A strong cold front moved through Deep South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley on February 12th, followed then by a strong Arctic High building into the area on February 13th. The Arctic High ushered in very cold air, with subsequent cold air damming leading to an extended period of anomalously cold temperatures. Several Valley locations, especially in the northern ranchlands, remained near or below freezing for several days. Elsewhere, overnight low temperatures throughout the week routinely fell to or below freezing. Cold temperatures combined with brisk northerly winds on the 15th and 16th likely contributed to the majority of crop damage. Some freezing rain and sleet also occurred late February 14th and early February 15th, which led to many road and major highway closures - at least 55 during the peak of the cold. The brunt of this event continued through the 18th of February.
This was the most impactful freeze event for the region since late December 1989.  Minimum temperatures for the 15th and 16th were the lowest since before the 20th Century (1895); for many locations where records began in the 20th Century, these new records shattered prior records by 10 to 15 degrees on the 15th and 16th.  Record low maximum temperatures were broken on the 15th by 10 to 22 degrees; the persistence and depth of the cold, combined with the late timing in the season, led to the largest loss of crops since the 1989 event.
This event led to major agricultural losses with over $300 million in crop losses occurring in Hidalgo County alone, particularly citrus crops in the area. Cameron and Willacy Counties also sustained heavy crop losses.  Thousands of privately owned ornamental tropical vegetation was lost to the freeze.  Initial totals in the region added up to at least $460 million. Property damage to public facilities, roads, and more was also noted in some instances costing several thousands of dollars.  Final totals of public and private property damage are likely to be several hundred million dollars, and insured agricultural losses are likely to rise as well.  The event is likely to be a greater than $1 billion damage event for the Rio Grande Valley; updates to the values shown in this episode will be provided when received.
From reports acquired by the State of Texas, one person died directly from hypothermia in Brooks County at some point during the episode.  The fatality most likely occurred on the 15th or 16th, when temperatures and wind chill temperatures were at their lowest levels.

Frost/Freeze in COASTAL KENEDY COUNTY, TEXAS
From 14-FEB-21 20:30:00 to 16-FEB-21 12:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Temperatures fell below freezing around 8:30 PM on the 14th and did not rise above 32 degrees until around 12:30 PM on the 16th. Due to the sparse observation coverage, lows are estimated to be in the upper teens to lower 20s on both the mornings of the 15th and 16th, and are based off of estimations from Mesonet observations across Inland Kenedy as well as adjacent coastal Kleberg County.  There was likely a period of light sleet mixed with some freezing rain from late on the 14th through the pre-dawn hours of the 15th, with no significant impact.

Frost/Freeze in COASTAL CAMERON, TEXAS
From 14-FEB-21 21:30:00 to 15-FEB-21 15:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 33.60M
Reported by: RAWS

Temperatures fell below freezing around 9:30 PM on the 14th and did not rise above 32 degrees until around 3:30 PM on the 15th. Lows fell into the lower 20s with a low of 22 recorded at the Laguna Atascosa RAWS site, and 23 degrees at the Port Isabel NOS-NWLON site.
Though the exact values are estimated, the freeze caused tens of millions in damage to citrus and other cash crops grown in the Bayview/east Los Fresnos area.
Light rain changed to light freezing rain late on the 14th and continued through the pre-dawn hours of the 15th, with just a light coating on trees, grass, power lines, etc.  However, the icing closed a few elevated roads, with no other significant impacts reported.

Frost/Freeze in ZAPATA, TEXAS
From 15-FEB-21 21:00:00 to 16-FEB-21 11:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Temperatures fell below freezing around 9:00 PM on the 15th and did not rise back above 32 degrees until around 11:00 AM on the 16th. Lows in the lower 20s are estimated across the area due to missing data from Zapata Airport early that morning, and are based off of surrounding observations.

Frost/Freeze in STARR, TEXAS
From 15-FEB-21 18:30:00 to 16-FEB-21 12:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Temperatures fell below freezing around 6:30 PM on the 15th and did not rise back above 32 degrees until around 12:30 PM on the 16th. A low of 20 degrees was recorded at the Rancho Los Comitas TWDB site.

Frost/Freeze in NORTHERN HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS
From 15-FEB-21 18:30:00 to 16-FEB-21 11:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Temperatures fell below freezing around 6:30 PM on the 15th and did not rise back above 32 degrees until around 11:30 AM on the 16th. A low of 20 degrees was recorded at the Linn-San Manuel RAWS site, while a low of 23 degrees was recorded at the San Manuel Co-Op site.

