Ice Grips the Alamo City as Record Cold Sweeps San Antonio

Bitter Cold Grips the Region as Record Lows are Challenged

San Antonio is waking up to a historic chill this Monday morning, January 26, 2026. The city is currently emerging from the grasp of an intense arctic blast that has brought freezing temperatures and hazardous conditions to South Texas. Early morning temperatures have plummeted into the teens and low-20s, with officials reporting that the city has already tied or potentially broken the long-standing record low of 20 degrees originally set in 1897. While the winter storm has technically exited the region, the remnants of freezing rain and sleet have left many roads, particularly bridges and overpasses, in a treacherous state.

Morning Forecast: A Frozen Start

The early morning hours are defined by an Extreme Cold Warning which remains in effect until noon today. Wind chills have been reported as low as 14 degrees, making any outdoor activity dangerous. Although the sun rose at 7:26 a.m., residents are advised to remain indoors while the mercury stays well below freezing. Due to the dangerous road conditions and the persistence of ice, local institutions including St. Mary's University have canceled all classes and closed offices for the day. City officials report that over 1,700 CPS Energy customers are currently without power as crews work to repair lines weighed down by ice and fallen tree limbs.

Afternoon Outlook: The Midday Thaw

There is light at the end of the tunnel for those waiting for relief from the freeze. By midday, temperatures are finally expected to rise above the 32-degree mark. This will be a significant milestone, as San Antonio will have spent more than 40 consecutive hours in sub-freezing temperatures by that point. Afternoon conditions will feature:

• Temperature Range: Highs are expected to reach the upper-30s, likely peaking around 37 to 39 degrees.
• Sky Conditions: Mostly sunny skies will prevail, providing much-needed solar radiation to help melt the 0.1 to 0.3 inches of ice accumulation on local surfaces.
• Wind: Northerly winds will persist at 5 to 10 mph, though gusts are expected to subside as the day progresses.

Evening and Nighttime: The Chill Returns

As the sun sets this evening, the lack of cloud cover will lead to another rapid drop in temperature. Forecasters predict that temperatures will crater once again, reaching a low of approximately 20 degrees overnight. While no new precipitation is expected, the clear skies will ensure that any moisture remaining on the ground could refreeze into patchy black ice. Residents should continue to protect the 'Four Ps': People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants. Resilience hubs across the city, including the Copernicus and Garza Community Centers, remain open to provide a safe haven for those in need of warmth through the end of the day.