Record Warmth Likely Tuesday

Forecast Discussion

After a very windy end to the weekend, Monday proved to be a beautiful day across the area thanks to high pressure, dry air, and a light southerly breeze. While temperatures were running well above average for this time of year (it is January), it was hard to find anybody complaining. Official highs on Monday came in at 76ºF at Camp Mabry, Austin Bergstrom International Airport and San Antonio International Airport after starting the day on the chilly side in the 40s. 

The average high/low for this time of year in Austin is 62/42. The average high/low for this time of year in San Antonio is 63/41.

Record Warmth Likely Tuesday

Tuesday is going to be even WARMER, with many record highs in jeopardy. Temperatures should easily manage to climb into the upper 70s to middle 80s across the region, with the hottest temperatures in the state on Tuesday being felt across the Texas-Mexico border southwest of our area and south Texas. Afternoon highs in those areas are expected to soar into the upper 80s to middle 90s!

A dry southwesterly wind flow off of the Mexican Plateau will be responsible for the spike in temperatures on Tuesday ahead of an approaching upper level storm system that will pull a cold front into the area late Tuesday evening into early Wednesday morning. As air descends from the higher elevations of northern Mexico, it is forced to compress and in turn heat up. A southwest wind is notorious for bringing warm spells to our area (especially during the fall, spring, and winter months).

Tuesday’s Record Highs

Austin: 81ºF (2013)

Austin Bergstrom International Airport: 82ºF (1950)

San Antonio International Airport: 85ºF (1971)

HRRR Model Forecast Temperatures for Tuesday

Cooler, More Typical January Weather Arrives Wednesday

Highs and lows will drop to near/slightly below normal across the area beginning Wednesday behind the first in a series of cold fronts that will keep afternoon highs cool in the upper 50s/60s and overnight lows in the 30s through the end of the work week under mostly sunny/clear skies. A few sprinkles will be possible with the cold front early Wednesday morning (especially along and east of IH-35).