You know the drill. You wake up in Austin or New Braunfels and it’s 28 degrees. By lunchtime? You’re regretting the sweater and eyeing the shorts because it’s suddenly 65. That’s basically the vibe of the central texas weather forecast right now. Honestly, if you aren't dressing in at least three layers this week, you’re doing it wrong.
Currently, we are sitting in a weird pocket of calm. As of Sunday, January 18, 2026, things are looking pretty bright. It’s 63°F outside right now with a measly 12% humidity. That southwest wind is barely a whisper at 6 mph. It’s the kind of day that makes you forget we just had a hard freeze this morning.
What the Central Texas Weather Forecast Says for the Week Ahead
If you’ve got plans, Tuesday is the day to watch. While today and Monday are keeping it fairly dry—highs around 65°F and 66°F—the atmosphere is shifting. Tuesday night into Wednesday is when the rain gear actually becomes necessary. We are looking at a 35% to 40% chance of rain as a disturbance rolls in from Mexico.
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It’s not just a "maybe it'll sprinkle" situation either. By Friday, January 23, those chances jump up to 65% during the day and a soggy 75% at night.
Then, the curveball. Saturday, January 24, might bring a mix of rain and snow. Yeah, you read that right. The high drops to 49°F, and the north wind kicks up to 14 mph. It’s that classic Texas "wait five minutes and it’ll change" energy.
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The La Niña Factor and Why Everything Feels So Dry
We can’t talk about the central texas weather forecast without mentioning La Niña. According to the National Weather Service and the Climate Prediction Center, we are deep in a La Niña advisory. Basically, that means the tropical Pacific is colder than usual, which usually pushes the storm track north and leaves us warmer and drier.
Look at the drought monitor. It’s kinda grim. As of mid-January 2026, about 89% of the Edwards Plateau and Hill Country is in at least a moderate drought. Burn bans are active in 25 out of 33 counties in the Austin/San Antonio service area. This isn't just "the grass is brown" dry; it's "exceptional grass loading" dry, which the Texas A&M Forest Service says is fuel for a potentially nasty wildfire season.
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How to Stay Ready for the Sudden Cold
The transition from a 68°F Friday to a snowy-mix Saturday is the biggest threat to your garden and your plumbing. Since the ground hasn't stayed cold for long, plants are confused. They want to bloom, but those 32°F overnight lows will zap them in a heartbeat.
- Check your faucets: Even if it feels like spring during the day, a low of 32°F (like we have tonight) means you need to drip those taps.
- Watch the wind: On Saturday, those 14 mph north winds will make 49°F feel a lot closer to freezing.
- Don't trust the sun: UV index is hovering around 3 or 4. It’s low, but if you’re out hiking the Greenbelt all day, it adds up.
Next steps for your week? Grab some extra mulch for those tender perennials before the Friday rain turns into the Saturday chill. If you’re planning a trip toward the coast for Wednesday, keep an eye on the radar—the rainfall amounts are expected to be higher the further east you go. Keep your layers handy, and maybe don't put the heavy coat in the back of the closet just yet.