Texans are bracing for a dramatic weather shift as Thanksgiving week unfolds, with a parade of storms, sharp temperature drops, and even a hint of wintry mischief on the horizon. According to Texas Storm Chasers, the week began with a bang as storms swept through South Texas on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, pelting communities with hail, heavy rain, and localized flooding. Thankfully, the worst of the weather seemed to pass just in time for Thanksgiving, giving the state a much-needed break for the holiday—though meteorologists warn the respite will be short-lived.
For those traveling or planning outdoor festivities on Thanksgiving Day, the forecast could hardly be better. As reported by Texas Storm Chasers, not a single significant hazard is expected anywhere in Texas on Thursday, November 27. Temperatures will range from the upper 50s and low 60s in North Texas, to the 60s and 70s in Central Texas, and a pleasant 70s in South Texas. Clouds may start to increase in the afternoon, but overall, conditions will be quiet and travel-friendly—a rare treat for the busy holiday.
North Texans, in particular, have reason to celebrate. As WFAA detailed, a crisp morning will give way to a mild afternoon, with highs in the low 60s under sunny skies. Dallas Cowboys fans planning to tailgate on Thursday can expect nearly perfect weather—just right for tossing the pigskin or firing up the grill. "It'll be a cloudy Black Friday but dry. Rain shows up later that night," WFAA noted, offering a promising outlook for shoppers and football lovers alike.
But as any seasoned Texan knows, weather can turn on a dime. The tranquility of Thanksgiving will soon be replaced by a new round of meteorological action. By Friday morning, November 28, low clouds, fog, and mist will begin to spread across much of Texas as moisture surges ahead of the next upper-level disturbance, Texas Storm Chasers explained. This increase in moisture sets the stage for a more unsettled weekend, with a new storm system arriving Friday night through Saturday, November 29.
The incoming system is expected to bring scattered rain across the eastern two-thirds of Texas, with heavier downpours possible from the coastal bend into Deep South Texas. Fortunately, forecasters currently see little risk of major severe weather, though minor runoff could occur in areas where soils remain saturated. According to Texas Storm Chasers, the system should exit the state late Saturday or early Sunday, offering a brief window of relief before the next act in this weather drama.
For those in North Texas, Saturday is shaping up to be particularly messy. WFAA warns that the rain event could last most of the day and well into the evening, complicating plans for shoppers and travelers alike. Highs will only reach the 40s on Sunday, November 30—the first time this season that temperatures dip so low—though skies are expected to clear in time for the Parade of Lights in Fort Worth. It’s a fitting finale for what’s shaping up to be the warmest Meteorological Fall on record in North Texas, with September 1 through November 30 logging unprecedented warmth, only for the last day to deliver the coldest air yet.
But the real headline-grabber is the powerful arctic front expected to barrel into Texas late in the weekend and into Monday, December 1. According to Texas Storm Chasers, this front will bring a dramatic drop in temperatures: 30s to 40s across the northwest half of Texas, 40s to 50s in Central and North Texas, and 60s to 70s along the coast—though coastal temperatures will fall rapidly as the front moves through. Strong north winds will add to the chill, making it feel even colder, especially on Monday when wind chills will be noticeably brisk across much of the state.
WFAA adds that the cold front will usher in the coldest air of the season, with highs in the 40s and clouds and light rain likely on Monday. The cold rain is expected to linger into Tuesday, December 2, and in the morning hours, some sleet could even mix in—just in time to mark the official start of the winter season. "Yes…winter arrives next week," WFAA quipped, capturing the sense of anticipation and trepidation that comes with the first real taste of winter in Texas.
For residents of the Panhandle and along the Red River, the threat of wintry weather is more than just a passing fancy. Texas Storm Chasers reports that early next week, cold enough air may overlap with lingering moisture in the region, opening the door to light snow, flurries, and minor accumulation. While this does not appear to be a full-blown winter storm, it’s enough to get local officials moving. The Texas Department of Transportation has already begun brine pretreatment on roads in the Panhandle, taking no chances with the possibility of icy conditions.
Looking ahead, the Climate Prediction Center is forecasting a colder-than-average start to December for most of Texas, with near or above-average precipitation chances. That means Texans should be prepared for continued unsettled weather, with the potential for further rain and even some wintry surprises as the new week unfolds. As Texas Storm Chasers put it, "We’ll watch Monday’s system carefully for any wintry mischief."
The rapid changes have not gone unnoticed by local communities. Many are grateful for the calm and mild weather on Thanksgiving, especially after the storms that battered South Texas earlier in the week. But there’s a palpable sense of vigilance as the state prepares for the next round of weather challenges. From holiday travelers navigating busy roads to football fans braving the elements at tailgate parties, everyone is keeping one eye on the sky—and another on their weather apps.
For now, the advice is simple: enjoy the Thanksgiving break, but don’t let your guard down. Pack patience, dress in layers, and be ready for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. As the holiday week transitions from warmth and sun to rain, cold, and perhaps even snow, Texans are reminded once again of the state’s famously fickle climate—and the importance of staying prepared.
As the final leaves of autumn fall and the first hints of winter arrive, Texas stands at the crossroads of two seasons, caught between lingering warmth and the promise of cold. The coming days will test the state’s resilience, but for now, at least, the holiday spirit—and a good weather forecast for Thanksgiving—offer a welcome reprieve.
