Winter is about to hit harder than usual. Temperatures are expected to drop well below freezing this weekend, something we don’t see often in the Bay Area. The National Weather Service has issued a Freeze Warning for the Eastern Santa Clara Hills, with temperatures expected to plummet to as low as 26°F early Saturday morning. That means cold, frost, and potential hazards for plants, pipes, and people.
California isn’t exactly known for bone-chilling weather, but when these cold snaps roll in, they can cause more trouble than you’d think. If you’re not ready, you could be dealing with frozen pipes, damaged plants, and dangerously cold conditions—especially overnight.
Here’s what’s coming and how to make sure you don’t get caught off guard.
What’s the Weather Looking Like?
Right now, things are still relatively mild, with temperatures hovering around 50°F (10°C). But that’s about to change fast.
- Friday, February 7 – A mostly sunny day with a high of 60°F (15°C). But after sunset, temperatures will drop fast to around 40°F (5°C).
- Saturday, February 8 – This is when things get serious. Overnight temperatures could hit 26°F in some areas, with the coldest hours just before sunrise. The afternoon will warm up slightly, reaching around 60°F, but it won’t last—expect another freezing night.
- Sunday, February 9, and beyond – The freezing mornings will stick around for a few days, with nighttime temperatures hovering in the mid-to-upper 30s.
Why This Freeze Is a Big Deal
A little cold might not sound like a disaster, but freezing temperatures in San Jose can cause real problems—especially since many homes and businesses aren’t built to handle this kind of cold. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Health Risks: Cold weather can be dangerous, especially for unhoused individuals, the elderly, and those without proper heating. Hypothermia can set in quickly, even in temperatures just above freezing.
- Frozen Pipes: Water expands when it freezes, which can cause pipes to burst and lead to expensive water damage.
- Plant Damage: Many Bay Area plants, including citrus trees and delicate flowers, aren’t built to survive freezing temperatures. This cold snap could wipe out entire gardens overnight.
- Icy Roads & Sidewalks: Early morning frost can make roads and sidewalks slick and dangerous. While we’re not expecting snow, frost on bridges and overpasses could create black ice conditions.
How to Get Ready for the Freeze
San Jose doesn’t see freezes often, so it’s important to prepare now before temperatures drop.
1. Keep Yourself and Others Warm
- If you don’t have reliable heating, layer up with warm clothing and blankets to trap body heat.
- If you know someone who doesn’t have a warm place to stay, check on them and help them find shelter.
- Limit outdoor exposure, especially early in the morning when temperatures are at their lowest.
- Bring pets indoors! If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them.
2. Protect Your Pipes
- Let faucets drip slightly overnight to prevent freezing and bursting.
- Open sink cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.
- If you have outdoor pipes or irrigation systems, wrap them in towels or insulation to keep them from freezing.
- If your pipes freeze, don’t use a blowtorch or open flame—use a hairdryer or heating pad to slowly thaw them out.
3. Save Your Plants
- If you have sensitive plants or citrus trees, bring them inside if possible.
- For outdoor plants, cover them with blankets, tarps, or frost cloth overnight.
- Water plants in the afternoon before a freeze—moist soil holds heat better than dry soil.
4. Be Careful on the Roads
- Morning frost can make roads extra slippery, especially on bridges and shaded areas.
- Defrost your windshield properly—don’t pour hot water on it (that can crack the glass). Instead, use a scraper, defroster, or lukewarm water.
- Give yourself extra time to drive in case you hit slick spots.
What to Do If the Power Goes Out
If San Jose experiences power outages due to ice buildup on power lines, here’s what you need to know:
- Layer up with blankets and warm clothing to keep body heat in.
- Close off rooms you’re not using to trap heat in smaller spaces.
- Use candles carefully—don’t leave open flames unattended.
- NEVER use gas stoves or grills indoors—they produce carbon monoxide, which is deadly.
- If you rely on medical devices that need power, make sure you have a backup plan or know where to go if an outage lasts a long time.
Final Thoughts
San Jose isn’t used to freezing temperatures, so this cold snap could take a lot of people by surprise. The last thing you want is to wake up to a burst pipe, dead plants, or a freezing house because you didn’t prepare.
Take this seriously. Get your home ready, check on your neighbors, and stay inside as much as possible during the coldest hours. Even though the Bay Area isn’t known for extreme winter weather, freezing temperatures can be just as dangerous here as they are anywhere else.
Stay warm, stay safe, and be prepared, San Jose!
