Notice to Oil & Gas and Pipeline Operators

Winter Weather Outlook 2026

The Railroad Commission of Texas consulted with the Office of the Texas State Climatologist regarding anticipated weather patterns for the upcoming year. The State Climatologist issued the following statement to the Commission:

“The upcoming winter is likely to feature an unusually strong El Niño. El Niño events are most commonly associated with cool and wet conditions across Texas. Because this event may be outside the historical envelope, past El Niño events may not be a good guide to this event. It is, however, reassuring that seasonal climate prediction models simulate average weather conditions that are similar to other past strong El Niños.

Historically, the cooler and wetter conditions during an El Niño have tended to increase seasonal snowfall totals in northern and western Texas. Lubbock had its highest snowfall total since 1950 during the strongest El Niño since 1950, and three of the next five largest snowfall totals occurred during moderate to strong El Niños. Eastern, central, and southern Texas do not exhibit a strong snowfall relationship to El Niño. Freezing rain throughout the state also exhibits little or no relationship to El Niño.

Over the longer term, the warming trend in place over the past several decades is expected to continue, while precipitation will continue to be dominated by strong year-to-year variability due to El Niño and other factors.” — John Nielsen-Gammon, Texas State Climatologist

The RRC maintains a 24-hour, toll-free emergency line at 844-773-0305 to report emergencies, including leaks or spills and damage to gas pipelines.

In addition, the RRC advises all operators to monitor and report road conditions during an extreme weather event.

• Report road conditions using the Road Conditions Reporting Form.
• Monitor Texas highway conditions information on the Drive Texas website at https://drivetexas.org/.
• Access the RRC Weatherization Practices Guidance Document (PDF).

To view the full notice, visit the RRC website at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/media/imeagig5/10012026-nto-winter-weather-forecast.pdf