San Antonio, February 1, 2026
San Antonio is under an Extreme Cold Warning as an Arctic front brings dangerously low temperatures. Residents are urged to take safety precautions to protect their health and property during this severe weather event. With wind chills dropping to as low as 2 degrees below zero, the city has adjusted its services, keeping critical operations running while providing warming locations for residents in need. Residents are advised to insulate pipes, limit travel, and monitor weather updates to stay safe.
San Antonio Faces Extreme Cold Alert as Arctic Front Hits
San Antonio, Texas – An Arctic cold front has descended upon San Antonio, bringing dangerously cold temperatures and prompting an Extreme Cold Warning for the region. Residents are advised to take immediate precautions to safeguard their health and property.
Extreme Cold Warning Issued
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning for San Antonio and surrounding areas, effective from 6 p.m. Saturday, January 24, until noon on Monday, January 26, 2026. Wind chills are expected to dip as low as 2 degrees below zero, posing significant risks of hypothermia and frostbite on exposed skin. Additionally, unprotected pipes may be at risk of freezing and bursting. Residents are strongly encouraged to stay indoors and limit travel during this period. If venturing outside is necessary, it is crucial to dress in layers, including hats, face masks, and gloves, to minimize exposure to the cold.
City Services and Facility Adjustments
In response to the severe cold weather, the City of San Antonio has implemented several service adjustments to ensure the safety of residents:
- Critical Services: Police, Fire, Public Works, Animal Care Services Enforcement, 311, San Antonio International Airport, and City Homeless Outreach Teams will remain fully operational to ensure essential support for residents.
- Resilience Hubs: City libraries, parks, community centers, and senior centers will serve as warming locations for residents seeking refuge from the cold. These facilities will operate during regular hours to provide a safe indoor space.
- Non-Essential Operations: Most non-essential City employees will work remotely during this period to prioritize public safety and minimize exposure to the extreme cold.
Public Health Advisory
The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District has issued a health advisory urging residents to remain vigilant regarding their well-being during this cold spell. The advisory underscores the importance of being informed about weather conditions and taking appropriate precautions during extreme weather events like this one.
Protective Measures for Residents
To mitigate the risks associated with the extreme cold, residents are advised to:
- Insulate Pipes: Protect exposed pipes to prevent freezing and potential bursting.
- Protect Pets and Plants: Bring pets indoors and cover or bring in sensitive plants to shield them from the cold.
- Limit Travel: Avoid unnecessary travel during the cold weather period to reduce the risk of accidents and exposure.
- Stay Informed: Monitor local weather updates and heed advisories from the National Weather Service and local authorities.
Background Context
While San Antonio is known for its warm climate, it is currently facing a rare weather situation with prolonged subfreezing temperatures. The Arctic cold front is expected to contribute to a 48-hour freeze, with temperatures at or below freezing from early Saturday through Monday. Such extended cold spells pose potential hazards for road conditions, infrastructure, and public health. Residents are urged to take the current warnings seriously and implement protective measures to ensure their safety and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the duration of the Extreme Cold Warning in San Antonio?
The Extreme Cold Warning is in effect from 6 p.m. Saturday, January 24, until noon on Monday, January 26, 2026.
What temperatures are expected during this cold front?
Wind chills are anticipated to dip as low as 2 degrees below zero, posing significant risks of hypothermia and frostbite on exposed skin.
Which city services will remain operational during the cold weather?
Critical services such as Police, Fire, Public Works, Animal Care Services Enforcement, 311, San Antonio International Airport, and City Homeless Outreach Teams will remain fully operational.
How can residents protect their homes from freezing temperatures?
Residents are advised to insulate exposed pipes, protect pets and plants, limit travel, and stay informed by monitoring local weather updates.
Why is San Antonio experiencing such cold temperatures?
An Arctic cold front has moved into South Texas, bringing unusually cold air and increasing the potential for a wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet, or light snow across parts of the region.
Key Features of the Cold Weather Advisory
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Advisory Type | Extreme Cold Warning |
| Effective Dates | 6 p.m. Saturday, January 24, to noon Monday, January 26, 2026 |
| Expected Wind Chills | As low as 2 degrees below zero |
| Risks | Hypothermia, frostbite, frozen pipes |
| Critical Services Operational | Police, Fire, Public Works, Animal Care Services Enforcement, 311, San Antonio International Airport, City Homeless Outreach Teams |
| Resilience Hubs | City libraries, parks, community centers, senior centers serving as warming locations |
| Non-Essential Operations | Most non-essential City employees working remotely |
| Protective Measures | Insulate pipes, protect pets and plants, limit travel, stay informed |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
