Alamo City Shivers: Record-Breaking Cold and Morning Warnings Grip San Antonio

A Frigid Start to the Day

San Antonio residents are waking up to some of the coldest temperatures of the season this Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The National Weather Service has extended an Extreme Cold Warning for the area until 9:00 AM, as a persistent arctic air mass remains settled over South Central Texas. Record-breaking lows have been recorded this morning, with temperatures at the San Antonio International Airport dropping to a biting 23°F. Early morning commuters are urged to use extreme caution, as lingering moisture may have created isolated icy patches on bridges and overpasses, particularly in the northern reaches of Bexar County.

Midday and Afternoon Outlook

As the sun rises, the city will see a slight reprieve from the freezing start, though the air will remain crisp throughout the day. Temperatures are expected to climb slowly, reaching a projected high of 48°F by the mid-afternoon. While this is a significant improvement from the dawn hours, it remains well below the seasonal average. Sky conditions will be primarily cloudy during the daylight hours, with a 10% chance of light precipitation. While a stray snowflake or light drizzle cannot be entirely ruled out, no significant accumulation is anticipated for the city proper today.

Evening Conditions and Nightfall

Heading into the evening hours, the cloud cover is expected to break, leading to clearer skies overnight. This clearing will allow for another period of rapid cooling, though the intensity of the cold is expected to begin moderating compared to the brutal conditions of the previous 48 hours. By sunset, temperatures will begin their descent back toward the freezing mark. Winds have transitioned to a lighter breeze, but wind chill values will still make the evening feel considerably colder than the actual thermometer reading, likely hovering in the low 30s as night falls.

Safety Reminders and the "Four Ps"

With the Extreme Cold Warning in place through the morning, local officials are urging San Antonians to remain vigilant and protect the "Four Ps":

• People: Check on elderly neighbors and vulnerable individuals to ensure they have adequate heating.
• Pets: Bring all animals inside or provide heavily insulated, dry shelter.
• Pipes: Allow faucets to drip and ensure outdoor pipes are wrapped or covered.
• Plants: Move potted plants indoors and cover sensitive ground vegetation.

Looking Ahead

The good news for those weary of the arctic blast is that a warming trend is on the horizon. Local forecast models indicate that San Antonio will see a gradual rise in temperatures starting Wednesday, with highs returning to the 50s and reaching the mid-60s by Thursday afternoon. For today, however, residents are advised to keep their heavy coats and gloves handy as the city braves the final stages of this record-setting cold snap.