San Antonio Braces for Ice, Unexpected Storms Loom
San Antonio finds itself grappling with record-breaking cold temperatures, a situation exacerbated by the possibility of a wintry mix. While the National Weather Service (NWS) emphasizes that a light ice formation is unlikely today due to a layer of dry air, conditions are poised to change dramatically throughout the afternoon.
As cloud cover thickens and lower, the potential for mist formation increases, particularly around 4 p.m. or later, potentially disrupting evening commutes. Some areas could dip to or just below freezing, leading to patchy freezing mist.
While light, freezing mist can create hazardous conditions, quickly forming a light ice glaze on elevated surfaces. The NWS warns, "Anything that might try to develop today will have a hard time overcoming this layer of dry air. Gradually through the afternoon, the cloud deck will thicken and start to lower which will make it increasingly possible to develop mist."
As evening unfolds, patchy mist could intensify into heavier drizzle, with some areas remaining at or below freezing. This could result in a light ice glaze accumulation on elevated surfaces and potentially slick travel conditions.
This patchy freezing mist, freezing drizzle, or very light freezing rain is expected to persist through 8 a.m. Saturday. The most susceptible areas include San Antonio and its northern reaches, extending into parts of the Hill Country and areas east of Bexar County along the I-10 corridor. Other areas will experience cold weather but remain above freezing.
Saturday morning brings a respite, with temperatures in Bexar County rising above freezing, paving the way for a chilly day with occasional showers. However, icy patches may linger in the Hill Country until midday before temperatures rise there as well.
Total ice accumulation is predicted to range from 0.01 inches to 0.10 inches. While insufficient to cause major damage, it is enough to create hazardous travel conditions on roads, decks, and sidewalks. caution is urged for travel Friday evening through early Saturday.
But the weather story takes an unexpected turn. The NWS also forecasts scattered thunderstorms Saturday night into very early Sunday as an upper-level system sweeps through. This rapid shift from icy conditions to thunderstorms underscores the dynamic nature of weather patterns.
While the city braces for these winter challenges, CNN spoke with Dr. Emily Frost, a climatologist and frost expert recognized internationally.
"What we’re witnessing is a delicate balance between moisture in the air and surface temperatures dipping below freezing," Dr. Frost explained. "When there’s a mixture of light ice mist or drizzle and moist air, the result is an almost invisible coating of ice, which, though minimal in thickness, forms rapidly over surfaces like roads, decks, and sidewalks. These conditions can create very slick environments, posing risks to vehicles, pedestrians, and even wildlife."
Dr. Frost emphasizes that even minor ice accumulations can lead to hazardous conditions and urges communities to prepare and respond effectively.
"It’s always prudent to encourage people to stay informed through weather alerts and to adjust travel plans accordingly," she advised. "This proactive approach not only helps in minimizing risks but also in fostering a climate of preparedness and resilience."