Texas' Record Low Temperature: -23°F in Seminole

The coldest temperature ever officially recorded in Texas is −23 °F (−30.6 °C) at Seminole (Gaines County, West Texas) on two dates:

• February 8, 1933
• February 12, 1899 (Great Arctic Outbreak)

Context

• Seminole sits at ~3,300 ft elevation on the Llano Estacado — radiational cooling + Arctic air mass = extreme lows.
• Other notable lows: −16 °F at Perryton (1933), −12 °F at Dallas/Fort Worth (1899), −8 °F at Amarillo (1933).
• Houston's record low: 5 °F (1930, 1940). Brownsville (south tip): 12 °F (1899).

Measurement Standards

Records are from NOAA/NWS cooperative observer stations, calibrated thermometers in Stevenson screens, 5 ft above ground. Unofficial readings (e.g., valley bottoms, personal stations) may be lower but aren't recognized.

Climate Change Note

Texas still experiences extreme cold snaps (e.g., February 2021: −2 °F in Dallas, widespread power failure), but the frequency and severity of record lows have decreased since the late 20th century.