Bask in the Sun: San Antonio Hits the 70s Before Weekend Arctic Blast Arrives

A Warm and Bright Wednesday Before the Chill

San Antonio residents can expect a pleasant transition today, Wednesday, January 21, 2026, as morning cloud cover gives way to a beautiful, sun-drenched afternoon. While the day started with high humidity and gray skies, the forecast suggests that the Alamo City will reach unseasonably warm temperatures before an aggressive arctic front shifts the weather pattern significantly later this week.

Morning and Afternoon Predictions

The early morning hours began with a thick blanket of clouds and a humidity level near 92%. A slight 35% chance of light rain or patchy drizzle persists through the late morning, particularly for neighborhoods along and east of the I-35 corridor. However, as we head into the midday hours, these clouds are expected to break apart, allowing for significant warming across the metro area.

• Morning: Cloudy and damp with temperatures hovering around 60 degrees. Residents may encounter light mist or drizzle during the morning commute, though rain chances remain low at 35%.
• Afternoon: Skies will clear to reveal mostly sunny conditions. Temperatures are expected to climb to a high of 72 degrees Fahrenheit, which is several degrees above the seasonal norm for January.
• Wind: Expect light and manageable breezes coming from the south-southwest at approximately 5 miles per hour throughout the daytime hours.

Evening and Nighttime Outlook

As the sun sets, the clear skies will begin to fill with clouds once again. The evening will remain relatively mild compared to the freezing conditions looming on the horizon. By the early hours of Thursday morning, temperatures are predicted to dip to a low of approximately 52 to 53 degrees. While no significant rainfall is expected tonight, the increasing cloud cover will act as a precursor to the shift in moisture levels arriving on Thursday.

Critical Winter Preparation Alert

While today’s weather is ideal for outdoor activities, the National Weather Service and local meteorologists are urging San Antonians to use this calm period to prepare for a "hazardous cold" event. A powerful arctic airmass is confirmed to arrive Friday evening, which could bring severe impacts to our region this upcoming weekend. Current predictions indicate:

• Temperatures dropping well below freezing for at least 24 hours starting Saturday night.
• A 40-60% chance of ice accumulation (at least 0.10 inches) starting Saturday morning through Sunday.
• Dangerous wind chills potentially dropping into the single digits or near zero by Sunday morning.

Today is the recommended time to insulate exposed outdoor pipes, cover faucets, and ensure that pets have a warm place to stay indoors. Use this afternoon's 72-degree warmth to secure your home before the freezing rain and bitter cold arrive Friday night.