Here’s what cold temperatures will be like in the Corpus Christi area and how to prepare

The coldest air of the season will arrive in the Coastal Bay Sunday night.

The National Weather Service in Corpus Christi reports that a strong cold front will move through the area, bringing a 5 to 15 percent chance of ice to the Corpus Christi area.

The weather service said it remains uncertain how low temperatures will drop in South Texas “as the force of the coldest air will remain to our northeast.”

Forecasts from the National Weather Service in Corpus Christi report overlapping cold air and precipitation, raising concerns about cold weather.

What are the predictions for this week?

The “component” of winter precipitation is possible, with a window from Wednesday morning to Friday morning (Jan. 10), but as of Friday, the likelihood is low.

Sunday night, the cold weather will start around 38 degrees with wind gusts as high as 26 mph.

The high on Monday will be around 54 and the low will be around 33.

There is a 20 to 30 percent chance of showers in the 30s and 40s Wednesday and Thursday.

Starting Sunday, January 12, temperatures will rise to around 65 degrees.

How to prepare for possible winter weather

Make sure you have the following items:

• Flashlight and spare batteries

• Non-perishable foods such as dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, and other foods that do not require cooking or refrigeration

• Baby products, including diapers and formula

• Emergency heat sources, such as fireplaces, wood stoves, or space heaters, with adequate ventilation to prevent fires

How do wind chill temperatures affect my body?

As the wind increases, it absorbs heat from the body, lowering skin temperature and ultimately internal body temperature.

Wind chill temperature refers to how cold humans and animals feel when outdoors. Therefore, the wind makes it feel much colder than it actually is.

For example, if the temperature is 0 degrees and the wind is 15 mph, the wind chill is -19 degrees. In these wind-chill temperatures, exposed skin can freeze within 30 minutes.

Should I warm up my car before driving?

Many people believe that running the engine for a few minutes before driving can improve performance. AAA says this is a common myth.

AAA says drivers should start the engine and only allow the engine to idle while wearing a seat belt. This will ensure that the lubricant reaches all important parts of the engine.

Be sure to drive the car normally and avoid sudden acceleration to allow the engine to reach higher temperatures faster.

What if my power goes out?

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which operates the Texas power grid, said on its website that it “expects there will be sufficient generation to meet customer demand this winter.”

If your home has a power outage and it appears only your residence is affected, check the circuit breaker for a possible blown fuse or tripped circuit. If power is still out, please report the outage online at aeptexas.com/outages or call 866-223-8508.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency or life-threatening situation, do not wait for power to be restored. Please call 911 immediately for assistance.

Do not open the refrigerator or freezer to ensure food stays cold.

Wear clothing to maintain body temperature and cover yourself with a blanket. Use the darkest blanket to hang in a window to absorb more of the sun’s heat.

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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Please contact him at john.oliva@caller.com or Bluesky @johnpoliva.bsky.social.

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This article originally appeared in the Corpus Christi Caller-Times: A powerful cold front will hit Corpus Christi now