Winter Weather in San Antonio

Though winter weather is normally not severe in San Antonio, occasionally there can be freezing rain and ice storms and you need to be prepared.

Winter Preparations for Your Home

Make sure your home is prepared for cold winter weather by insulating your walls and attic and also weather-stripping your doors and windows.

To stop your pipes from freezing, wrap the pipes in layers of old newspapers and cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out any moisture. Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.

You should have an emergency supply kit in your home. Assemble the kit in a large, water-resistant container that is portable, in case you need to evacuate.

• Bottled water
• Perishable food with can opener
• Battery powered radio
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Extra blankets
• Gloves and hat
• One change of warm clothing for each family member
• Several pairs of socks
• Water resistant boots or shoes

If you have a fireplace or woodburning stove, make sure to have extra fire wood on hand. Also consider buying a kerosene heater. Check monthly to make sure smoke detectors in your home are functioning properly. In addition, you may want to buy a carbon monoxide detector for your home, particularly if you are using a space heater.

How to Drive in Icy Conditions

Avoid driving during a winter storm unless absolutely necessary. However if you must go out, please adhere to the following safety tips.

• Wear a seat belt. This may seem like a no brainer, but it's very important in bad weather.
• Stay approximately three car lengths from the car in front of you.
• In addition to windshield wipers, use your defroster for better visibility.
• Drive slower than you would in normal conditions, but not so slow as to cause traffic problems.
• Use your signals early to warn other drivers when turning or changing lanes.
• If you have antilock brakes, apply light, constant pressure until you slow down.
• If you do not have antilock breaks, pump the brakes slowly and gently.
• If you start to skid, turn the wheels into the direction of the skid.
• Keep an emergency kit in your car that includes battery powered radio, sand or cat litter, ice scraper, flashlight with extra batteries, blankets, towels, jumper cables, flares or warning signals, road maps, perishable food and bottled water.

San Antonio Weather Resources

• Weather Updates
• Accident Reports
• Road Conditions and Closures

San Antonio Average Temperature

January - 49.3
February - 53.5
March - 61.7
April - 69.3
May - 75.5
June - 82.2
July - 85.0
August - 84.9
September - 79.3
October - 70.2
November - 60.4
December - 52.2