Meteorologists forecast that temperatures in the Houston area will drop to near freezing over the holiday weekend as a cold air mass moves into Southeast Texas, according to Houston Public Media.
Weather officials report that the cooler conditions will begin to develop late this week and will persist through the weekend across the greater Houston region.
Forecasters state that overnight lows in some parts of the Houston area may approach 32 degrees Fahrenheit, especially in outlying and northern communities.
The National Weather Service and local meteorologists monitor the potential for light frost and icy conditions in typically colder spots around the metro area.
Local authorities and weather agencies advise residents to protect sensitive plants, pets, and exposed pipes if temperatures fall to or below freezing.
Event organizers for Houston’s Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Parade confirm that they expect temperatures to moderate by Monday.
Weather models indicate that a warming trend will likely begin late Sunday into Monday, raising daytime temperatures in time for the scheduled MLK events.
Transportation officials plan to watch road conditions through the coldest period of the weekend, although forecasters do not currently project widespread winter precipitation in the Houston area.
Utilities and emergency management personnel remain on alert for any localized issues related to the brief cold spell, including increased energy demand for heating.
School districts and municipal offices that plan to observe the holiday on Monday anticipate normal operations as temperatures rebound.