Honestly, if you've lived in San Antonio for more than a week, you know the drill. One minute you're reconsidering your life choices in a heavy parka, and the next, you’re wondering if it’s too early to turn on the AC.
This week is a textbook example of that South Texas mood swing. We are looking at a San Antonio five day weather forecast that starts with gorgeous afternoon sun and ends with a legitimate "cover your plants" warning.
The Quick Breakdown
Right now, things are looking pretty sweet. Today, Thursday, January 15, we’re hitting a high of 64°F with basically zero clouds in the sky. It's that crisp, dry air—humidity is sitting low at 29%—that makes the River Walk actually feel pleasant instead of like a sauna.
But don't get too comfortable.
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Tomorrow, Friday, January 16, is going to be the "fake out" day. We’re pushing up to a high of 73°F. It’ll be mostly sunny and feels like perfect patio weather for a Friday happy hour. Just a heads up though: the wind is going to pick up. We’re expecting west winds around 14 mph, which usually signals a shift is coming.
The Weekend Reality Check
Saturday is where the vibes change. Hard.
A front is sliding through, and while we aren't expecting a massive rain event—only about a 10% chance—the clouds are moving in to stay. Saturday’s high is only going to hit 53°F. That’s a 20-degree drop from Friday.
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If you have plans for the MLK Jr. weekend, here is the deal:
- Saturday night: This is the one to watch. The sky clears out, which allows all that heat to escape. We are looking at a low of 33°F in the city.
- Sunday morning: Expect a light freeze. Meteorologists like Sarah Spivey over at KSAT are already pointing out that while the city might hover right at 32°F or 33°F, the Hill Country and outskirts could easily dip into the upper 20s.
Basically, Sunday is going to be cold. The high only reaches 59°F, even with full sun. It’s a "heavy sweater and thick socks" kind of morning.
Looking Ahead to Monday
By Monday, January 19, for the MLK Day March, things start to stabilize. We’re back to partly sunny skies with a high of 64°F and a low of 38°F. It’s not tropical, but it’s manageable.
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| Day | High Temp | Low Temp | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 64°F | 41°F | Sunny |
| Friday | 73°F | 42°F | Mostly Sunny |
| Saturday | 53°F | 33°F | Cloudy |
| Sunday | 59°F | 32°F | Sunny/Freeze |
| Monday | 64°F | 38°F | Partly Sunny |
What Most People Get Wrong About January Weather
People think South Texas doesn't get a real winter. Tell that to the succulents that died in the 2021 freeze. While this weekend isn't an "Arctic blast" of that magnitude, the drop from 73°F to 32°F in 48 hours is enough to stress out your garden and your pipes if they're exposed.
Historically, January is our coldest month. Average highs usually sit around 63°F, so we are actually right on track with the long-term data from the National Weather Service. The weirdness isn't the cold; it's the 70-degree Friday that makes the cold feel worse than it is.
Actionable Tips for This Forecast
Since we're staring down a potential freeze on Saturday night/Sunday morning, here’s the "San Antonio local" checklist:
- The Plant Shuffle: If it’s in a pot and you like it, bring it inside Friday night. If it’s in the ground, cover it Saturday afternoon before the sun goes down to trap whatever warmth is left in the soil.
- Pet Check: Those 32°F lows are no joke for outdoor pets. Bring 'em in.
- Layering for Monday: If you're heading to the MLK March, start with a base layer. It’ll be 40°F at sunrise but 60°F by lunch. You don't want to be stuck carrying a giant coat all afternoon.
- Humidity and Skin: That 17% humidity on Saturday is incredibly dry for us. Dig out the heavy-duty lotion now.
Keep an eye on the wind speeds too—Saturday’s 17 mph gusts from the northeast will make that 53°F feel more like the mid-40s. Plan your outdoor errands for Friday if you can. It’s going to be the last "warm" day for a while.
Next Steps:
- Check your outdoor faucet covers today.
- Plan your Friday grocery run to avoid the Saturday wind.
- Dig out the frost blankets for your sensitive landscaping.