Arctic Front: Dangerous Wind Chills & Ice This Weekend

San Antonio Braces for Extreme cold, Hazardous Wind Chills This Weekend

A severe arctic front is poised to dramatically lower temperatures across the San Antonio area, triggering an Extreme Cold Watch from Saturday evening through Monday morning. Residents are urged to prepare for potentially life-threatening wind chills ranging from -4 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

San antonio is currently experiencing mild conditions, with patchy morning fog giving way to sunshine and temperatures between 72 and 76 degrees on Thursday. Though, this warmth will be short-lived.

Arctic Front Arrives Friday Evening

The change in weather will be swift. Cloudy and mild conditions are expected early Friday, but the arctic front will arrive between 5 and 8 p.m., bringing with it patchy rain.While temperatures will fall sharply, they are expected to remain above freezing overnight.

Did you know? – Wind chill is calculated based on how quickly the human body loses heat due to the combined effect of cold temperatures and wind speed. Exposed skin can freeze in a matter of minutes at these forecasted wind chills.

Weekend Forecast: Freezing Rain and Hazardous Conditions

Saturday will be significantly colder, with breezy conditions and periods of rain. High temperatures will struggle to reach 35 to 39 degrees.The Hill Country region faces the additional threat of freezing rain, creating treacherous travel conditions.

Sunday promises to be even colder, with a light wintry mix anticipated in the morning. Slick spots are likely to develop on bridges,overpasses,sidewalks,and decks,making travel extremely hazardous.

Pro tip – To prevent pipes from freezing, allow faucets to drip slowly during the coldest periods. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.

preparing for the Deep Freeze

Authorities are advising residents to take immediate steps to protect themselves, their families, and their property.Essential preparations include:

• Protecting pets from the cold.
• insulating pipes to prevent freezing and bursting.
• Bringing vulnerable plants indoors.
• Limiting time outdoors once the cold settles in.

A senior official stated, “Preparation is key to mitigating the risks associated with this extreme weather event.”

Texas is actively preparing for the incoming winter storm, with resources being mobilized across the state.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the latest weather updates and heed all warnings from local authorities. Share your weather photos with us by clicking [here](CLICK HERE to send us your weather photos.).

Why is this happening? An arctic air mass is plunging south,bringing unusually cold temperatures to the San Antonio area. This is due to a disruption in the polar vortex, allowing frigid air to escape the Arctic.

Who is affected? The entire San Antonio metropolitan area and the Texas Hill Country are under an Extreme Cold Watch. Residents,travelers,pets,and infrastructure are all at risk.

What is the forecast? Temperatures will plummet Friday evening, with wind chills dropping below zero. Saturday will be cold and rainy, with freezing rain possible in the Hill Country. Sunday will be the coldest day, with a wintry mix and hazardous travel conditions.

How did it end? The Extreme Cold Watch is in effect through Monday morning.While temperatures are expected to gradually rise on Monday, lingering effects like icy patches could remain. Authorities have not yet provided a definitive end time for the hazardous conditions, urging continued vigilance. Resources are being mobilized to address potential power outages and travel disruptions.