South Texas Braces for Dangerous Early-Morning Cold as Advisory Covers Jim Hogg, Brooks, Kenedy, and Inland Valley Areas
TEXAS — A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect across parts of Deep South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley, where unusually cold overnight temperatures are expected to create hazardous early-morning conditions Sunday, according to the National Weather Service in Brownsville.
The advisory runs from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sunday and includes Jim Hogg, Brooks, and Kenedy counties, along with the northern portion of Hidalgo County and inland areas of Willacy County.
What’s Driving the Cold Advisory
Forecasters say the advisory was issued due to dangerously low “feels-like” temperatures expected to persist for two or more hours, meeting advisory criteria across a significant portion of the affected region.
Cold air settling over South Texas overnight, combined with light winds, will allow temperatures to drop quickly just before sunrise.
Expected Temperatures by Area
According to NWS Brownsville criteria:
- Jim Hogg, Brooks, and Kenedy counties:
Feels-like temperatures between 16° and 25°F - Northern Hidalgo County and inland Willacy County:
Feels-like temperatures between 21° and 30°F
While winds may not be strong, prolonged exposure to these temperatures can still pose a risk of cold-related illness, especially during early-morning hours.
Timing and Peak Impact
- Coldest period: Pre-dawn through mid-morning Sunday
- Advisory window: 4 a.m. – 10 a.m.
- Conditions improve: Late morning as temperatures gradually rise
Even brief outdoor exposure during the coldest hours may be uncomfortable or dangerous for vulnerable populations.
Who Is Most at Risk
- Elderly residents
- Young children
- People without adequate heating
- Outdoor workers and early-morning commuters
- Pets and livestock without shelter
South Texas residents are urged to remember that cold events are less common in this region, increasing the likelihood of unprepared exposure.
Safety Recommendations
Officials advise residents to:
- Dress in layers if heading outdoors
- Limit time outside during early morning hours
- Check on elderly neighbors
- Bring pets indoors
- Protect exposed pipes in inland areas
Why This Advisory Matters
Cold Weather Advisories in the Rio Grande Valley are infrequent, and temperatures in the teens and 20s can stress infrastructure, agriculture, and public health when they occur.
Residents are encouraged to stay alert until temperatures rebound later Sunday.
For continuing weather updates and regional safety coverage, stay connected with ChicagoMusicGuide.com and share this advisory with anyone in the affected South Texas counties who may need time to prepare.