Texas Homeowners Can Expect A Toasty, Dry Winter, The Old Farmer’s Almanac Says

The Old Farmer’s Almanac has released its 2025–2026 Winter Forecast, calling the season ahead “mostly mild—with pockets of wild.”

Editor Carol Connare explains that “most areas will experience near-normal to slightly milder temperatures,” though certain parts of the country will still feel the occasional chill.

For Texas homeowners, this winter will be warmer and drier overall, with only brief spells of cold weather to remind residents that it’s still winter.

A Warmer Outlook for the Lone Star State

Texas, along with Oklahoma, sits in the Almanac’s Texas and Oklahoma region. The forecast calls for above-normal temperatures across much of the state, interrupted occasionally by short-lived cold snaps. The coldest periods are expected in mid-December, early and late January, and early February.

Precipitation is projected to be below normal statewide, meaning a generally drier season for areas from Houston to Amarillo. Snowfall will also be below normal, though parts of northern Texas could see a brief early snow event in mid-November. Otherwise, most Texans can expect a winter that feels more like an extended fall—mild afternoons, cooler nights, and fewer stormy systems than usual.

While these mild conditions will be a welcome break for homeowners weary of past cold snaps, the Almanac still advises caution. Periodic fronts could bring sudden temperature swings, especially in North Texas, where pipes and outdoor plumbing should remain insulated. For most of the state, however, the combination of warmth and dryness makes this winter one of the easier ones in recent memory for outdoor maintenance and energy costs.

Home Fixes to Tackle Before Winter Sets In

Even when the forecast looks gentle, November is the ideal month for Texans to prepare their homes for the coming season. The Realtor.com autumn safety checklist highlights important maintenance steps to protect against unexpected cold fronts and to make the holidays run smoothly.

Start with safety basics: test all smoke detectors and replace their batteries as Daylight Saving Time ends. If your alarms are due for an upgrade, have hard-wired units installed by a professional—expect to spend around $80 to $120 each, depending on where you live.

Next, inspect your home’s weatherstripping and caulking. Even in mild winters, small leaks can make your heating system work harder. Home expert Krystal Rogers-Nelson notes that sealing cracks “can make a huge difference in keeping you warm and toasty during the winter months and saving a lot of money in utilities.” The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that reducing drafts can save 5% to 30% a year on energy bills.

Because Texas weather can turn quickly, it’s smart to refresh your emergency kit. Keep flashlights, extra batteries, water, and canned goods on hand in case of power outages. If you haven’t tested for radon gas before, now’s the time—levels can rise in winter when windows are sealed. Kits cost about $20 and can be found at most home improvement stores.

Lastly, use this calmer stretch of weather to prepare for guests and the holiday season. Wash linens, stock up on toiletries, and polish silver and glassware. If your schedule is packed, consider hiring a professional cleaning service before the festivities begin—deep cleanings typically range from $200 to $400 depending on your home’s size.

For homeowners hosting loved ones this year, the Thanksgiving forecast and fall weather predictions provide an early look at broader seasonal patterns. And for anyone keeping an eye on utility costs, how to keep your home warm on a budget outlines easy ways to save energy this winter.

This article was produced with editorial input from Dina Sartore-Bodo and Gabriella Iannetta.