Frost/Freeze in SOUTHERN HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS
From 15-FEB-21 20:00:00 to 16-FEB-21 11:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Temperatures fell below freezing around 8:00 PM on the 15th and did not rise back above 32 degrees until around 11:30 AM on the 16th. Lows ranged from the lower to middle 20s across Southern Hidalgo County. A low of 25 degrees was recorded at McAllen International Airport, while Edinburg International Airport recorded a low of 22 degrees.

Frost/Freeze in JIM HOGG, TEXAS
From 13-FEB-21 19:30:00 to 14-FEB-21 12:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Temperatures fell to or below the freezing mark around 7:30 PM on February 13th and did not exceed 32 degrees until around 12:30 PM on the 14th. A low of 31 degrees was observed at the Hebbronville Airport.

Frost/Freeze in INLAND KENEDY COUNTY, TEXAS
From 13-FEB-21 17:30:00 to 14-FEB-21 12:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Temperatures fell to or below the freezing mark around 5:30 PM on February 13th and did not exceed 32 degrees until around 12:30 PM on the 14th. A low of 32 degrees was observed at the ARMSTR Union Pacific mesonet site, with a similar low observed at the Sarita Co-op site.

Frost/Freeze in WILLACY, TEXAS
From 14-FEB-21 03:30:00 to 14-FEB-21 10:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Temperatures fell to or below the freezing mark around 3:30 AM on February 14th and did not exceed 32 degrees until around 10:30 AM. A low of 32 degrees was observed at the YTURIA Union Pacific mesonet site.

Frost/Freeze in COASTAL WILLACY, TEXAS
From 14-FEB-21 20:30:00 to 16-FEB-21 12:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Temperatures fell below freezing around 8:30 PM on the 14th and did not rise above 32 degrees until around 12:30 PM on the 16th. Due to the sparse observation coverage, lows are estimated to be in the lower 20s on both the mornings of the 15th and 16th, and are based off of estimations from Mesonet observations across Inland Willacy County.  There was likely a period of light sleet mixed with freezing rain late on the 14th through the pre-dawn hours of the 15th, with no significant impact.

Frost/Freeze in COASTAL CAMERON, TEXAS
From 15-FEB-21 18:30:00 to 16-FEB-21 09:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Temperatures fell below freezing around 6:30 PM on the 15th and did not rise back above 32 degrees until around 9:00 AM on the 16th. A low of 29 degrees occurred at the Laguna Atascosa RAWS site, and a low of 31 degrees occurred at the Port Isabel NOS-NWLON site.

Frost/Freeze in STARR, TEXAS
From 16-FEB-21 19:30:00 to 17-FEB-21 08:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Temperatures fell below freezing around 7:30 PM on the 16th and did not rise back above 32 degrees until around 8:30 AM on the 17th. A low of 31 degrees occurred at the Rancho Los Comitas TWDB site.

Frost/Freeze in JIM HOGG, TEXAS
From 16-FEB-21 17:30:00 to 17-FEB-21 10:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Temperatures fell below freezing around 5:30 PM on the 16th and did not rise back above 32 degrees until around 10:30 AM on the 17th. A low of 28 degrees occurred at the Hebbronville Airport.

Frost/Freeze in BROOKS, TEXAS
From 16-FEB-21 19:30:00 to 17-FEB-21 08:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Temperatures fell below freezing around 7:30 PM on the 16th and did not rise back above 32 degrees until around 8:30 AM on the 17th. A low of 31 degrees occurred at the La Rucia mesonet site.

Frost/Freeze in INLAND KENEDY COUNTY, TEXAS
From 16-FEB-21 19:00:00 to 17-FEB-21 07:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Temperatures fell below freezing around 7:00 PM on the 16th and did not rise back above 32 degrees until around 7:30 AM on the 17th. A low of 29 degrees occurred at the SARITA Union Pacific Mesonet site, and a low of 31 degrees occurred at the ARMSTR UPR site.

Frost/Freeze in COASTAL KENEDY COUNTY, TEXAS
From 16-FEB-21 19:30:00 to 17-FEB-21 07:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Temperatures fell below freezing around 7:30 PM on the 16th and did not rise back above 32 degrees until around 7:30 AM on the 17th. Because of the sparse observation coverage, timing and lows are based off of estimations from observations in Inland Kenedy, which fell to the upper 20s and lower 30s.

