Residents of the Alamo City should prepare for a volatile stretch of weather as severe storms to slam San Antonio for several days are expected to move through the region. Starting Wednesday, April 7, a series of weather systems will bring a persistent threat of thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and potential hail to the area, extending well into the upcoming weekend and the start of the following workweek.
While the National Weather Service (NWS) indicates a general chance of thunderstorms ranging from 20% to 40% throughout the week, certain windows present a higher risk for severe activity. Forecasters are particularly focused on Thursday and Friday afternoons, where the probability of storm development peaks.
The National Weather Service San Antonio-Austin office has emphasized that despite the risks, the incoming moisture is a welcome development for the region’s ecosystem. “Any rainfall at this point is beneficial, so despite the threat for severe weather, we will take the chance at rainfall when One can,” the office stated.
For those monitoring the situation, the distinction between a standard thunderstorm and a severe event is critical for safety planning. The NWS defines a severe thunderstorm as any event that produces wind speeds of at least 58 mph or hail that is 1 inch in diameter or larger.
Timeline of Storm Probability and Temperature Shifts
The timing of these weather events suggests a gradual increase in instability as the week progresses. While Wednesday marks the beginning of the unsettled pattern, the atmosphere is expected to turn into more volatile toward the end of the workweek.
According to NWS data, the likelihood of thunderstorms reaches 40% on Thursday afternoon and climbs to 50% by Friday afternoon. However, other tracking models suggest an even higher probability. Data from The Weather Channel indicates a significantly higher chance of precipitation, with odds ranging from 50% to 70% from Friday through Sunday.
Beyond the precipitation, the region will experience a noticeable shift in temperature. The current cooling pattern is expected to hold, effectively ending the streak of 90-degree days. Afternoon highs are projected to peak in the low 80s, while overnight lows will dip into the upper 60s and low 70s, providing a reprieve from the typical Texas heat.
| Period | Storm Probability (NWS) | Expected Highs | Expected Lows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed, April 7 | 20% – 40% | Low 80s | Upper 60s/Low 70s |
| Thu Afternoon | 40% | Low 80s | Upper 60s/Low 70s |
| Fri Afternoon | 50% | Low 80s | Upper 60s/Low 70s |
| Weekend | Variable (up to 70%) | Low 80s | Upper 60s/Low 70s |
What Which means for Local Residents
The primary concern for San Antonio homeowners and commuters will be the potential for hail and high winds. Because severe storms can develop rapidly, the “beneficial” nature of the rain may be offset by localized property damage if hail exceeds the one-inch threshold.
Commuters should be mindful of reduced visibility and potential flash flooding on low-lying roads during the peak storm windows on Friday and Saturday. The prolonged nature of this system—stretching into the next workweek—means that moisture will saturate the ground, potentially increasing the risk of runoff during subsequent rain events.
For those planning outdoor activities or travel, the discrepancy between the NWS and commercial forecasters suggests that while the “severe” threshold may only be hit in isolated cells, the general likelihood of rain is high. This makes the window from Friday through Sunday particularly unpredictable for outdoor events.
Safety Precautions and Monitoring
To stay informed, residents are encouraged to monitor official alerts from the NWS San Antonio-Austin office. Because severe weather can shift rapidly, relying on real-time radar and official government warnings is the most reliable way to ensure safety.
Standard severe weather protocols apply: move indoors immediately if hail or high winds are detected, stay away from windows, and avoid driving through flooded roadways. The combination of 58 mph winds and large hail can cause significant damage to vehicles and exterior structures in a matter of minutes.
As the region transitions out of the 90-degree heat, the cooling effect will be a welcome change, but the accompanying instability requires a heightened state of awareness. The extended duration of this pattern suggests that the “gloomy” forecast is not a brief passing event, but a multi-day atmospheric shift.
The next critical checkpoint for weather updates will be the updated short-range forecasts issued by the National Weather Service on Thursday morning, which will provide more precise timing for the peak storm risks on Friday.
Do you have photos of the storm’s impact or tips for staying safe during San Antonio’s severe weather? Share your thoughts and updates in the comments below.
