San Antonio started Sunday under cloudy skies and a mild 69°F (21°C), but the calm is not going to last. By midafternoon, temperatures are expected to spike near 95°F ahead of a powerful cold front that will roar through tonight, dropping temperatures into the 30s and low 40s by Monday morning.
Warnings And Timing
The National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio has a Red Flag Warning in effect from noon Sunday, March 15, through 8:00 PM CDT Monday, March 16, and a Wind Advisory from 3:00 PM Sunday through 5:00 AM Monday. Forecasters warn that sustained north winds of 20–35 mph with gusts up to 45–55 mph, combined with very low humidity, could cause any fire to spread quickly, according to the National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio. The strongest gusts are expected over the higher terrain, but drivers along the I-35 corridor should be ready for strong crosswinds.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Through the morning, a dryline will mix east, setting the stage for the cold front to charge through the area in the mid to late afternoon. Once it arrives, winds will flip to the north and ramp up in a hurry. Around town, pockets of sustained 20–30 mph winds are likely, with the most intense gusts over the Hill Country and Southern Edwards Plateau. High-profile vehicles and trailers will feel the brunt of those crosswinds on exposed ramps and bridges.
Critical Fire Weather Through Monday
Very dry air this afternoon, with relative humidity falling into the teens in many locations, combined with gusty winds is what is driving the Red Flag designation. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. For a look at how this pattern has been building, check out our earlier coverage of earlier Red Flag fire fears.
Commute And Outdoor Tips
Before the wind machine kicks on this afternoon, secure patio furniture, trash cans and any loose outdoor gear. Gusts can easily toss unsecured items and make driving tricky, especially for trucks, RVs and vehicles towing trailers. Also be ready for a sharp overnight temperature drop, with many spots tumbling from the mid 90s into the 30s and low 40s by Monday morning. Parts of the Hill Country could even see a light freeze.
What Comes Next
Winds should gradually ease through Monday as the colder air settles in. A steady warm-up is expected to follow, with mostly dry conditions returning by midweek and continuing into the weekend. In the meantime, keep an eye on local alerts and check the National Weather Service forecast before heading out this evening.
