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A bench downwind from the fountain at Bob Smith Park in downtown Houston is covered in ice as temperatures remain below freezing on Friday, Dec. 23, 2022.

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

A hard freeze will hit Houston soon. Here's a timeline of impacts.

The arctic cold front moving into Houston this weekend will produce the city's coldest temperatures since December 2022.

Levi Johnson carries his dog, Dally, down the street as they head back to their house after snow and ice covered the Houston metro area on Feb. 15, 2021, in Kingwood.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman/Staff Photographer

Protecting your pets in the dangerous cold headed to Houston next week

Houston pet owners should follow these tips to keep their furry friends safe from the upcoming freeze.

Diego DeLuna stocks up on insulation for the pipes in his home in preparation for the dropping temperature on Monday, Dec. 19, 2022 in Houston.

Photo by: Raquel Natalicchio, Staff Photographer

How to prepare for the freeze: Here's what to stock in your emergency kit

Texans can get ready for possible power and water outages and business closures by stocking up on these essentials.

Runners take off from the starting line for the 51st Chevron Houston Marathon on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023 in Houston.

Photo by: Brett Coomer/Staff Photographer

Texas freeze presents 'optimal' temperatures for Houston Marathon, race official says

The Houston Marathon is still on track, even as an arctic front is expected to reach the region the same day, officials said.

Chris Martinez, right, looks back at a man sliding down a snow-covered hill on Feb. 15, 2021, at Buffalo Bayou Park in Houston. Next week, Texas will experience its coldest temperatures so far this winter, but Houston likely won't see any snow or ice this time.

Photo by: Jon Shapley/Staff Photographer

How does the Texas freeze coming next week compare to the historic freeze of February 2021?

Temperatures are about to get especially frigid across the Lone Star State, but will we see snow and ice like we did in February 2021?

Photo by: Paul Tessier/Getty Images

Six tips to help prevent your pipes from bursting ahead of Texas freeze

Now is the time to start preparing for the possibility of frozen water pipes — a situation familiar to Houston residents.

Here is a look at potential low temperatures in Texas by next Tuesday morning. Many Texas cities will experience temperatures as low as the teens, while temps in a few areas will dip into the single digits.

Photo by: Pivotal

What is a hard freeze? How does it differ from a regular freeze?

A hard freeze comes with a higher likelihood of damage to crops and outdoor pipes.

Everything else you need to know

What to pack in your car before the hard Texas freeze: Here's a rundown of ways to make sure your car is in tip-top shape ahead of the Texas freeze early next week.
Need to keep your pet warm next week? This emergency freeze distribution event might help: There will be blankets, pet beds, pet clothes and dog houses.
What's the polar vortex? We ask a Texas climate expert to explain: We interviewed John Nielsen-Gammon, a Texas climatologist and director of the Southern Climate Research Center, to demystify this atmospheric phenomenon that has social media buzzing.
Freeze means overcrowded Fort Bend shelter needs quick fosters: In preparation for the approaching cold weather, Fort Bend County Animal Services is asking residents to lend a hand by temporarily fostering dogs from their shelter.
Is the weather getting more extreme in Texas? See how temperatures compare to the norm in your area, based on historical data.
You're looking at the temperature wrong. Why the wind chill matters more this week. Like heat index, wind chill describes how temperatures feel to the body, which can be worse than actual temperatures.
Dry, cold Texas winter weather can wreck your hair but here's how you can handle it: Weather can hurt your hairstyle but there are ways to battle it, like adding moisture, wearing silk-lined hats and using a metal comb.

Notice: You're receiving this as a special first look at the Chronicle's new weather team, launched in partnership with the San Antonio Express-News. We'll provide daily forecasts and data-driven explainers on weather events in Houston to help you navigate your daily lives. To read more, click here.