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‘Do birds get cold?’ What Texans are Googling during this winter storm

In this file photo from Feb. 11, 2010, Lamar High seniors Claire VanBeber and Hailey Sisson catch snowflakes on their tongues on Cravens Field in Arlington.
In this file photo from Feb. 11, 2010, Lamar High seniors Claire VanBeber and Hailey Sisson catch snowflakes on their tongues on Cravens Field in Arlington.

❄️ Winter storm updates for Fort Worth, road conditions, closings & other breaking weather news: Read Wednesday's latest here.

Many Texans aren’t used to this kind of nasty cold weather, nor are we fully prepared for dealing with ice and snow — unless you moved here from up North and brought all your sleds, shovels and parkas.

We took a look at some of the most-searched terms on Google over the past 24 hours in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro. Clearly, we have a lot of questions when it comes to winter storms. Take a look:

“Makeshift sled ideas”

Other popular searches are “snow sled in store near me” (not likely, Tex!) and “things to use as a sled.” In a far north Fort Worth neighborhood, we saw a couple of boys with donut-shaped pool floats.

Two boys carry pool floats to go sledding in a far north Fort Worth neighborhood on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026.
Two boys carry pool floats to go sledding in a far north Fort Worth neighborhood on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Matt Leclercq mleclercq@star-telegram.com

“Can I do laundry during a winter storm?”

A lot of people have been searching for information about washing their clothes this weekend. Reporter Ella Gonzales wrote a story today about what you need to know.

“Do birds get cold in the winter?”

Sunday morning, the plight of birds (and squirrels) was top of mind among many folks in Fort Worth. Another common Google search: “Can birds eat oatmeal?” Keeping your bird feeder full until the snow and ice melts would be much appreciated by your feathered friends.

“How long does it take for snow to melt?”

Clearly some of us are over this snowy mess. Another trending search is “What temperature does snow melt?” (Answer: 32 degrees ... or when the sun starts warming things up). The way it’s looking Sunday, with perhaps record-cold temperatures overnight, this snow may be around a few days. It’s not expected to get above freezing until Tuesday.

“Can you take a shower during a snow storm?”

Yes, and your family members stuck at home with you will be appreciative.

“Is snow safe to eat?”

If you must. Just avoid the yellow snow.

“Snow ice cream”

People are searching for recipes to turn the stuff in their yard into dessert. Should have just stocked up on Blue Bell while you had the chance.

“Should you use 4 wheel drive on ice?”

We all know we shouldn’t drive on these roads today, but Texans will be Texans.

“What are flurries?”

“Flurries meaning” and “flurries vs snow” are also popular. We admit that we don’t have to deal with this stuff that often.

“Liquor store near me”

Spoiler alert: Texas liquor stores are closed on Sunday. Let’s hope they are able to open on time tomorrow, though.

“When does winter end?”

Not soon enough, friends. Not soon enough.

This story was originally published January 25, 2026 at 2:40 PM.

Matt Leclercq
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Matt Leclercq is senior managing editor at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He previously was an editor at USA Today in Washington, national news editor at Gatehouse Media in Austin, and executive editor of The Fayetteville (NC) Observer. He’s a New Orleans native.
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