Our chilly weather could bring freezing rain and snow to parts of the Hill Country and I-35 corridor, local forecasters say. Why it matters: A polar vortex hauling arctic air from Canada down across the U.

The polar vortex of ultra-cold air usually spins around the North Pole, but it sometimes plunges south into the U.S., Europe and Asia. Some experts say such cold air outbreaks are happening more frequently, paradoxically, because of a warming world.

Storm Blair has hit most of the U.S., bringing freezing temperatures to Texas. Precipitation later this week could mean snow for some areas.

A polar vortex is bringing freezing temperatures to Texas this week, with a couple of rounds of precipitation that could cause issues on untreated roads.

Early weather models show a chance of a polar vortex hitting North Texas next week that could send temperatures plunging below freezing. It is too early to tell how severe the cold snap will be, said meteorologist Juan Hernandez with the National Weather Service’s Fort Worth office.

Central Texas could see a mix of freezing rain, sleet and snow later this week, according to the National Weather Service, and chances are increasing.

Snow is in the forecast for later this week in the Fort Worth area, and while North Texans should monitor conditions, days-long power outages like those seen in February 2021 aren’t expected. For those living in the state during the winter storm four years ago,

In North Texas, widespread accumulations between 2"-5" are expected. There is potential for areas in western North Texas to see up to 8".