These barriers are responsible for the relative abundance of evergreen vegetation in the Davis Mountains and its scarcity in the neighboring Trans-Pecos Region. Fronts are characterized by an abrupt change in the weather such as a sudden plunge in temperature or a thunderstorm. The geographic position of Texas is a natural mixing bowl for conflicting air masses, and fronts are common occurrences throughout the state. In addition to causing turbulent weather along their path, air masses can produce devastating results in an area where they normally do not reach. True continental Arctic air reaches Texas only occasionally, but its aftershock is often felt for months or years.
Agricultural producers suffer severe economic losses, and consumers pay higher prices for food.
Late in December of 1983, a record-breaking freeze settled over Texas. Temperatures in the Dallas-Fort Worth area fell below freezing for a record 296 hours. In addition to the longest cold snap in the state's history, Texans suffered a major hurricane and a drought in 1983. Even with hurricane-induced storms, most of the state received below average rainfall for the year. Because the disastrous year was followed by an exceptionally dry spring, many agricultural producers either postponed planting or scrapped their production plans for 1984.