Austin Thaws Out: A Morning Briefing on the Great Recovery

Good Morning, Austin: The Great Thaw Begins

The capital city is waking up to a biting chill this Wednesday, January 28, 2026, but the sense of relief is palpable. After a grueling stretch of ice and sub-freezing temperatures brought by the recent winter storm, the mood across Austin is one of cautious recovery. While roads remain slick in shaded areas and on some overpasses, the sun is finally beginning its work. The city is shifting from survival mode back to the familiar rhythm of daily life, though we are doing so with a collective shiver.

The Big Talking Point: The Return to Routine

The primary focus for thousands of Central Texas families today is the "return to routine." After multiple days of cancellations and white-knuckled driving, the majority of the region's education system is back in action. However, the reopening is a patchwork across the metro area, requiring parents to double-check their specific district's status.

• School Schedules: Austin ISD, Del Valle ISD, and Austin Community College have officially resumed normal operations today. Families can expect standard start times and bus routes to be active.
• Morning Delays: Several districts in the Hill Country and northern suburbs, including Leander ISD, Liberty Hill ISD, and Burnet CISD, are operating on a two-hour delay to allow any overnight refreeze on the roads to melt before buses head out.
• City Services: Austin Resource Recovery is working to catch up on delayed collections. If your trash or recycling was missed during the freeze, leave your carts at the curb as crews work through a "slide" schedule to clear the backlog.

A Warm Story for a Cold Day

Amidst the biting cold of the last few days, a story of compassion has captured the city's heart. Austin Police Department officers performed a heroic rescue earlier this week when they discovered a cage containing eight kittens abandoned on a sidewalk during the peak of the freezing weather. The kittens were immediately transported to local animal services for emergency care. We are happy to report that all eight are recovering well and are being kept warm and fed. It is a timely reminder of the resilience of our local first responders and the community members who look out for our most vulnerable residents—human and animal alike—during extreme weather events.

As you head out today, expect a high of 44 degrees with clearing skies. While it isn't quite patio weather yet, it is a significant improvement over the single-digit wind chills we have endured. Stay safe, watch for lingering ice on the morning commute, and let's get back to work, Austin.