An Unseasonably Cold Winter Is Coming
It looks like Texans will need to brace themselves for a potentially severe winter in 2023-2024.
According to the Farmers’ Almanac, which has been predicting weather patterns for over 200 yrs, there’s a good chance of an unseasonably cold winter with potential for ice and sleet, as well as a possible major storm slated for mid-January.
This is largely due to the effects of El Niño, the weather phenomenon caused by weaker trade winds pushing warm water toward North and South America. These conditions make for colder and wetter weather, and this winter could last through the month of March and into early April 2024.
It’s no surprise that Texans need to be ready for an extended period of cold weather, especially after the heat we’ve seen all summer. But with the proper preparation, you don’t need to suffer from the cold.
Now is the time to make sure you’re ready for the winter ahead. That way, you can stay warm and safe even during the most severe winter storms this year can throw at us.
How to Prepare for the Oncoming Cold
To prepare for the cold season, Texans should take the necessary steps to winterize their homes and equip themselves with strategies for staying warm and safe. One of the most important steps to take is winterizing your home.
Start by checking your home for any gaps around windows or drafts in the walls and seal them off. These small gaps and cracks around windows and doors can let a lot of heat out of your home. As we know heat rises and moves around, it will find any gap it can to escape your home. making sure your home is sealed up helps keep all that heat inside.
Make sure your furnace is on and working properly, and check that all vents are clean and free of dust and debris. If you have a fireplace, have it inspected and cleaned in case you need to use it during the winter months.
Another great way to prepare for the cold weather is to install attic insulation. Attic insulation will help keep your home warm and reduce your heating costs.
READ MORE about attic insulation & how it can save you money all year long.
It’s also a good idea to invest in a space heater, as they’re relatively inexpensive and can help you stay comfortable during the winter months. A programmable thermostat can also help you maintain a consistent temperature inside your home.
Finally, installing storm windows or plastic sheets can help by making an air buffer between your window and the outside cold.
We hope that this article helps provide useful tips and that you stay warm and safe this winter!
