Cold Front Brings Rain Then Ice Risk, With Spotty Showers Possible Across San Antonio This Weekend
Showers possible after a front, but a sharper temperature drop could change impacts late
San Antonio’s late-week weather pattern is set to pivot from mild, occasionally wet conditions to a much colder setup as a strong cold front pushes into South-Central Texas late Friday, January 23. Before the colder air arrives, periods of rain are expected Friday, with a notable drop in temperatures Friday night that could set the stage for icy travel concerns into the weekend.
Forecasts for the city show rain continuing into Saturday, January 24, followed by a shift toward colder conditions. Daytime highs are expected to fall into the upper 30s Saturday and Sunday, with nighttime temperatures dropping below freezing. That combination increases the likelihood that precipitation could freeze on contact in some circumstances, especially on elevated surfaces.
What the forecast indicates for San Antonio through Monday, January 26
Friday, Jan. 23: Periods of rain during the day; temperatures fall sharply at night.
Saturday, Jan. 24: Rain remains possible, but colder air builds in; travel impacts could develop late if temperatures dip below freezing while moisture persists.
Sunday, Jan. 25: Very cold conditions continue; a mix of freezing precipitation is possible early before changing over as temperatures fluctuate.
Monday, Jan. 26: Cold conditions linger with partial clearing; morning lows remain well below typical late-January comfort levels.
Where ice is most likely and why bridges matter
Across the broader region, the greatest potential for impactful icing is centered north and northwest of San Antonio—particularly into the Hill Country and along and north of the Interstate 35 corridor—where forecasts show higher probabilities for at least light ice accretion. In San Antonio, the probabilities are lower, but not negligible, and even minor glazing can create localized hazards.
Bridges, overpasses and elevated ramps are often first to ice because they cool from above and below. That effect can produce slick spots even when nearby ground-level pavement appears only wet.
What remains uncertain
The key variable is timing: small shifts in the arrival of subfreezing air relative to the heaviest rainfall can significantly change impacts. If rain ends before temperatures fall below freezing, the main story becomes a cold, damp weekend with limited travel disruption. If rain persists into the colder window, the risk of icy patches increases—especially overnight and early morning.
Residents planning early-morning travel this weekend should monitor updated forecasts for temperature trends and precipitation timing, with special attention to elevated roadways.
Practical preparations
Allow extra time for weekend travel, especially early mornings.
Protect exposed pipes and check outdoor faucets before the temperature drop Friday night.
Have a cold-weather plan for pets and vulnerable neighbors as wind chills fall.