San Antonio, Texas – Central, South, and West Texas may be running warmer than average this winter, but the season still brings weather risks worth understanding, especially for travelers arriving from colder regions. As late January and early February remain peak travel periods, the science of wind chill still plays a role, not because Texas is facing extreme cold, but because shifting climates and exposure can affect the body in unexpected ways.
According to the National Weather Service, wind chill measures how quickly the body loses heat when wind removes the thin layer of warmth surrounding exposed skin. In much of Texas, wind chill values are rarely dangerous this time of year, but they can still impact comfort and health during cooler mornings, breezy afternoons, and overnight hours, particularly for visitors transitioning from subzero conditions elsewhere.
Geography shapes how winter weather is felt across the region. In Central Texas, including Austin and San Antonio, open terrain and hill country corridors allow winds to move freely, creating a noticeable chill during early morning hours along highways, greenbelts, and elevated roadways. In West Texas, from Midland to the Permian Basin, dry air and steady winds can make cooler temperatures feel sharper than expected, especially after sunset. Farther south, coastal plains and brush country experience mild days but cooler, breezy nights where wind can quickly lower comfort levels.
Wind chill does not freeze pipes or vehicles under the current pattern, but it can affect people adjusting between climates. Travelers shedding winter layers too quickly may feel chilled after sunset, while dehydration and fatigue can occur as the body adapts to warmer days and cooler nights. Pets transported from colder regions may also struggle with rapid temperature swings.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to dress in light layers, stay hydrated, and remain mindful of breezy conditions, especially during early morning and evening hours. Even with above-normal temperatures, winter remains an active season nationwide, making weather awareness valuable for anyone traveling into or across Texas.
