Lampasans already are feeling some winter-like temperatures, even though the season isn’t quite here.

Mark Fox, warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service’s Fort Worth office, said the Climate Prediction Center outlook for winter indicates there could be some cold outbreaks and a few winter weather events during the three-month period.

“Temperatures will be slightly above normal this winter, and precipitation will be a bit higher than normal, as well,” said Fox. “It will be a bit warmer and wetter than last year.”

El Nino will have an impact on the weather this winter because above-normal water temperatures in the Central Pacific usually lead to more moisture that is available to move northward into Texas, causing milder temperatures and above-normal rainfall, said the weather expert.

With that, Fox shared some tips in case of winter weather.

“Freezing weather typically has can cause serious harm to the human body,” he said. Fox suggested dressing in layers and keeping one’s head covered. “Most of the body’s heat loss occurs through the head.”

The second impact is from frozen pipes. The weather forecaster suggested wrapping outside pipes with insulation.

“As with most impacts from weather, having a plan well before any hazardous weather occurs is the best way to stay prepared,” said Fox.

Whenever winter weather (snow, ice or freezing temperatures) is forecast, get an emergency kit ready, Fox said. The kit should contain enough clothing to dress in layers, enough candlelight or a flashlight to keep one out of the dark, and enough canned goods and water to get by for a day or two without power. “Having a plan before bad weather occurs is key.”

Fox said even though El Nino is expected to play a key role in milder winter weather, folks should be prepared.

“It is winter. There will be the occasional cold snap, which may include ice or snow,” he said. “Just because El Nino is forecast to occur and have a major impact on Texas doesn’t mean you should let your guard down and expect this to be a year without a winter.”

A major winter storm can last for several days and be accompanied by high winds, freezing rain or sleet, heavy snowfall and cold temperatures, said Fox.

“You must prepare properly to avoid these extreme dangers. The aftermath of a winter storm can have an impact on a community or region for days, weeks or even months.”

The National Weather Service notes that about 70 percent of injuries due to ice and snow result from vehicle accidents, and about 25 percent occur among people caught out in a storm.

Of injuries related to cold, 50 percent happen to those over 60 years old, and more than 75 percent happen to males. About 20 percent of the injuries occur in the home.

NWS officials note that while much of the Southeast and Gulf Coast areas don’t experience the heavy snow and strong blizzards of their counterparts in other areas of the nation, the southern regions are subject to ice storms, crop-killing freezes and occasional snow.

The NWS issues outlooks, watches, warnings and advisories for all winter weather hazards:

• Outlook: Winter storm conditions are possible in the next two to five days. Stay tuned to local media for updates.

• Watch: Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. Prepare now.

• Warning: Life-threatening severe weather conditions have begun or will begin within 12 to 24 hours. Act now.

• Advisory: Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. If people are cautious, these situations should not be life threatening.

Rusty Garrett, meteorologist with KWTX television, agrees with Fox’s assessment of a milder and wetter winter this year.

He said that an El Nino year also helps reduce the ferocity of land-falling tropical storms and hurricanes to some extent.