SAN ANTONIO – The much anticipated Arctic blast made its way into the San Antonio region early this morning, bringing strong winds and much colder temperatures. Winds increased at San Antonio International Airport around midnight to 2 a.m. and gusted up to 37 mph. Similar readings, in some cases near 40-45 mph, were observed all across our viewing area throughout the day.
High pressure will settle in Thursday night, ease the pressure gradient and allow winds to relax. This will result in widespread freezing temperatures over the area.
The last time we saw freezing temperatures in San Antonio was Feb. 7. The Hill Country will see temperatures in the mid-20s with wind chills in the teens. Almost everywhere else, temperatures will fall at or just below freezing with wind chill values in the upper to mid-20s.
The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for San Antonio and surrounding counties from midnight until 9 a.m. The Hill Country does not have a freeze warning in effect, because one has already been issued this season. Once a freeze warning is issued in the current season, another will not be issued by the National Weather Service. Nevertheless, those to our north and northwest will certainly observe very cold/freezing temperatures overnight and Friday morning.
Be certain to provide some warmth to your outdoor pets and cover sensitive vegetation and piping.
Friday afternoon will be another very chilly day with highs only topping in the upper 40s under partly cloudy skies. There could certainly be hints of sunshine throughout the day.
Temperatures will dip into the middle to upper 30s Saturday morning, with more clouds rolling in and a shot of a few sprinkles and light showers in the afternoon with highs in the lower 50s.
Sunday will be milder, for those who like the "warmer” temperatures. Highs will reach the mid-60s under mostly cloudy skies. This trend will continue into the next workweek. Another cold front will head our way by the middle of the week and provide another shot at some cold temperatures.
Stay warm!