Austin's Big Chill: Frigid Morning Leads to a Welcome Afternoon Thaw

Arctic Chill Lingers as Austin Faces Frigid Morning

Austin residents are waking up to a biting cold this Tuesday, January 27, 2026, as an Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect for the region. While the moisture from the weekend's winter storm has largely cleared, the National Weather Service has extended the extreme cold alert through 9:00 AM this morning. Early temperatures are starting in the low 20s, with a reported low of 23°F at daybreak. With wind chill values expected to reach the teens throughout the early hours, any time spent outdoors will require heavy layering and extreme caution.

A Gradual Thaw and Increasing Afternoon Clouds

Relief is on the horizon as the city begins a slow thaw. Temperatures are expected to finally climb above the freezing mark by late morning, eventually reaching an afternoon high between 46°F and 51°F. While the sun will make an appearance, mid-to-high-level clouds are predicted to increase throughout the afternoon. There is a very slight 10% chance of isolated snow flurries during the day, though no additional accumulation is anticipated. The humidity will hover around 64%, making for a crisp but significantly more manageable atmosphere than the previous days of icy precipitation.

Hazardous Roads and Municipal Delays

Despite the rising mercury, local authorities are warning of "black ice" and treacherous road conditions. Any moisture left from Monday's melting is expected to have refrozen overnight, creating slick spots on shaded streets, bridges, and overpasses. To ensure public safety, several operational changes are in place for today:

• School Closures: Austin ISD and the University of Texas at Austin have canceled all classes for Tuesday due to lingering road safety concerns.
• City Facility Delays: Most City of Austin offices and libraries will operate on a two-hour delay from their regular opening hours.
• Recreational Openings: Zilker Botanical Garden and the Austin Nature and Science Center will open at 11:00 AM to allow staff time to safely de-ice stone paths and shaded areas.
• Trash Collection: Austin Resource Recovery services are sliding forward by one day; collections typically scheduled for Tuesday will now occur on Wednesday.

Evening Outlook: The Freeze Returns

As the sun sets, the temperature is forecast to drop quickly, falling back below the 32°F threshold shortly after dusk. The evening will be clear and cold, with a projected low of approximately 26°F to 29°F by early Wednesday morning. Residents are encouraged to maintain their winter weather precautions through the night, particularly by dripping faucets and ensuring pets have warm, indoor shelter. A more robust warming trend is expected to take hold tomorrow, with temperatures potentially reaching the 60s by the end of the week.