Polar Vortex Looks To Send Temperatures Plunging

Polar Vortex Looks To Send Temperatures Plunging

FORNEY - According to weather.com, nighttime temperatures look to drop in the 20s beginning Sunday night, and daytime temperatures will remain in the 40s most of the week.

FORNEY - According to weather.com, nighttime temperatures look to drop in the 20s beginning Sunday night, and daytime temperatures will remain in the 40s most of the week.

A polar vortex is approaching North Texas, and temperatures in Kaufman County are forecast to drop into the 20s on Sunday night.

The chances of a polar vortex have many North Texans thinking back to 2021, and the widespread blackouts sustained due to the electrical grid. While the chances of that are slim in this forecasted polar vortex, it’s still a good idea to make your home winter-ready and ensure you have sufficient supplies and resources.

According to ERCOT’s January 2025 Monthly Outlook for Resource Adequacy (MORA) report, the probability of blackouts with a storm on par with 2021 would be 80%. The report shows that through simulations, there would be calls for conservation during peak usage times, specifically mornings before the solar power can build up.

In a press release earlier this year, ERCOT President and CEO Pablo Vegas said the grid is being updated faster and more significantly than ever.

“As a result of Texas’ continued strong economic growth, new load is being added to the ERCOT system faster and in greater amounts than ever before,” said ERCOT President and CEO Pablo Vegas. “As we develop and implement the tools provided by the prior two legislatures, ERCOT is positioned to better plan for and meet the needs of our incredibly fast-growing state.”

Preparing for cold weather includes having extra bottled water, blankets, and device charging packs. When temperatures dip below freezing, it's also key to ensure that outside faucets are covered and pipes are insulated.