When will Texas get its first freeze? Here's what the Farmers' Almanac predicts

As the first cold fronts of the season sweep through Texas, it's finally beginning to feel like fall in some portions of Texas. After an unusually hot end to summer , which prompted the state's power grid to reach record-high demand , many Texas are more than ready for a cooldown.

As we reach the middle of autumn, winter is just on the horizon. What's in store for Texas as winter approaches, and when will the first freeze be? Here's what we know.

What does the Farmers' Almanac say about winter 2024-25?

The Farmers' Almanac predicts a mild, dry winter for the majority of Texas. However, far West Texas can expect "cool, wet" conditions. And those in the Panhandle might experience slightly colder temperatures than normal and near- to above-normal snowfall. Texans within the "cold" zone can expect the coldest periods in early and mid-January and early to late February.

"This winter, temperatures will be up and snowfall down throughout most of the United States," the Almanac's editor-in-chief Carol Connare says. "While there will still be plenty of chilly temperatures and snow for most slopes, the high heating costs associated with the season shouldn't hit so hard. We're predicting a temperate, uneventful winter — potentially a welcome reprieve from the extremes of recent years."

What is a La Niña winter?

According to the annual National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's United States winter outlook report from the Climate Prediction Center, La Niña conditions are strongly expected throughout the country. The U.S. has a 74% chance of La Niña conditions, while there is a 40% chance of this being a moderate event.

But what does that mean for Texas?

La Niña typically brings drier and warmer weather conditions to the southeastern portion of the U.S. during the winter, meaning above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation.

for a breakdown by region: NOAA's 2024-2025 winter forecast maps: What does La Niña mean for Texas?

When will Texas see its first freeze?

Due to Texas' size and climate variation, the timing of first freezes fluctuates depending on the region. Here are some dates for when the Farmers' Almanac predicts Texas cities will have their first freezes:

Although the amounts for each type of precipitation — rain, snow and ice — are more difficult to predict, the chances of the Lone Star State seeing another historic snowstorm seem unlikely.

When does winter begin?

The winter season spans from Dec. 21 to March 20.

When was the coldest winter ever in the US?

Because of the size and climate variations throughout the country, there is no obvious year that stands out as having the coldest winter. However, there are a handful of notable candidates:

What was the coldest day in Texas?

The coldest temperature ever recorded in Texas was -23°F in Tulia on Feb. 12, 1899. The record was tied on Feb. 8, 1933 in Seminole, according to the National Weather Service .

How accurate is the Farmers' Almanac?

The Farmers' Almanac is an annual American periodical that has been in continuous publication since 1818, providing long-range weather predictions for the U.S. and Canada. The almanac states that its readers find its predictions to be accurate about 80% to 85% of the time.

It accurately predicted that summer in Texas would be "sizzling" with "soaking showers ." It also said most of the state would see warm temperatures on Labor Day, though those in the southern part of the state would face thunderstorms.

Both of those forecasts have proved true as the state has recorded record-breaking temperatures and has seen flooding several times, including on Labor Day in Central Texas .