Posted in Dallas - Fort Worth February 02, 2018 by

In 1977-1978, Dallas – Fort Worth Plunged Into An Arctic Freeze That Makes This Year’s Winter Look Downright Mild

Don’t laugh. It really DOES get cold in Dallas – Fort Worth. The difference between winters here in North Texas and its northern states, however, is that it typically doesn’t stay cold for long. That’s because temperatures fluctuate wildly. Locals frequently cite the adage, “If you don’t like the weather here in Dallas – Fort Worth,” wait a few hours. Or, “Welcome to Dallas – Fort Worth: where you can experience all four seasons in a single day here.” But the winter in 1977-1978 was different. Here’s why:

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Cold weather typically comes late in the season, but not the winter of 1977-1978.
Whatknot/Flickr
While the meteorological winter season runs from December through February, most wintry precipitation around here occurs in January - March rather than during the earlier months of winter. Leaves may not even turn until November. When wintry weather arrives early, it catches Mother Nature by surprise.
These cacti were certainly caught off guard with a surprising ice storm.
Matthew Chrispen/Flickr
In the winter of 1977-1978, the area's average temperature was 39.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ken Slade/Flickr
This makes it the coldest winter on record in the Dallas - Fort Worth area.
Additionally, there were 62 reported freezes - also a winter record.
Sandra/Flickr
When wintry mix - more commonly called an ice storm - strikes the area, everything shuts down.
Steven Martin/Flickr
That's because there is not enough equipment and supplies on hand to keep roadways clear.
North Texans also simply don't know how to drive on snow and ice.
Paul O'Rear/Flickr
Accidents tie up the highways and keep crews busy. The advice is always to just stay home.
This robin was fooled into thinking spring was coming!
Cat/Flickr
He apparently forget that North Texas easily sees temperature swings of up to 50 degrees in a single day!

While this year was record-setting for North Texans, most of our winters are a little bit of cold followed by mild temperatures…and then repeat! It’s not unusual to see temperatures in the 70s or down to the teens. But isn’t that better than constant, bone-chilling cold any day? Its our spring that has more people talking…that’s when we get high winds, hailstorms, and tornadoes. But it’s just another aspect of living here.

Have you experienced a winter here in Dallas – Fort Worth, and if so, what are your thoughts on our climate?