Yo, let me tell you something wild. I moved to San Antonio a few years back, and man, was I not ready for the heat. I’m talkin’ about stepping outside and feeling like you just opened a giant oven door—the air smacks you right in the face. I thought I knew "hot." I was wrong, dude. Dead wrong. I remember one summer I had this big outdoor gig planned, a whole shindig, and I was all excited about my new patio umbrella. Turns out, that umbrella was about as useful as a screen door on a submarine when the temp hit triple digits. The ice cubes in my sweet tea were melting before they even hit the glass. That's when I started obsessively tracking those -degree days. It became a thing. Like, a personal meteorological mission just to prepare my poor, unsuspecting soul (and my air conditioner) for the next Texas scorcher.
The official tally for the days over degrees in San Antonio is like a roller coaster ride of bad news, especially in recent years. It ain't just a handful of hot days; it’s a whole vibe of sizzling summers that make you question all your life choices. Let's dive into this burning hot mess, shall we? We're gonna break down the numbers, the records, and how you can survive this oven that Texas calls a summer.
Step 1: Getting the Real Deal on the Triple-Digit Tally
First off, you gotta know the baseline. For a long time, the average number of -degree days in the Alamo City was, believe it or not, kinda chill. We’re talkin’ maybe 18 days a year, on average, since official records started way back when. Eighteen days. Sounds manageable, right? Like a vacation's worth of beach weather, but in the middle of a massive city.
The key word there is "average." Because recent years have been absolutely bonkers, straight-up breaking those old-school norms and setting the bar for "hot" so high it's practically in orbit. We ain't playing with average numbers anymore, folks. We are playing for keeps.
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| How Many Over 100 Degree Days In San Antonio |
1.1. The 'Good Old Days' (If You Can Call 'Em That)
Think back a decade or two, and you’d see summers that were hot, sure, but not apocalyptic. You’d get your scorching July and August, then a little break. Now, it feels like the heat starts in May and doesn't quit until Halloween throws a chill in the air. This ain't your grandma's Texas summer, that’s for darn sure. The historical records are interesting, but they’re just the appetizer for the main course of heat we're getting now.
1.2. The New Normal: Seriously, What Is Happening?
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The game-changer years, the ones that make you want to permanently live in a pool, are the ones where the number of -degree days started hitting the roof. The average is a cute little number, but the reality is a beast. For example, some years have seen numbers skyrocket. I mean, we're talking about three times the long-term average! When that happens, your little AC unit works harder than a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest. It's just brutal.
Step 2: The All-Time Record-Smasher Years
This is where the real tea is spilled. You can't talk about San Antonio heat without bringing up the years that went full-on nuclear with the triple-digit days. These are the years that get etched into local legend, mostly because they melted everyone's brain.
2.1. The Historic Heavyweights: 2009 and 2011
Before the absolute madness of the most recent summers, two years stood out like towering infernos: 2009 and 2011.
In 2009, San Antonio hit 59 days over degrees. That is just shy of two full months of your feet sizzling on the sidewalk. That was the reigning champion for the most triple-digit days in a single year for a long time. People talked about that summer like it was some kind of endurance test.
Then came 2011, and while it had a few less -degree days (it’s a close call depending on which weather station data you peep), it was legendary for being one of the hottest overall summers by average temperature. Everything was just baked, like a cheap pot roast left in the sun. The sheer length of the heat was soul-crushing.
2.2. The 2023 Face-Melter: The New Champion
Now, hold onto your hats, because 2023 came in like a wrecking ball and just smashed the old record to smithereens. This summer was not messing around. It went full throttle, full speed ahead, and didn't look back.
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By the time the year was done, San Antonio officially recorded 60 or more days at or above the -degree mark. Yes, you read that right. Over 60 days. That's more than two calendar months of pure, unadulterated, sweat-dripping heat. That’s the new champion, the big kahuna, the undisputed king of the San Antonio scorch.
And get this: it also broke the record for consecutive -degree days. The old record was like 21 days in a row, set back in the ‘60s. Well, 2023 beat it with a stretch that went even longer! Talk about needing to constantly refill your Yeti tumbler.
Step 3: How to Survive the San Antonio Oven
Okay, so the numbers are scary. They are big. They are intimidating. But you gotta live, right? You can't just hibernate from May to October. You need a survival guide, a cheat sheet, a blueprint for beating the heat like a boss.
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3.1. Hydration is Your Best Bud
This is not a joke. You need to drink water like it’s your job. Forget those fancy sugary drinks—they're just gonna make things worse. We're talking about H2O all day, every day. If your pee ain't clear, you're not doing it right. Carry a water bottle everywhere, like it’s your phone. Seriously, it's the only way to avoid feeling like a raisin by 2 PM.
3.2. The Power of the Shade-and-AC Shuffle
If you absolutely must be outside during the daytime, you need a plan. It’s called the Shade-and-AC Shuffle.
Plan your errands for the early morning or late evening. Like, super early. Before the sun even knows what time it is.
Move between air-conditioned spots like a secret agent. Park closer to the door. Sprint across the asphalt (it’s hot, trust me). Linger a little longer in the refrigerated section of the grocery store.
Hats and light clothes are mandatory. Light colors, loose fit. You gotta let that air flow, man. Don't be a hero in a black t-shirt.
Tip: Read once for flow, once for detail.
3.3. Befriend Your Appliances (And Your Wallet)
Your air conditioner is your lifeline. Treat it right. Get it serviced before the summer hits. You don't want it breaking down on Day 59 of -degree weather. Also, don’t try to set it to 65 degrees—that's just a recipe for a massive energy bill and a cranky machine. Aim for something reasonable, like 78, and use fans to circulate that cool air. Fans are cheap; busted AC units are not.
FAQ Questions and Answers
How many over 100 degree days in San Antonio on average each year?
The long-term average for San Antonio, which covers all the non-record-breaking years, is typically around 18 days a year. However, this average is going up due to the extreme heat in recent years.
What is the record for the most 100-degree days in a single year for San Antonio?
The current record for the most days at or above degrees in one year in San Antonio is 60 days or more, which was set in the scorching summer of 2023. The previous record was 59 days in 2009.
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How to check for the daily heat index in San Antonio?
You can check the daily heat index by visiting the National Weather Service website or using a reputable weather app. The heat index is a measure of how hot it feels when humidity is factored in, which is often much higher than the actual air temperature.
How to save money on AC during a San Antonio heat wave?
You can save money by setting your thermostat to a reasonable temperature like and using ceiling or floor fans to help the air circulate. Also, close your blinds and curtains during the day to block the direct sun.
When does the San Antonio heat usually start and end?
The "hot season" in San Antonio typically runs from late May right through to late September, though the most intense -degree stretches are usually found in the peak summer months of July and August. Sometimes, the heat can even linger into October!
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