San Antonio is bracing for a rare and dangerous blast of Arctic air this weekend, as forecasters warn of subfreezing temperatures, icy roads and wind chills that could dip below zero for parts of South Central Texas.

Local officials are urging residents and travelers to prepare now for hazardous driving conditions, potential power disruptions and a deep freeze that will test a city more accustomed to mild winters than to winter storm warnings and extreme cold alerts.

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Arctic Front Targets South Central Texas

The leading edge of the Arctic air mass is forecast to sweep through San Antonio late Friday, January 23, dropping temperatures sharply from near 70 degrees Fahrenheit into the lower 40s overnight. By Saturday, January 24, the city will feel the full impact of the front, with daytime highs expected to hover in the mid 40s and a biting north wind pushing colder air into the region.

Forecasters expect the cold to intensify Saturday night into Sunday, January 25, when temperatures across the metro area are projected to fall into the upper teens. The U.S. National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning and an Extreme Cold Warning for Bexar County starting Saturday evening, highlighting the dual threats of significant icing and life threatening wind chills.

While San Antonio periodically experiences freezes during the winter months, meteorologists say this event stands out because of the combination of frigid air, freezing rain potential and wind speeds strong enough to make it feel far colder than the actual temperature. For a region where January high temperatures often climb comfortably into the 60s, this weekend’s forecast represents a dramatic and dangerous shift.

Ice Accumulations Poised to Snarl Travel

The most immediate concern for residents and visitors is the threat of ice on roads, especially elevated structures that freeze first. The Winter Storm Warning calls for ice accumulations between one tenth and one quarter of an inch across parts of South Central Texas, including San Antonio, from Saturday evening through midday Sunday.

Even a thin glaze of ice can be enough to turn highways into sheets of black ice, with bridges and overpasses particularly vulnerable. Transportation officials are preparing to pretreat major thoroughfares where possible, but they caution that rapidly falling temperatures and intermittent freezing rain may outpace efforts to keep surfaces clear.

Travelers passing through the region by car are being advised to delay nonessential trips, especially during the late night and early morning hours of Sunday, when the combination of freezing rain, residual moisture and plunging temperatures could make some routes nearly impassable. Those who must be on the road are urged to drive slowly, avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on curves and hills where traction is reduced.

Subzero Wind Chills Raise Life Safety Concerns

Beyond the ice, the cold itself poses a significant danger. The Extreme Cold Warning notes that wind chills in parts of the Hill Country and the southern Edwards Plateau could fall as low as 5 degrees below zero late Saturday night and again Sunday night into Monday, January 26. In San Antonio and surrounding areas, wind chills are expected to be in the single digits to teens, still cold enough to cause hypothermia and frostbite on exposed skin.

City emergency managers are emphasizing that such temperatures are abnormal for the region and can be particularly hazardous for people who do not have adequate heating or winter clothing. Officials recommend dressing in layers, including hats, gloves and face coverings to protect against the wind, and limiting time outdoors as much as possible during the coldest periods.

Homeless outreach teams and nonprofit organizations have begun ramping up efforts to bring vulnerable residents into shelters or warming centers. Travelers staying in hotels and vacation rentals are being encouraged to check that their heating systems are working properly and to keep extra blankets or warm clothing on hand in case of localized power interruptions.

Power Grid, Pipes and Infrastructure Under Strain

The approaching freeze is raising renewed concerns about the resilience of local infrastructure, including the electricity grid and water systems. While utility providers say they have implemented a range of improvements and winterization measures since past cold-weather crises, sustained subfreezing temperatures and ice can still place a heavy load on equipment and distribution networks.

San Antonio’s municipal utility and private energy companies across Texas are preparing for a spike in demand as residents switch on heaters and try to keep homes warm through the coldest hours. Any ice accumulation on power lines or tree branches could also lead to scattered outages if lines are damaged or vegetation falls onto equipment.

