Houston officials are preparing for severe cold weather expected to hit the region Sunday night, with Mayor John Whitmire announcing the activation of warming centers across the city to protect vulnerable residents.

Temperatures will slowly rise toward climate-normal levels this week. But another strong arctic cold front will blast through on Saturday.

Thousands of runners and walkers take to the streets of Houston this Sunday. Temperatures at the starting line will be in the mid-30s but it will feel like the upper-20s with the wind chill. Temperatures will warm to the lower-40s through the morning under sunny skies. It was actually colder last year.

Ten warming centers will open the evening of Sunday, Jan. 19, Mayor John Whitmire announced during a Jan. 17 press conference. The details The city of Houston is expected to see a

Houston has had measurable snowfall at least 20 times in its weather history, according to available data kept by the National Weather Service.

Hopefully you’re ready for the arctic blast or will get ready Friday or Saturday. After a breezy day Friday with slightly above average temperatures and a few drizzles, cooler winds will kick in Saturday morning.

Join the FOX 26 Weather Team as we talk all things weather. FOX 26's Mike Iscovitz has a look at the very cold forecast for next week. Plus, a family is on the trip of a lifetime!