Frost/Freeze in JIM HOGG, TEXAS
From 14-FEB-21 15:30:00 to 16-FEB-21 13:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Temperatures fell below freezing around 3:30 PM on February 14th, and did not rise above freezing until around 1:30 PM on the 16th. Low temperatures at the Hebbronville Airport bottomed out at 15 degrees on the morning of the 15th, and 19 degrees on the morning of the 16th. The high temperature on the 15th only rose to 32 degrees.  A brief period of sleet fell after temperatures fell into the mid to upper 20s before ending, causing no direct impact but requiring some elevated roads to close until conditions improved on the 16th.

Frost/Freeze in BROOKS, TEXAS
From 14-FEB-21 15:30:00 to 16-FEB-21 14:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Temperatures fell below freezing around 3:30 PM on February 14th, and did not rise above freezing until around 2:30 PM on the 16th. Low temperatures at the Brooks County Airport bottomed out at 15 degrees on the morning of the 15th, and 19 degrees on the morning of the 16th. The high temperature on the 15th only rose to 32 degrees. The La Rucia Mesonet site measured a low of 19 degrees on the 15th, and a low of 19 degrees again on the 16th.
A brief period of light sleet mixed with some freezing rain occurred late on the 14th and very early on the 15th when temperatures fell into the mid to upper 20s.  While there were no direct impacts, elevated roads were closed in some locations.
There was one death reported by county officials to the State of Texas due to hypothermia, most likely on February 15th but potentially on February 16th, as this was the most prolonged period for temperatures well below freezing. Detailed information on the fatality was unknown.

Frost/Freeze in WILLACY, TEXAS
From 14-FEB-21 18:30:00 to 16-FEB-21 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 17.00K
Crop damage: 42.40M
Reported by: Mesonet

Temperatures fell below freezing around 6:30 PM on February 14th, and did not rise above freezing until around 2:00PM on the 16th. Due to power outages at the time, observation data was sparse on the morning of the 15th and 16th, but observations from adjacent Cameron, Hidalgo, and Kenedy Counties imply that lows in the lower 20s occurred on both mornings. Implied high temperatures likely only reached between 30-32 degrees on the 15th. This event, primarily the overnight lows from the 14th into the 15th, combined with brisk north winds likely contributed to most of the crop damage in the area, as well as most property damage associated with pipe leaks and bursts.
A period of light sleet mixed with freezing rain occurred for several hours from late on the 14th through very early on the 15th.  While there were no direct impacts to property or crops, some elevated roads and bridges were closed through the 15th and into the 16th before temperatures rose well above freezing.

Frost/Freeze in ZAPATA, TEXAS
From 14-FEB-21 21:30:00 to 15-FEB-21 16:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Temperatures fell below freezing around 9:30 PM on the 14th and did not rise above 32 degrees until around 4:00 PM (estimated) on the 15th. A low in the middle teens is estimated due to intermittent data from the Zapata Airport, and is based off of observations from surrounding counties around the times of their respective low temperatures.
Light rain/drizzle changed to light sleet before ending around midnight or so on the 15th.  There were no significant impacts, though some elevated roads were closed due to minor icing.

Frost/Freeze in WILLACY, TEXAS
From 16-FEB-21 20:30:00 to 17-FEB-21 07:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Temperatures fell below freezing around 8:30 PM on the 16th and did not rise back above 32 degrees until around 7:30 AM on the 17th. Because of intermittent data outages, low temperatures are estimated to be between 30 and 32 degrees based off of nearby observations in Cameron and Northern Hidalgo Counties.

Frost/Freeze in COASTAL WILLACY, TEXAS
From 16-FEB-21 20:30:00 to 17-FEB-21 07:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Temperatures fell below freezing around 8:30 PM on the 16th and did not rise back above 32 degrees until around 7:30 AM on the 17th. Because of intermittent data outages, low temperatures are estimated to be between 30 and 32 degrees based off of nearby observations in Cameron and Northern Hidalgo Counties.

Frost/Freeze in NORTHERN HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS
From 16-FEB-21 21:30:00 to 17-FEB-21 06:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

Temperatures fell below freezing around 9:30 PM on the 16th and did not rise back above 32 degrees until around 6:30 AM on the 17th. Lows of 32 degrees occurred at both the Linn-San Manuel RAWS site as well as the nearby COOP site.

