Austin Freezing Weather: Hourly Forecast Revealed

Central Texas is bracing for a significant winter storm, set to impact areas including Austin and San Antonio. As of Friday, January 23, 2026, the region is already experiencing light rain, which is expected to transition to freezing rain as temperatures plummet.

Austin Freezing Weather: Hourly Forecast Revealed

A winter storm warning is in effect from 3 a.m. on Saturday until noon on Sunday. Forecasts indicate that freezing temperatures will infiltrate the Hill Country by mid-morning on Saturday, moving southeast throughout the day. Freezing rain is anticipated across Central Texas, with notable ice accumulations expected.

Predicted Conditions

• Temperature in the Hill Country to hover in the upper 20s.
• Austin temperatures will range between 33 and 35 degrees.
• Winds are forecast to gust over 25 mph.

By noon Saturday, areas in the Austin metro are expected to experience a steady drop in temperatures. A brief break in precipitation could provide some respite for road conditions. However, another wave of precipitation is anticipated later in the afternoon.

Mid-Afternoon Developments

By mid-afternoon, temperatures in Austin are likely to reach the freezing mark, but wind chill may make it feel significantly colder. Increased moisture from another system will lead to more widespread freezing rain, particularly along the I-35 corridor and in the Hill Country.

Advice for Residents

• Stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
• If you must drive, proceed with caution, reduce speed, and increase following distance.
• Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle and ensure mobile phones are charged.

As evening approaches, temperatures across the area will remain below freezing. An additional round of icy precipitation is expected between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., exacerbating road hazards significantly.

Long-Term Impacts

The most considerable accumulation of ice is forecast for late Saturday night into Sunday morning, raising concerns about road safety, power outages, and potential damage to infrastructure. An extreme cold warning remains in effect until Monday afternoon, indicating a prolonged freeze of approximately 48 hours in Austin and up to 72 hours in the Hill Country.

In preparation for the storm, local government entities have taken steps to treat roads and inform residents of the impending weather conditions. City officials and emergency management leaders are on high alert and advising the public to remain vigilant.