Arctic Grip Tightens: Austin Navigates Dangerous Icing and Sub-Freezing Temps

Arctic Chill and Ice Warnings Persist Through Sunday

Austin remains under a serious weather threat today, Sunday, January 25, 2026, as an arctic airmass continues to dominate the region. Local authorities, including Mayor Kirk Watson and Travis County Judge Andy Brown, have signed disaster declarations in response to the freezing rain and dangerous temperatures that have impacted the metro area since Friday night. A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Travis County until 12:00 p.m. today, while an Extreme Cold Warning is set to continue through Monday morning.

Morning Outlook: Brutal Wind Chills and Wintry Mix

The early hours of Sunday will be the most challenging for residents. Forecasters predict a 30% chance of a wintry mix, including freezing rain and sleet, before 9:00 a.m. and potentially lingering until noon. While the precipitation is expected to be light, even trace amounts of ice on top of existing accumulations are making travel nearly impossible. Temperature-wise, morning wind chills are the primary concern, with values expected to drop into the single digits and, in some isolated areas, a few degrees below zero. Residents are urged to stay indoors as morning lows hover in the mid-to-high teens.

Afternoon and Evening: A Frigid Plateau

As the Winter Storm Warning expires at midday, the weather will transition to a cloudy and dangerously cold afternoon. The high for the day is expected to reach only 31°F, keeping the city below the freezing mark for the duration of the day. While some breaks in the cloud cover may occur in the late afternoon, the lack of significant warming means that ice on bridges, overpasses, and untreated surfaces will not melt. By the evening, any moisture left on the roads is expected to refreeze into a "black ice" layer, making nighttime driving extremely hazardous.

Safety and Critical Alerts

The city has emphasized the protection of the 'Four Ps': People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants. With wind gusts ranging from 10 to 25 mph, there is a continued risk of falling ice from trees and power lines, which could lead to localized power outages. For those in need of shelter, the city has activated 24-hour warming centers, with registration available at One Texas Center. Officials strongly discourage any non-essential travel until at least Monday afternoon when temperatures are finally expected to climb above freezing.

• Winter Storm Warning: Active until 12:00 p.m.
• Extreme Cold Warning: Active through Monday noon.
• Expected High: 31°F.
• Wind Chill: Single digits to -5°F.