Frost/Freeze in Kenedy, Texas

The cooperative observer 7 miles east of Sarita recorded 23 degrees, their coldest temperatures since January 7 and 8 (26 and 27) 2017 under clear skies and calm winds. Other nearby observations included 26 in Kingsville and San Manuel (northeast Hidalgo), and 28 in Raymondville. Duration of subfreezing temperatures is estimated from proxy observations at the RAWS/Mesowest location in San Manuel, adjusted to include both wind and non-wind protected locations.

Clear skies and light winds allowed temperatures to fall steadily after sunrise from January 3rd highs in the lower 50s, and soon after midnight readings were at or below 32 across the ranchlands and wind-protected areas of the upper Rio Grande Valley. Low temperatures bottomed out in the mid to upper 20s across most of the ranchlands, with slightly higher temperatures (still below 32) in non-wind-protected locations along Texas State Route 285. Frost was common in the Lower Valley and may well have occurred in wind protected colder locations elsewhere.