San Antonio and much of South Central Texas are bracing for another Arctic blast, with temperatures expected to drop dramatically starting Tuesday. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings for hard freezes across the region, including the I-35 Corridor. Residents are being urged to take precautions to protect themselves, their pets, and their property from the upcoming cold snap.
Temperature Drop: From 70s to Freezing in Hours
The weather shift will be sudden and severe. On Tuesday, daytime temperatures are expected to reach the low 70s. However, as the Arctic front moves in, temperatures will rapidly plummet into the upper 20s in San Antonio overnight.
Key temperature predictions:
- San Antonio: Upper 20s by Tuesday night
- Kerrville & Fredericksburg: Temperatures could dip into the teens
- Wind chills: Single-digit feels-like temperatures across much of the region
The drastic drop in temperatures will create dangerous conditions, especially for vulnerable populations.
Expected Weather Conditions Throughout the Week
While the majority of the week is expected to remain dry, the NWS has noted a slight chance of a light wintry mix late Tuesday. The chances of winter precipitation will increase on Friday and Saturday, raising concerns about icy conditions on roads and sidewalks.
Weather highlights:
- Tuesday: Mild during the day, freezing temperatures overnight
- Wednesday to Thursday: Dry but very cold, with hard freezes each night
- Friday to Saturday: Increased chance of winter precipitation, with potential icy patches
Cold Weather Advisories and Warnings Likely
The NWS has indicated an 80% probability of issuing Cold Weather Advisories or Extreme Cold Warnings for the region. These advisories will alert residents to the potential dangers posed by the freezing temperatures, including risks of frostbite and hypothermia.
Protecting the Four Ps: Essential Safety Measures
Weather experts are emphasizing the need to protect the four Ps during this Arctic blast:
- People:
- Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly and those without reliable heating.
- Limit time outdoors to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
- Pets:
- Bring pets indoors.
- If pets must remain outside, provide insulated shelter and fresh, unfrozen water.
- Plants:
- Move potted plants indoors.
- Cover outdoor plants with blankets or frost cloth to protect them from freezing temperatures.
- Pipes:
- Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing and bursting.
- Allow faucets to drip slightly to keep water moving.
Fire Safety and Space Heater Precautions
As temperatures drop, many households will rely on space heaters to stay warm. The NWS is reminding residents to ensure heaters are in good working condition to reduce fire risks.
Safety tips:
- Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from flammable materials.
- Never leave heaters unattended.
- Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning properly.
South Central Texas is set to experience a significant Arctic blast, with freezing temperatures and possible winter precipitation later in the week. Residents should prepare in advance by safeguarding people, pets, plants, and pipes while taking extra precautions with heating devices. Staying informed through official weather updates will be crucial to navigating the cold snap safely.
