WINTER WEATHER TIMELINE: What to expect this weekend in San Antonio and the Hill Country

FORECAST TIMELINE

• FRIDAY EVENING: Cold front arrives, temperatures plummet

• FRIDAY NIGHT: Cold rain

• SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH MIDDAY: Ice in Hill Country, Cold rain for San Antonio

• SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING: Ice for Hill Country AND San Antonio

• SUNDAY AFTERNOON: Precipitation ends

• MONDAY MORNING: Very cold. 20s.

• MONDAY AFTERNOON: Chilly, but likely above freezing

IMPACTS

SATURDAY

If you live in the Hill Country, ice will begin Saturday morning, meaning driving could be hazardous for those north of the Alamo City. In San Antonio, however, just a cold rain is expected for most of the day Saturday.

Temperatures will be falling throughout the day Saturday, so that by the evening, it’ll be freezing in San Antonio. That means any precipitation will likely turn to freezing rain, potentially glazing surfaces and bridges/overpasses Saturday night into Sunday morning. It’s best to stay home Saturday night and Sunday morning.

SUNDAY

Lingering ice is possible Sunday morning. This is when it could be most hazardous to travel around the Alamo City.

By midday, all precipitation will end. We may even briefly rise above freezing. However, the cold will still stick around for a few days.

IMPACTS FROM ICE

Because more ice accumulation is expected in the Hill Country, this is where impacts will be greatest. Accumulations of up to 0.25″ to 0.50″ are possible north of San Antonio. This kind of ice can cause tree limbs to break and power lines to sag, leading to the risk of power outages.

Generally less accumulation is expected in San Antonio — a glazing to 0.10″. This can still be dangerous, though, and cause slick spots on bridges and overpasses. But concern for widespread power outages around the Alamo City is much lower than the Hill Country.

IMPACTS FROM COLD

Expect be be below freezing for at least 24 hours and perhaps even longer, depending on temperatures Sunday afternoon. Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday mornings will be well below freezing.

Now is the time to prepare your home for extended cold: insulate exposed pipes, cover outdoor faucets, make sure your pets will be inside with you this weekend and early next week.

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