North Texas is finishing in December with unusually warm weather, but a fast-moving Arctic front will arrive by Sunday night. There will be record high temperatures for North Texas.

Temperatures in Dallas will fall from the upper 70s and low 80s down to the 30s and 40s. This big change will affect holiday travel, outdoor activities, and energy use across the area.

Record Heat Across the Region

Late December has brought unusually warm weather to Texas and much of the central U.S., with several cities coming close to or breaking daily temperature records. Dallas has seen highs around 81 to 86°F heading into the weekend, which is more like early October than late December. Oklahoma and Wyoming have had similar weather, with Oklahoma City reporting “more record heat” and Cheyenne having its warmest Christmas on record, KOCO 5 News+1.

Meteorologists say this unusual warmth is caused by a strong high-pressure system over the southern U.S. that is keeping warm air in place and reducing cloud cover. This has led to lots of sunshine, light winds, and temperatures 20 to 30 degrees above normal for late December. The pattern has also kept humidity high, making it feel even warmer.

The Arctic Front: A Dramatic Turn

But this weather pattern is about to change. Forecasts show a strong Arctic cold front moving south and reaching North Texas late Sunday or early Monday. This front will bring:

• A quick drop in temperature: It will go from nearly 80°F on Sunday to the mid-40s by Monday afternoon, with overnight lows falling into the low 30s.
• Gusty north winds: Winds of 15 to 20 mph behind the front will make it feel even colder.
• A chance of light rain: Most of the rain will fall on Sunday as the front arrives, but amounts should stay low.
• Clear, cold nights: Skies will clear quickly, so temperatures will drop fast.

A temperature change of nearly 40 degrees in less than 24 hours is common with strong winter fronts in Texas, but it feels more dramatic after such a long stretch of warm weather.

Why the Sudden Shift?

The coming cold snap is caused by a deep trough moving across the central U.S., which pushes Arctic air from Canada southward. As the high-pressure ridge weakens, the jet stream drops, allowing much colder air to move into the Plains and then into the South.

This pattern often happens in mid-winter, but the timing, right after a record-breaking warm period, makes the change feel even more sudden. The meeting of warm, moist Gulf air and the cold front is also why there is a small chance of showers on Sunday.

What It Means for Dallas

This change will impact holiday travel, energy use, and more. Here’s what you can expect:

• Outdoor plans: Saturday will stay warm and sunny, but by Sunday afternoon, it will turn cloudy and breezy, and then temperatures will drop sharply.
• Road conditions: No winter precipitation is expected, but strong winds and dropping temperatures could affect high-profile vehicles.
• Heating demand: After several days of warm weather, heaters will be needed again starting Sunday night.
• Pets and plants: Protect sensitive plants and bring pets inside as temperatures drop near freezing.

Looking Ahead

After Monday’s cold weather, temperatures will slowly rise, with highs back in the 60s by New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The last days of 2025 will be sunny and bring a more normal winter pattern.

Still, this week’s big change from record heat to a sharp cold front shows how unpredictable Texas winters can be. Warm weather can disappear overnight, and Arctic air can arrive suddenly. It’s important to stay aware of the weather, especially during the busy holiday season.

by: Staff