Texas wakes to a rare, biting chill as extreme cold presses across south-central communities. Frost sparkles on rooftops, cars struggle to warm, and the air feels sharply out of place for late January.
Temperatures early this morning sit near 25 degrees in San Antonio, with similar readings across Austin, New Braunfels, and surrounding Hill Country towns. Wind chills have dipped into the teens in spots. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning, highlighting the risk of frostbite and hypothermia for anyone exposed too long.
Travel conditions remain mostly dry, but danger still lurks. Any moisture on roads, sidewalks, or bridges can freeze quickly before sunrise. Drivers should slow down, especially on elevated roadways and shaded streets. Pipes, pets, and plants remain vulnerable through the morning hours.
Relief arrives later today. Sunshine returns, and temperatures rebound quickly, climbing toward 49 degrees by afternoon. To be fair, it will feel dramatically better, though the day starts brutally cold. Melting during daylight sets up another concern tonight. As temperatures drop back near 30 degrees, refreezing becomes possible again after dark.
Wednesday marks a clear shift. Sunshine dominates, and highs jump into the mid-50s. By Thursday, south-central Texas warms further, with highs near 62 degrees under partly sunny skies. Winds increase Thursday night, but cold impacts fade fast.
Friday stays mild, with highs near 54 degrees, before a cooler weekend settles in. Saturday highs hover in the upper 40s, then rebound into the low 50s Sunday. No snow or ice is expected later this week, but winter vigilance remains important during freeze-thaw cycles.
Dress in layers this morning, check neighbors, and protect pipes. Conditions change fast after sunrise. How cold did it feel stepping outside where you live?
Five-Day Outlook for San Antonio–Austin, TX
- Today: Mostly sunny, cold early, high near 49
- Wednesday: Sunny and warmer, high near 56
- Thursday: Partly sunny, springlike, high near 62
- Friday: Mostly sunny, mild, high near 54
- Saturday: Sunny and cooler, high near 47
