Final Call for Warmth: Austin's Thursday Forecast Before the Arctic Plunge

A Final Taste of Mild Weather

As Austinites step out this Thursday, January 22, 2026, the air carries a deceptive warmth. Today marks the final window of temperate conditions before a significant arctic airmass plunges Central Texas into a dangerous deep freeze. Local forecasters and state officials are urging residents to use these remaining calm hours to finalize winter preparations, as a state of emergency has already been declared for much of the region.

Morning and Afternoon Predictions

The day began with persistent cloud cover and humidity hovering around 89%, but conditions are expected to improve as we head toward the afternoon. Temperatures this morning started in the low 50s and will climb steadily throughout the day as the region sits in the calm before the storm.

• Temperature Range: Expect a seasonably warm peak between 69°F and 72°F by mid-afternoon.
• Sky Conditions: Thick morning clouds will gradually decrease, giving way to some sunnier intervals by late afternoon.
• Wind and Humidity: Light breezes will prevail for most of the day, though the air will remain quite humid ahead of the incoming cold front.

Evening and Overnight Forecast: The Shift Begins

As the sun sets over the Hill Country, the atmosphere will begin its slow transition. While Thursday remains relatively dry during the daylight hours, the environment will become increasingly unstable as the arctic front draws closer to the Texas border.

• Evening Temperatures: Readings will hover in the mid-to-high 50s for much of the night, providing one last mild evening before the sharp drop expected tomorrow.
• Precipitation: There is a 10% to 25% chance of light rain or drizzle developing after midnight. No significant icing is expected until the weekend storm system matures.

State Alerts and Weekend Outlook

While today offers a respite, the National Weather Service has already placed Austin under a suite of alerts, including a Winter Storm Watch and an Extreme Cold Watch. Governor Greg Abbott held a briefing at the State Operations Center in Austin earlier today to coordinate the state’s emergency response, focusing on grid stability and roadway safety.

The real threat arrives Friday night. Temperatures are forecast to plummet throughout the day tomorrow, eventually reaching the teens and single digits by Sunday morning. Dangerous wind chills are expected to drop below zero across Central Texas this weekend. Local officials advise that today is the critical time to wrap pipes, check on vulnerable neighbors, and ensure pets are moved indoors before the arctic front arrives.