Freezing temperatures to return this weekend

A light blanket of snow covered the ground across Lampasas County on Monday. Although temperatures as low as 9 degrees were reported in some parts of the county, the official low was 12 degrees, and the high reached 22 degrees that day. JOYCESARAH MCCABE | DISPATCH RECORD

While the frigid temperatures drive most people inside, the cold drives cattle ranchers outside to check on animals. Any ice and snow is welcome because it means nitrogen is being added to the soil, however it also means cattle can’t graze or drink. Ice on the water must be broken, and cattle must be fed. This group of Angus enjoyed every bite amid the cold that enveloped Lampasas County early this week. JOYCESARAH MCCABE | DISPATCH RECORD

A thin sheet of ice covers most of the creek in this photo taken behind the Palapa Springs business center off U.S. Highway 281 South. COURTESY PHOTO

Some snow and icy patches remain visible in shaded areas, as the temperature didn’t rise above freezing in Lampasas until mid-morning Wednesday. This wet-weather creek along South Willis Street still bears signs of the frosty precipitation that fell across the county on Monday. ALLYSSE LOWE | COURTESY PHOTO