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The month of January provided relatively consistent Texas winter conditions for the state with some intermittent peeks at spring weather. Texas residents spent most of the month adjusting to very cool, and in some cases, freezing temperatures with winter weather events forcing the closure or postponement of schools and recreational activities. Some areas observed notable rain, ice, and snow events while others remained significantly dry, exacerbating drought. An extended dry spell was one of the main stories for the North Texas Panhandle which recorded a streak in excess of 2 months since the last measurable rainfall event leading to an increase in significant drought and fire danger for the region.

January began with numerous areas being placed under Winter Weather or Hard Freeze warning by the National Weather Service. These conditions directly affected the homes of residents throughout the state infrastructurally and internally. One of the major infrastructural damages to homes during the freezing conditions was the bursting of pipes. Officials at home insurance companies have suggested that residents take steps to combat damage to homes in these weather conditions. Insulating pipes that run along exterior walls using heat tape, opening cabinets to allow heat passage, and allowing for water to trickle from the faucet are some tips suggested. Insurance claims for broken pipes typically run about $5,000. Cold temperatures also drove rodents to the interior of homes. Frigid conditions tend to kill off the most of the insect population, but lead rodents into the homes of residents. A pest control website has ranked the DFW as the 10th worst rodent issue region in the country. Many school districts, college campuses, and businesses in Texas closed and delayed operation the week of January 15 as the spring semester began due to unsafe road conditions. Residents in North Texas woke up to the coldest temperatures felt in the last 7 years on January 16 when temperatures were below 20 degrees.

Experts with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are reporting that cold temperatures this past growing season should not negatively impact Texas crops, while also benefiting some others. According to the Texas State Climatologist, January is the coldest month on average for Texas, though this year has started as one of the coldest in almost 20 years.

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