San Antonio, TX – Unseasonably warm, spring-like temperatures continue across South-Central Texas as San Antonio records one of its hottest starts to January ever. While highs are expected to push into the lower 80s on Thursday, a significant pattern shift is on the horizon, with a late-Friday cold front set to usher in much cooler weather that could linger into next week.
Early January Warmth Breaks Records
Since January 1, San Antonio’s average high temperature has reached 78.6 degrees, more than 16 degrees above normal for this time of year. That puts the city on track for its second-warmest start to January on record, underscoring how far current conditions have deviated from typical mid-winter weather.
Meteorologists note that this persistent warmth has been fueled by steady southerly flow pulling humid air northward, keeping overnight lows mild and daytime highs well above seasonal averages.
Thursday Forecast: Warm, Muggy, and Near 80
Thursday will begin much like the previous few mornings, with mild and muggy conditions across the San Antonio metro area. Early temperatures will sit in the mid-60s under mostly cloudy skies, with a continued chance of patchy dense fog, particularly during the morning commute. While fog is expected to be less widespread than earlier in the week, drivers should still be cautious on bridges and low-lying roadways.
Cloud cover may linger through late morning, slowing the initial warm-up. By around 11 a.m., temperatures should climb into the lower 70s, before partial afternoon clearing allows readings to approach 80 degrees — nearly 20 degrees above normal for early January.
Winds will remain light, generally 5 to 10 mph, helping slightly drier air move into the region by late afternoon. Overall, conditions will feel pleasant, though far more reminiscent of late spring than winter, according to guidance from the National Weather Service.
Cold Front Arrives Late Friday
Friday will start on a similar note, with morning temperatures in the low to mid-60s and highs rising into the mid to upper 70s by midday. Attention then turns to a cold front expected to push into the Hill Country Friday afternoon and move through the San Antonio area by late Friday evening.
As the front approaches, a few isolated showers or weak thunderstorms may develop along the boundary. Rain chances in San Antonio remain limited at 20% or lower, though areas farther east in Texas could see stronger storms capable of producing large hail or damaging winds.
Once the front passes, temperatures will fall rapidly Friday night. Overnight lows are forecast to dip into the mid-40s, with wind chill values dropping into the upper 30s, making it feel considerably colder by early Saturday morning.
Coolest Day of the Month So Far
Saturday is shaping up to be the coolest day of January so far for San Antonio. Afternoon highs are expected to top out in the upper 50s, representing a dramatic 20-degree drop from Friday’s warmth. Skies will remain partly cloudy, and no additional rainfall is expected behind the front.
By Saturday night, temperatures will fall further, reaching the upper 30s to near 40 degrees before sunrise Sunday. Parts of the Hill Country, including Kerrville and Fredericksburg, could briefly dip below freezing, though widespread or prolonged freezes are not anticipated.
Looking Ahead: Cooler Pattern Sticks Around
Cooler-than-average conditions are expected to persist into early next week. Sunday’s highs should remain below the low to mid-60s, with Monday and Tuesday staying in the upper 50s to lower 60s. Morning lows will continue to fall into the upper 30s to lower 40s, reinforcing a return to more seasonable winter weather.
While this cooldown may feel abrupt after such an unusually warm start to the year, it aligns more closely with typical January conditions for South-Central Texas.
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