Today in Austin, things are actually pretty chill. Literally. If you stepped out early this morning, you probably felt that 38°F low bite a little. It’s that classic Central Texas winter vibe where you’re layering like an onion just to peel it all off by lunchtime.
Honestly, the austin weather today hourly breakdown is fairly predictable for a mid-January Thursday, but there is a bigger shift lurking just around the corner. We are currently sitting in a sweet spot before a serious cold front changes the conversation entirely.
What’s Happening Right Now?
As of late tonight, the temperature is holding at a crisp 53°F. It feels a bit cooler than that, though—more like 49°F—thanks to a light 10 mph breeze coming in from the south. The humidity is sitting at 44%, so it’s that dry, clear cold that makes the stars look extra bright over the Hill Country.
Basically, if you’re heading out for a late-night walk or taking the dog out, you definitely need the heavy hoodie. The sky is perfectly clear, and there’s absolutely 0% chance of rain tonight. It’s quiet. Maybe a little too quiet given what the meteorologists at KVUE are shouting about for the weekend.
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The Hourly Vibe Check
Looking back at how the day unfolded, we peaked at a very comfortable 66°F. That’s the kind of Austin "winter" we live for—sunny skies and just enough warmth to sit outside at a coffee shop without shivering.
- Morning (6 AM - 10 AM): We started in the high 30s. Frost on the windshield? Possible in the lower spots like Pflugerville or Cedar Park.
- Midday (11 AM - 3 PM): This was the "peak" zone. We hit that 66°F high with a UV index of 4. Even in January, the Texas sun has some kick.
- Evening (6 PM - 10 PM): Once the sun dipped, so did the mercury. We slid back into the 50s quickly.
- Late Night (Now): Settling into that 53°F range.
The wind has been steady from the south at about 9 to 10 mph. It’s not "blow your hat off" windy, but it’s enough to keep the air moving.
The Drought Elephant in the Room
We can’t talk about Austin weather without mentioning how dry it’s been. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor report released today, January 15, 2026, "extreme" drought conditions just expanded by another 4% in our area. Travis, Hays, and Blanco counties are all seeing that deep red shading on the map.
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It’s a bummer because while we have a clear sky today, we desperately need some of that "liquid gold." There’s a tiny bit of hope for rain next Tuesday or Wednesday, but local experts like Jordan Darensbourg are warning that confidence is low. For now, our lawns are just going to have to stay crunchy.
Brace Yourselves: The Freeze is Coming
If you think today was cold, just wait. The KVUE Weather Impact Team just issued a Weather Impact Alert for Sunday morning. A dry but powerful cold front is slated to scream through the city on Friday afternoon.
Friday will start weirdly warm—we might even hit the low 70s by lunch—but then the front hits. Winds will kick up to 35 mph, and by Sunday morning, we are looking at a "hard freeze." We’re talking low 20s. If you have sensitive plants or pipes that like to act up, Saturday is your day to wrap them.
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Why the Sunday Freeze Matters
- Radiational Cooling: Because the skies will be clear Saturday night, all the heat from the ground is going to escape into space.
- Wind Chills: That north wind is going to make the 20s feel like the teens.
- Plant Safety: Anything below 28°F for more than a couple of hours is the "kill zone" for most local greenery.
Survival Tips for the Next 24 Hours
For the rest of tonight and into tomorrow morning, just enjoy the calm. The austin weather today hourly shows a slow climb back up starting after sunrise tomorrow.
Keep your heavy coat by the door for the morning commute, but maybe keep a lighter jacket in the car for that brief Friday midday warm-up. And seriously, check your outdoor faucets now while it’s still 53°F and not 22°F. You’ll thank yourself when you aren't plumbing in the dark on Sunday.
Stay warm, Austin. It's about to get real.
Actionable Steps:
- Hydrate your plants tonight: Since it’s dry and a freeze is coming, giving them a good soak now helps protect the roots.
- Check your tire pressure: These 30-degree swings in temperature usually trigger that annoying "low pressure" light on your dashboard.
- Plan your Friday: Be ready for the temp to drop fast in the afternoon; don't get caught at happy hour in just a T-shirt.