Texas weather officials are anticipating the early months of 2025 will bring cold temperatures, hard freezes and potentially another winter storm.

What you need to know

Officials from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas announced Dec. 3 that Texans can expect another extreme cold snap this winter similar to Winter Storm Uri in 2021, which brought days of below-freezing temperatures, power loss and nearly 250 deaths.

Houston's electric company, CenterPoint Energy, said they are preparing for the potential future weather by inspecting cold-weather equipment and coordinating emergency plans.

According to a Dec. 12 news release, the company will:
  • Inspect and test all 270 substations to prepare for high demand and cold temperatures
  • Install heaters and devices across the Greater Houston area to prevent ice damage
  • Maintain protection equipment and enclosures for cold-weather critical components
  • Repair any damaged or degraded thermal insulation
  • Conduct emergency training for hundreds of personnel and contractors to respond to the impacts of severe winter weather
Darin Carroll, senior vice president of CenterPoint Energy's Electric Business, said the CenterPoint Texas team is focused on preparing the grid for the impact of potential winter storms.


"Our goal is to be ready to respond to any emergency, even as we build the most resilient and reliable coastal grid in the country that can withstand extreme weather at any time of the year," he said in the news release. "As part of this effort, we are taking actions that will be vital if, or when, a winter storm impacts the energy system."

Also of note

Energy and weather officials are also urging Texans to prepare their homes and cars for the winter season with a few tips:
  • Prepare a winter kit: Have a supply of water and non-perishable food ready; maintain a first aid kit; and include blankets, hand warmers, batteries, flashlights and a portable radio.
  • Test safety equipment: Make sure your space heater has an automatic shut-off and is located at least three feet away from children and pets. Conduct tests to verify CO2 and smoke alarms are working properly.
  • Protect your home: Wrap pipes in insulation, let faucets drip to avoid freezing, open cabinet doors to allow more heat in and know how to shut off water valves.
  • Equip your vehicle: Make sure you have a full tank of gas, a cellphone charger, water, snacks, warm clothes and jumper cables, tow rope and sand or kitty litter.
According to Space City Weather, Houston has potential to see a hard freeze next week as the region is anticipated to get its first Arctic front of the winter. Details are still subject to change, but as of Dec. 31, the temperature is expected to drop into the 30s and possibly even the 20s.