Dallas rolled today with clear skies and a brisk 37°F at Dallas Love Field, but the chill is not spread evenly. Outlying counties are staring down a late-season freeze while gusty north winds make the whole metro feel like someone left the freezer door open. Portions of north-central and northeast Texas sit under a Freeze Warning through 9:00 AM CDT, with sustained north-northwest winds and gusts up to about 30–35 mph expected this morning. Expect frost on exposed lawns, potential damage to unprotected outdoor plumbing, and a good reason to check on those tender plants. Drivers should also watch for slick spots on bridges and overpasses during the morning commute.
Cold Blast and Stubborn Morning Wind
North-northwest winds are hanging on through the morning, generally running 10–25 mph with frequent gusts near 30 mph before gradually easing into the afternoon. Wind chills will sit in the teens and 20s for much of the area, and high-profile vehicles could have a rough go on exposed stretches of highway. According to NWS Fort Worth, the strongest gusts have already backed off from overnight levels, but conditions stay breezy enough to keep the chill in the air.
Protect Your Plants and Your Morning Drive
The Freeze Warning remains in effect until 9:00 AM CDT Monday, March 16, 2026, with areas north of a Goldthwaite-to-Canton line most likely to fall to at or below freezing. The alert notes that “Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing,” so gardeners are urged to cover or bring in tender plants and wrap exposed faucets. Motorists and outdoor workers should brace for a raw, windy start to the day, and keep an eye out for slick spots on elevated surfaces, per the NWS Freeze Warning.
From Freeze to Near 95 in Five Days
Once this cold snap moves out, the pattern flips fast. Southerly return flow will drive a sharp warm-up: highs near 66°F on Tuesday, March 17, 2026; around 78°F on Wednesday, March 18; upper 80s on Thursday, March 19; and low 90s by Friday and Saturday, topping out near 95°F on Saturday, March 21, 2026. That kind of leap could send temperatures toward or even above daily March records at local sites, so it is not a bad idea to plan outdoor events with a close eye on the forecast. As the week goes on, watch humidity and wind as well, since dry, breezy afternoons could raise grass-fire concerns as local fuels dry out.
