulnerable to more crashes and deaths. (Texas Reporter)
A new Texas law is boosting businesses that help patients seeking medical marijuana. As demand grows, Dylan McKim looks at the impact of changes to the compassionate use program, and how it’s helping some people have an easier time filling their prescriptions.
A West Texas mountain could play an important role in our country’s national security. Ali Bradley explores the importance of the rare Earth minerals hidden beneath the surface, that could hold the key to producing everything from smart phones to fighter jets.
A girl who died after a long battle with cancer is now inspiring action in Washington. Congressman Michael McCaul discusses new legislation pending on Capitol Hill that could save young lives.
State lawmakers approved millions of dollars to help save the Battleship Texas. Now there’s new progress in the restoration process. Daryl Matthews takes us on board to get a closer look at the work to save this historic ship.
(Episode from December 28, 2025)
Roy Orbison was a West Texas boy with an operatic voice. He was drawn to the guitar at age six. His monumental global career successes were matched by extraordinary personal tragedies. Jeff Slate is the co-author of the book The Authorized Roy Orbison.
(Episode from December 28, 2025)
A former Webb County corrections officer was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for sexually assaulting two women in his custody. (FOX 7 Austin)
Harris County authorities uncovered a large cockfighting ring in Crosby.
A Saturday afternoon shooting in McAllen has left Eddy Betancourt, a Mission businessman and member of the Hidalgo County Appraisal District Board of Directors, dead.
Officials are investigating a close call at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.
Troy Bolin has been on Texas’s “Ten Most Wanted” list for 20 years. Law enforcement is still looking for him.
The search for clues in Bexar County into the disappearance of 19-year-old Camila Olmos continues.
SPORTS
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: The Texas Longhorns continue preparations for Wednesday’s Citrus Bowl.
Another day of work 💪 pic.twitter.com/xtvymHn2JF
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 28, 2025
Texas Football Deals w/ More Roster Shakeup | LIVE | 12/29/25
A quiet day for Texas sports Sunday. No games of note in the NFL, NBA, NHL or NCAA for any team in the state, but action resumes today.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL: In the Top 25, No. 8 Houston hosts MTSU.
In the SEC, the Aggies of Texas A&M host Prairie View A&M.
NBA: San Antonio, Houston and Dallas are on the schedule tonight.
Texans Playoff ALERT: The Scary Truth About Our Road to the Super Bowl
Wonders of Texas | The Hidden Places No One Talks About!
