Stormy Saturday: Severe Thunderstorms and Hail Threaten San Antonio

A Major Shift in the Forecast

After a stretch of unseasonably warm and dry weather, San Antonio is bracing for a significant weather pattern shift this Saturday, March 7, 2026. A cold front is expected to surge through South Texas, bringing with it a high probability of severe thunderstorms, large hail, and damaging wind gusts. Local meteorologists and the National Weather Service have placed the metro area under a level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather, urging residents to stay weather-aware throughout the day.

Morning: A Mild and Muggy Start

The day will begin on a relatively calm but humid note. Between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., San Antonians can expect overcast skies with humidity levels hovering near 88%. Temperatures will start in the low 70s, slowly climbing into the mid-70s by late morning. While these early hours may remain mostly dry, the muggy air is a precursor to the atmospheric instability expected as the cold front moves closer to the city.

Afternoon: Storms and Cold Front Arrival

The primary weather concerns will develop as we head into the afternoon. As the front approaches, temperatures are forecast to peak between 80°F and 85°F. Current radar models suggest scattered thunderstorms will begin moving into the San Antonio metro area around 3 p.m. While rain chances have fluctuated, there is currently a 60% to 75% chance of precipitation during the day. These storms have the potential to become strong to severe, with the following primary hazards:

• Large hail between 1 and 2 inches in diameter.
• Damaging wind gusts ranging from 58 to 75 mph.
• Isolated lightning and the potential for a brief tornado.

Evening and Overnight: Heavy Rain Potential

The threat of heavy rainfall will persist into the evening hours. Forecasters anticipate rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches, with locally higher totals possible in areas along the I-35 corridor. This has prompted a flood risk upgrade to level 2 out of 4 for the region. By nightfall, the chance of rain will decrease to approximately 35%, and temperatures will drop significantly behind the front to a cool low of around 58°F.

Community Impact and Alerts

Due to the impending severe weather, the annual Basura Bash—the city's largest single-day waterway cleanup—has been officially postponed. River Aid San Antonio announced that the event will now take place on Saturday, March 21, to ensure the safety of its thousands of volunteers. Residents are advised to secure outdoor furniture and prepare for potential travel delays caused by localized flooding and high winds.