Bitterly cold temperatures from Amarillo to Dallas will set the stage for what promises to be a significant winter storm in North Texas.

A blast of Arctic air brought the first freeze of this year into the Houston region on Monday morning - but we’re not done yet. Forecasters say Monday night is expected to get even colder, while snow may be headed to areas north of Houston by midweek.

We are becoming more confident that a significant snow event will hit North Texas starting Wednesday night. The worst of it comes across Thursday and Thursday night and doesn't leave until midday on Friday.

A winter storm is expected to impact Texas this week. Our forecast shows North Texas could see some flurries on Wednesday and snow on Thursday. The forecast will be fine-tuned as we get closer to Thursday.

On Tuesday at 3:44 a.m. a winter storm watch was issued by the NWS Fort Worth TX valid from Thursday midnight until Friday 6 p.m. The watch is for Montague, Cooke, Grayson, Fannin, Lamar, Young, Jack,

In North Texas, widespread accumulations between 2"-5" are expected. There is potential for areas in western North Texas to see up to 8".

The timeframe would be Thursday morning into Friday with snow and ice being the main concern for areas north of Houston.

The first few days of the extreme cold will at least offer sunny skies, but the chance of wintery mix —a mixture of snow, rain, sleet and freezing rain —