Meteorologists say this winter could be warmer and drier than average. Local utilities are still preparing for worst-case scenarios over the winter and potential weather emergencies.
“Generally, for our area and the San Antonio area, odds are tilted toward slightly warmer than average temperatures,” said Harrison Tran, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service’s Austin/San Antonio office.
Tran said San Antonio winters average high temperatures in the mid-60s and low temperatures in the 40s and 50s, with temperatures dropping below freezing a few days of the year.
But the region could experience temperatures higher than those averages, similar to a year ago.
“Last winter was slightly above average overall in the area,” Tran said.
Tran said cold water temperatures in the Pacific — also known as La Niña conditions — affect weather across the country and could make this winter warmer and drier. Last year’s winter had milder La Niña conditions, but was still warmer and drier than average, he said.
Tran added that winter storms are always a possibility, even if the odds pointed to higher temperatures and a lower chance of precipitation.
In February 2021, Winter Storm Uri froze water pipes, made roadways slick and icy and left thousands in the dark during a series of blackouts. Many residents dealt with the aftermath of busted pipes etc. and insurance claims over the following weeks and months. Across Texas, 69% of households lost power and 49% experienced water outages at some point during the storm.
San Antonio’s electric and water utilities are preparing for those eventualities.
CPS Energy officials said they have finished preparations for winter services at a press conference Monday.
“We have completed the necessary maintenance and planning to deliver reliable service to our customers this winter season,” said the utility’s President and CEO Rudy Garza.
CPS Energy has taken steps to diversify its power generation portfolio and ready for emergencies since Winter Storm Uri.
Garza said the utility installed more reclosers throughout his system. Reclosers are switches that quickly shut off small sections of powerlines when problems are detected, but can restore power quickly after false alarms.
Garza said CPS Energy has also focused on tree trimming near overhead powerlines throughout the year.
Those could be important steps to prevent fires, said Brian Alonzo, CPS Energy’s chief meteorologist. If San Antonio is drier and warmer than average, Alonzo said, there could be a higher risk of wildfires, particularly on windy days.
CPS Energy has a website with recommendations for conserving power and saving money with a customer service line to answer questions.
Roughly 40% of CPS Energy customers also use gas, Garza said, and should be vigilant for the rotten egg smell that usually signifies a gas leak. CPS Energy personnel will check gas lines for free. If a resident suspects gas may be leaking in and around their home, they should go outside and call 9-1-1.
Garza said CPS Energy is working with the San Antonio Water System, or SAWS, to install backup power generation at its pumping stations. So far, just two of SAWS’ nine major pumping stations have backup generation in place, Garza said.
SAWS is adding a mix of diesel and natural gas backup generators to its pumping stations in three construction phases starting in 2024, according to an April board meeting. A contract for the second phase’s diesel generators was awarded to Argo Utilities for just over $3 million.
SAWS is warning customers to turn off water and protect pipes in case of freezing weather. The utility suggests people insulate pipes with foam or fiberglass covers in outdoor or unheated areas, like laundry rooms or garages, and to turn off irrigation systems when temperatures dip below 32 degrees.
Residents can fill bathtubs to store water for washing or flushing toilets in advance of water outages.