Frost/Freeze in CAMERON, TEXAS
From 16-FEB-21 22:00:00 to 17-FEB-21 09:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Temperatures fell below freezing across portions of Cameron County around 10:00 PM on the 16th and did not rise back above 32 degrees until around 9:30 AM on the 17th. The COMBES Union Pacific Railroad Mesonet site recorded a low of 29 degrees, and the RUSTLN site recorded a low of 32 degrees.

Frost/Freeze in BROOKS, TEXAS
From 18-FEB-21 04:30:00 to 18-FEB-21 10:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Despite a data outage from the Brooks County Airport, it is implied that temperatures fell below freezing across northern portions of Brooks County around 4:30 AM on the 18th and did not rise back above 32 degrees until around 10:30 AM. This is based off of observations from adjacent Jim Hogg, Kenedy, and Kleberg counties.

Frost/Freeze in INLAND KENEDY COUNTY, TEXAS
From 18-FEB-21 04:30:00 to 18-FEB-21 10:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Temperatures fell below freezing across portions of Inland Kenedy County around 4:30 AM on the 18th and did not rise back above 32 degrees until around 10:30 AM. The SARITA Union Pacific Mesonet site recorded a low of 32 degrees on the morning of the 18th.

Frost/Freeze in JIM HOGG, TEXAS
From 18-FEB-21 04:30:00 to 18-FEB-21 10:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Temperatures fell below freezing across portions of Jim Hogg County around 4:30 AM on the 18th and did not rise back above 32 degrees until around 10:30 AM. The Hebbronville Airport recorded a low of 32 degrees, as did the Hebbronville RAWS site.

Frost/Freeze in CAMERON, TEXAS
From 14-FEB-21 21:30:00 to 16-FEB-21 13:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 32.88K
Crop damage: 46.00M
Reported by: Mesonet

Temperatures fell below freezing around 9:30 PM on February 14th, and did not rise above freezing until around 1:30 PM on the 16th. Low temperatures generally in the middle to lower 20s occurred on the morning of the 15th, and the middle to upper 20s on the morning of the 16th. Highs on the 15th only reached 30-32 degrees across much of Cameron County. This event, primarily the overnight lows from the 14th into the 15th, combined with brisk north winds likely contributed to most of the crop damage in the area, as well as most property damage associated with pipe leaks and bursts.
Soon after temperatures fell below freezing, light rain turned to a mix of light freezing rain and sleet, which created a thin coating of ice on trees and plants. Icing was also noted along elevated roads, require some closures.  Several accidents were noted along US 77/Sunshine Strip in Harlingen along the bridge over the Arroyo Colorado. Accretion of ice was less than 0.10 inch.

Frost/Freeze in STARR, TEXAS
From 14-FEB-21 18:30:00 to 15-FEB-21 14:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Temperatures fell below freezing around 6:30 PM on the 14th and did not rise above 32 degrees until around 2:30 PM on the 15th. A low of 18 degrees occurred at the Rancho Los Comitas TWDB site.

Frost/Freeze in NORTHERN HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS
From 14-FEB-21 19:30:00 to 15-FEB-21 14:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 30.00M
Reported by: RAWS

Temperatures fell below freezing around 7:30 PM on the 14th and did not rise above 32 degrees until around 2:30 PM on the 15th. A low of 21 degrees occurred at the Linn-San Manuel RAWS site. This first night of very cold temperatures likely contributed to most of the crop damage sustained during this event, as well as much of the property damage in the area from pipe leaks and bursts.
Soon after temperatures fell below freezing, very light rain turned to light sleet mixed with a bit of freezing rain.  While there were no direct impacts from the precipitation, which accumulated to 1/10 an inch or less, many elevated roads were closed due to icing through the 15th and into the morning of the 16th.

Frost/Freeze in SOUTHERN HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS
From 14-FEB-21 20:30:00 to 15-FEB-21 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 107.74K
Crop damage: 308.00M
Reported by: ASOS

Temperatures fell below freezing around 8:30 PM on the 14th and did not rise above 32 degrees until around 2:00 PM on the 15th. Lows generally in the lower 20s to upper teens occurred across the area, with McAllen International reporting a low of 21 degrees and the Mission C43 AIRNOW site reporting a low of 19 degrees. This first night of very cold temperatures likely contributed to most of the crop damage sustained during this event, as well as much of the property damage in the area from pipe leaks and bursts.
As temperatures fell below freezing, light rain changed to light sleet mixed with a little freezing rain.  Though accumulations were 0.10 inch or less, many elevated roads had enough of an ice coating to require closure. There were no direct impacts from the precipitation.