Thursday and Friday of this week could go down as two of the coldest days in San Antonio this winter, including a possible light wintry mix.
The National Weather Service reports a strong cold front is expected to push into the city on Wednesday with gusty winds up to 30 mph.
But the real cold won't come until Thursday and Friday when daytime highs may not crawl out of the 40s. Freezing or near freezing temperatures are expected Wednesday night through Saturday night.
The jet stream and an upper-level trough near the border with Mexico could provide the precipitation that combines with the freezing temperatures to make some white stuff.
Forecasters said atmospheric dynamics on Tuesday indicated the potential for a mix of all precipitation types, including snow, sleet, freezing rain and freezing drizzle, but it is too early to determine exactly how much will accumulate.
The weather service reports icing issues on bridges and overpasses could not be ruled out for Thursday and Friday.
Forecasters said precipitation forecasts right now remain very light, around a tenth of an inch, and ground temperatures will likely be too warm to allow for accumulation.
They said forecast models have been in conflict, so they have blended them for now for a glimpse into the possible weather outcome at the end of this week.
Temperatures on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week are expected to be unseasonably warm, in the 70s, before the cold front arrives. After the chilly Thursday and Friday, daytime highs should warm into the 50s and Saturday and Sunday.
SAWS
The San Antonio Water System has launched a dedicated Be Ready for the Unexpected webpage complete with infographics and how-to videos in English and Spanish to help residents prepare for severe cold weather.
The information provided includes detailed instructions on what to do during a boil water notice, water outage, freezing weather and other water issues, according to a news release.
“Last year’s freeze was unlike anything our community had ever experienced, and we want to learn from that and help our customers know what they can do to in the event of an emergency,” said Gavino Ramos, SAWS Vice President of Communications and External Affairs.
“We developed these materials so customers know what they need to have on hand such as tools and supplies, as well as how to perform necessary actions, such as locating their pipes or turning off their water.”
SAWS is also offering customers a Be Ready Rebate to offset a portion of the cost for a licensed plumber to check for leaks, and learn how to protect their pipes. The deadline to apply is Feb. 28. Learn more at gardenstylesanantonio.com/be-ready-rebate.
Tips to stay safe
The City of San Antonio offers this freezing weather tips this month.
Residents should continue to take proper precautions by remembering the Four Ps: People, Pets, Plants and Pipes.
- People: Keep warm and dress in layers. Check on your elderly family or neighbors.
- Pets: Bring pets inside to keep them safe and healthy.
- Plants: Bring potted plants inside. Cover outdoor plants with cloth fabric.
- Pipes: cover outdoor pipes and allow faucets to slowly drip to prevent them from freezing.
Pets should be brought indoors from the cold. Residents who notice pets being left out without proper care, or any pet in need, should call the City’s Customer Service representative at 3-1-1 or by visiting the website at saacs.info/311. Animal Care Officers will be on patrol for any violations. ACS Officers will practice a zero tolerance and will cite/impound for violations.