Meanwhile, plumbing contractors and city officials are cautioning that prolonged temperatures below freezing, especially those dipping into the teens, can cause uninsulated or exposed pipes to freeze and burst. Residents are being advised to insulate outdoor spigots, open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate, and let faucets drip slowly during the coldest nights to keep water moving through vulnerable lines.

Air, Road and Rail Travel Disruptions Possible

The storm’s timing over a winter weekend has implications for travelers using multiple forms of transportation. Drivers along the Interstate 10 and Interstate 35 corridors should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions, with rain on Friday giving way to colder, wind-driven showers and a potential glaze of ice in some areas by late Saturday.

Air passengers flying into and out of San Antonio International Airport may encounter delays or cancellations, especially during the overnight periods when runway surfaces are most susceptible to freezing. Airlines often adjust schedules in advance of a winter weather event, consolidating flights or rerouting aircraft to minimize disruptions once the storm arrives. Travelers are urged to monitor their flight status closely and allow extra time for check-in and security if conditions deteriorate.

Regional bus and rail services could also be affected if icy roads make it unsafe to operate on certain routes or if power outages interfere with signaling systems. Visitors planning to connect through San Antonio on long-distance trips should have contingency plans in place, including flexible reservations and backup accommodation options, in case the weather forces temporary closures or delays.

Local Officials Urge Early Preparation

In anticipation of the freeze, city and county officials across the San Antonio area are emphasizing personal preparedness and community awareness. Emergency management offices are sharing updated forecasts, urging residents to stay informed through trusted local media and official channels as the situation evolves.

Residents are being encouraged to stock basic supplies ahead of the weekend, including drinking water, non-perishable food, batteries, flashlights and any necessary medications. Those who rely on electrically powered medical devices are urged to identify backup power options or alternate locations they can move to if an outage occurs in their neighborhood.

Public works departments are preparing sand and de-icing materials for priority roadways, while school districts and universities are monitoring the forecast closely to determine whether schedule changes will be needed early next week. Hospitals and emergency services are reviewing staffing and response plans to ensure they can handle potential upticks in weather-related accidents, including slips, falls and traffic collisions on icy surfaces.

Traveler and Tourist Guidance for the Big Freeze

San Antonio, a popular weekend destination for visitors from across Texas and beyond, is offering a very different experience this weekend than its usual riverfront strolls and outdoor attractions. Tourists in the city for conferences, sporting events or leisure travel will need to adapt plans around the weather, especially during the coldest and iciest periods.

Travel experts recommend shifting as many activities as possible to daytime hours on Saturday and Monday, when temperatures, while still cold, are less extreme and any ice has a better chance to melt or be treated by road crews. Sunday morning, when freezing rain and dangerous road conditions are most likely, is expected to be the most problematic window for driving, walking and outdoor sightseeing.

Visitors are also being advised to maintain a full tank of gas, charge mobile phones and portable power banks, and keep a small emergency kit in their vehicle with water, snacks, a blanket and a flashlight. Those staying in downtown hotels may find that walking between venues is less appealing than usual, and should be prepared with warm, layered clothing and sturdy footwear with good traction.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors as Temperatures Plunge

Community organizations, churches and neighborhood groups are mobilizing to check on older residents, people with disabilities and others who may struggle to cope with the extreme cold. Social services agencies are reminding the public that quick phone calls or doorstep visits can be lifesaving in a freeze, particularly for individuals who live alone or lack reliable transportation.

Pet owners are being firmly reminded that animals should be brought indoors during the cold spell. For livestock and outdoor animals that cannot be moved, ranchers and caretakers are working to provide windbreaks, bedding and access to unfrozen water supplies to reduce the risk posed by the extended freeze.

Even as San Antonio braces for hazardous conditions on the roads and a sharp drop in temperatures, the emphasis from officials and community leaders is on preparation, patience and neighborly support. With Arctic air bearing down and ice in the forecast, the city is confronting a winter weekend that will demand caution from everyone on the move, whether they are longtime residents or travelers just passing through.