Warm campus welcomes, cold city weather approach

Ana Renfroe, Head News Editor

January 13, 2024

Photo by Will Nye

The Academic Building covered in snow on Jan. 10, 2021. (Will Nye/The Battalion)

Although the spring semester brings warm welcomes for returning Aggies, residents are preparing for Arctic cold to blow through the Brazos Valley until Wednesday.

The below-freezing air will arrive by Sunday, Jan. 14, and temperatures are expected to be at or below 32 degrees for about 72 hours, according to predictions from meteorology experts at KBTX.

According to KBTX, temperatures for Bryan-College Station are expected to be:

Residents should beware of wind gusts throughout the weekend and the beginning of next week, as wind chill can make the air feel as cold as -3 to 5 degrees, KBTX said.

has been issued for the ENTIRE Brazos Valley
⏰Anytime from Noon Sunday through as late as 6pm Monday
Mainly freezing rain ice accretion up to 0.10″ | Sleet could mix in with accumulation up to 0.10″
⚠️Some travel impacts possible pic.twitter.com/tBdkFKuyfQ

— Shel Winkley (@KBTXShel) January 13, 2024

On Jan. 10, ERCOT issued a Weather Watch from Jan. 15-17, warning Texans of higher electrical demand and the potential for lower reserves. However, ERCOT said it expects grid conditions to be normal. Residents should closely monitor the weather forecast and beware of any National Weather Service announcements.

A&M students are expected to return for the first day of class on Tuesday, Jan. 16, but if weather conditions change, will receive updates through email and Code Maroon.

We are closely monitoring the anticipated extreme cold weather early next week. At this time, the weather isn’t expected to impact the start of classes on Tuesday, Jan. 16.

Any necessary updates will be shared through email, @TAMUCodeMaroon, and Texas A&M social media.

— Texas A&M University (@TAMU) January 12, 2024

Residents should take precautions to protect themselves, others and their homes before the hard freeze. Here are three tips:

Protect your pipes: Pipes can cause damage to homes, apartments and buildings if they freeze and burst. Outdoor exposed pipes, such as faucets or sprinklers, are more likely to freeze and should be drained and covered. If pipes are unable to be covered, such as indoors, residents should allow faucets to slowly drip to prevent freezing. Sink cabinets can be left open to allow warm air to travel underneath.
Protect your pets: If able, bring pets indoors throughout the day and night to avoid the harsh cold. Keep outdoor animals warm by placing their shelter away from wind, placing hay or setting up heat lamps. Check water regularly in case it freezes.
Protect your plants: Move outdoor plants in containers inside or in the garage to avoid cold. If unable to be moved, water them before the freeze and cover them.

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About the Contributor

Ana Renfroe, Head News Editor

Ana Renfroe, Class of 2025, is a journalism junior with a minor in professional writing from Bryan, Texas. Ana has served as The Battalion's head news editor from May 2023 to May 2024. Previously, she was the assistant news editor for the spring 2023 semester. Ana has covered breaking news, politics, and more. She typically covered the Texas A&M System and university administration, Texas and Bryan-College Station politics, student government and more. Ana previously hosted and produced episodes of The Batt Signal, The Battalion's news podcast. Additionally, she was a copyeditor and feature writer for Maroon Life magazine, and helped contribute to the Aggieland Yearbook.