Honestly, if you stepped outside this morning in McAllen expecting that typical South Texas heat, you probably got a rude awakening. We're used to the humidity hugging us like a warm, wet blanket, but today? The script has been flipped.
The weather for today McAllen TX is currently sitting at a crisp 58°F as we head into the night, but that doesn't even tell the whole story. Earlier today, we topped out at a modest 65°F. While folks up north in Amarillo might call that a heatwave, for the Rio Grande Valley, it’s basically tundra territory.
The numbers you actually care about
The sky spent most of the day looking pretty moody—mostly cloudy was the vibe for the daylight hours. We even had a stray 25% chance of rain earlier, though most of us just saw grey clouds and felt a bite in the air.
Right now, things are clearing up. It’s clear out there, which sounds nice until you realize that without cloud cover, all that ground heat is escaping into space. That's why we're staring down a low of 42°F tonight.
✨ Don't miss: Am I Gay Buzzfeed Quizzes and the Quest for Identity Online
If you're heading out to 17th Street or just grabbing a late-night taco, keep this in mind:
- Current Temp: 58°F
- Overnight Low: 42°F
- Wind: Coming from the northeast at 10 mph (Current) / North at 15 mph (Daily peak)
- Humidity: A bone-dry 38% (super low for us!)
Why it feels so different today
The wind is the real culprit here. That 15 mph gusting from the north earlier was a direct delivery from the plains, and it stripped away any lingering tropical feel. Usually, our humidity in January hovers much higher, but right now it's around 30% to 38%. Your skin might actually feel it—that dry, itchy "winter" sensation that we usually only get a few days a year.
It’s kind of wild to think that just a few days ago we might have been pushing 80. That’s the Valley for you. If you don’t like the weather, just wait twenty minutes, right? But for tonight, the cold is sticking around.
🔗 Read more: Easy recipes dinner for two: Why you are probably overcomplicating date night
What to actually wear (The RGV Struggle)
We all know the McAllen struggle: it’s freezing when you leave the house at 7 AM, you’re sweating in your hoodie by noon, and then you’re shivering again by dinner.
Since it’s going down to 42°F, a light windbreaker isn't going to cut it. You’ll want a real coat if you’re going to be outdoors. The uv index is 0 now that it's nighttime, so at least you don't have to worry about the sun, but that north wind makes it feel a few degrees colder than the thermometer says.
Looking ahead to tomorrow
If you’re planning a Sunday brunch or a trip to the Quinta Mazatlan, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. The mostly cloudy mess from today is giving way to a clear night, which usually leads into a bright, crisp morning.
💡 You might also like: How is gum made? The sticky truth about what you are actually chewing
Just remember that 42°F low. If you have sensitive plants out on the patio, maybe pull them closer to the house. It's not a hard freeze, but it's enough to make a hibiscus look a little sad.
Actionable steps for the night:
- Layer up: Grab the heavy hoodie or a medium jacket if you're headed out; 42°F is no joke when the wind is moving at 10 mph.
- Hydrate: Dry air (38% humidity) will dehydrate you faster than you think, even if you aren't sweating.
- Check the tires: Radical temperature drops can sometimes trigger that annoying tire pressure light on your dash.
Stay warm, McAllen. It'll be back to triple digits before we know it.