As temperatures plummet, the City of Houston is stepping in to offer relief. Starting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19, twelve warming centers will open across the city to provide shelter for those in need. The centers will remain open overnight until 8 a.m. on Friday, February 21.
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With freezing temperatures posing a risk to residents, Houston officials have activated twelve warming centers to provide shelter and warmth. These facilities will open on Wednesday, February 19, at 6 p.m. and remain operational until Friday, February 21, at 8 a.m. to help individuals cope with the cold.
Residents seeking shelter can keep their belongings while staying at the centers. Additionally, Z Trips will be available for transportation, and those needing assistance are encouraged to call 311.
Warming Center Locations:
Houston is bracing for freezing temperatures and urging residents to take precautions to protect people, pets, pipes, and plants – the "Four P's." Officials recommend layering clothing, using blankets, and checking on vulnerable neighbors. Pet owners should bring animals indoors or provide adequate shelter.
Residents are also advised to protect exposed pipes from freezing by covering them and to move plants indoors or cover them to prevent cold damage.
For updates or transportation assistance, Houston residents can call 311.
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Early voting for the March 3, 2026 Texas primary runs Feb. 17-27. Houston-area voters will decide key federal, statewide and local races, including a high-profile U.S. Senate contest and the open Harris County judge seat.
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Federal officials temporarily shut down air traffic at El Paso International Airport after the Pentagon allowed Customs and Border Protection to deploy an anti-drone laser near Fort Bliss, according to two people familiar with the matter. The closure lasted only hours, but it stranded travelers and raised new questions about coordination between defense and aviation agencies.
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Houston has already recorded six 80-degree days in 2026, and forecasters expect more this week as a February heat ridge pushes temperatures 15 degrees above normal. While daily records are unlikely to fall, highs could approach longstanding marks set in the 1960s.