SAN ANTONIO — Get ready, San Antonio, for the coldest temperatures we've seen all year as an arctic blast heads our way by Thursday afternoon. Although this front will not bring snow to the Alamo City this is no ordinary cold front and you need to be prepared.
There are a couple of dangers associated with this cold air if not taken seriously. Some of the factors brought by Winter Storm Uri like heavy snow led to closed roads kept San Antonians indoors for most of the day, however this system will brings big weather changes you can't see but certainly feel. Don't let the sun fool you.
As temperatures begin to drop significantly on Thursday it will feel like single digit weather thanks to windy conditions. This will lead to dangerous wind chill levels with hypothermia posing a risk especially if a person becomes chilled from sweating or not wearing the proper clothing.
Here's what San Antonians need to know about the arctic blast:
When should I start dripping my faucets?
Thursday start dripping those faucets! Yes, every single one. If you plan on going to work or running errands, then start dripping them before you leave on Thursday. Paying extra on your water bill will cost you less than fixing a busted pipe.
Temperatures will also stay below freezing from Thursday night through Friday night. So faucets may need to stay dripping for over 12 hours.
This will become a habit for the next 5 days as temperatures could dip down to the 20s each night through Christmas Eve.
The National Weather Service has issued a Hard Freeze Warning beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday through noon on Christmas Eve.
Can I be outside when the arctic blast arrives?
Preferably no. Since cold temperatures and gusty winds will create dangerous wind chill values ahead of the cold front on Thursday the best advice is to stay indoors in order to keep warm.
Try to get all the Christmas shopping done before Thursday early evening. The front will arrive around 3 p.m. with possible wind gusts near 40 mph. As the cold air settles throughout the afternoon this will allow temperatures to feel like they are in the 20s by 6 p.m.
Friday will be even colder with wind chill values as low as -5 across South Texas. This is dangerous cold weather that can result in hypothermia on unprotected skin. Dress in layers, hat, gloves, etc.!
Since winds will stay gusty all day Friday the best advice is stay indoors because temperatures will feel like they are in the 20s for most of the day. Don't let the sun fool you.
Older adults without proper clothing or heating, people who work outdoors, and babies sleeping in cold rooms are some groups who are most at risk for hypothermia.
Could there be power outages?
Anytime weather turns breezy there is the chance of broken or fallen tree limbs resulting in power outages.
CPS Energy says they are prepared for winter weather but urges energy conservation, according to a press release.
A CPS spokesperson says customers are advised to keep their thermostats set at 68 degrees throughout the entire day in the winter. Those leaving for a few days can set it lower but not below 60 degrees so their pipes don't freeze.
As far as water supply, SAWS says residents can always store tap water in clean large containers in case of outages, according to a press release.
Remember wrapping pipes with rags or newspapers will work as a type of insulation if unable to buy foam products.
Even if you live in an apartment complex broken pipes can wreak havoc to everyone, so let's look out for each other and all work together to keep infrastructure in one piece.
How long will temperatures reach the 20s in San Antonio?
Let's just say don't put away those heavy winter clothes for about four days. Morning temperatures will be in the 20s Thursday through Christmas Day. High temperatures Christmas Eve will be in the 40s and Christmas Day in the 50s.
Temperatures finally start warming up close to 60 degrees the day after Christmas and morning temperatures will finally be above freezing. So you will want to keep an eye on dripping those faucets overnight until Christmas Day.
What are the watches and warnings in effect for San Antonio?
- Wind Chill Warning from Thursday at 6 p.m. until noon on Friday.
- Hard Freeze Warning from Thursday at 6 p.m. until noon on Saturday.
- Wind Advisory from Thursday at 12 p.m. until midnight Friday night.
This story will be updated.
