Will schools close Friday? North Texas districts and universities are monitoring the inclement weather, as a winter storm is expected to impact the region.

UPDATE, 1/21/2026, 10:00 a.m.: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has activated state emergency response resources ahead of expected winter weather this weekend. As of Wednesday morning, the latest forecasts call for up to 65 consecutive hours of below-freezing temperatures, stretching across Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday.

ERCOT has issued a weather watch ahead of a North Texas winter storm, citing cold temperatures and higher power demand.

ERCOT, which operates the Texas power grid, has issued an advisory for "extreme cold weather" in Texas. TEXAS, USA — The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has issued an advisory for "extreme cold weather" ahead of the expected winter storm in Texas this weekend.

ERCOT has issued a Weather Watch for January 24–27, citing the forecasted below-freezing temperatures, along with the possibility of frozen rain, higher electrical demand, and the potential for lower reserves as the reasons.

Texas emergency officials are preparing for a blast of arctic air expected to impact large parts of the state later this week. Forecasts call for plunging temperatures, possible snow in North Texas, and freezing rain farther south.

Chances are increasing that a winter storm will bring snow, ice, and plunging temperatures to millions across Texas this week.

A major winter storm will move into the Southeast at the start of the weekend, bringing crippling ice and significant snow to millions from Mississippi through Tennessee, Georgia and the Carolinas.