Texas could face sudden bursts of extreme cold this winter that may challenge the state’s electric grid in early 2025, according to Chris Coleman, chief meteorologist for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). During a Tuesday board meeting, Coleman highlighted a weather pattern similar to that of Winter Storm Uri, which devastated the state nearly four years ago.
“We’re in a pattern that supports something like a Uri this winter,” Coleman warned, adding, “The more I look at this winter, the more cold potential I see.”
Winter Storm Uri in 2021 caused massive blackouts, leaving millions without power and resulting in over 240 deaths. In response to the crisis, Texas began a major overhaul of its electric grid to improve reliability.
Coleman attributed this year’s concerns to oceanic and atmospheric patterns reminiscent of early 2021. He also noted a concerning trend: five of the past eight winters in Texas have experienced severe cold snaps, compared to just three such instances over the previous 25 years.
As extreme cold becomes more frequent, energy demand during the winter is increasing. On January 16, Texas recorded its highest-ever winter energy demand, peaking at over 78,400 megawatts.
While extreme cold spells are growing more common, Coleman pointed out that Texas’ average winter temperatures remain relatively mild. Last winter ranked as the 11th warmest since records began in 1895.
The state’s grid operators are closely monitoring the situation as the potential for extreme winter weather looms.