Today is the Winter Solstice, so we know the question on your mind, Fort Worthians — when’s it going to get cold? Thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, we know what temperatures and precipitation trends to expect in our city for the rest of December, January, and February.
While exact weather conditions typically can’t be predicted more than a week in advance, here’s a seasonal outlook to help you prepare for what winter will bring.
Reminder: Winter technically runs from today, Dec. 21-Monday, March 20, 2023.
Areas across the southern and eastern states are expected to experience a warmer and dryer winter.
Map courtsey of NOAA
🌡️ Temperature
This week is a bit of an anomaly with freezing temperatures and an expected windchill of 1-2°. However, for the next few months, think warm. This winter, Fort Worth has a 33-40% chance of temperatures being higher than normal.
🌨️ Precipitation
Expect slightly less precipitation. Fort Worth has a 33-50% chance of seeing below-normal snow and rainfall amount this winter.
Cool temps won’t keep us from enjoying Sundance Square.
Photo by @ftwtoday
December Data
Typically in Fort Worth, December’s temperatures fluctuate between an average low of 41.4° and an average high of 56.1° but expect to see more of those near-60° days this year. Pro tip: December has the least sunshine of the year with an average of 5.7 hours a day, so grab your sunshine break when you can.
Jump into January
In January, the average high and low temps are between 55.4° + 38.7°, the coldest month of the year. There is an average of fewer than six days of rainfall, so plan for cool, clear days, perfect for strolling through Trinity Park with a hot coffee from Ampersand in hand. Maybe head to Glen Rose for a hike in Dinosaur Valley.
February’s Forecast
Historically, average highs in February warm a few degrees to 58.6°, with an average low of 42.3°. Yet, it’s also the month most likely to see snowfall — averaging 0.79 in — but with a greater chance of high temps this year, that might not happen.
