You’re waking up in the Palms City on a Saturday morning, and honestly, the air feels a bit different. If you haven't checked the window yet, it’s mostly cloudy out there right now. We are sitting at a cool 58°F.
The wind is coming in from the north at about 10 mph. It’s not a gale, but it’s enough to make that 36% humidity feel a little crisper than usual for the Rio Grande Valley.
People think South Texas is just an endless blast of heat. That’s the big misconception. January in the Valley is actually a wild mix of "is it summer?" and "where is my hoodie?" Today, January 17, 2026, is leaning toward the hoodie side of the spectrum.
What to Expect for the Rest of Today
Don't let the morning clouds fool you into thinking it's a total wash. We are looking at a high of 67°F. That is basically the "Goldilocks zone" for running errands or hitting the 2nd Street trail without breaking a sweat.
But here is the catch.
There is a 35% chance of light rain during the daytime hours. It’s not going to be a monsoon, but "light rain" in McAllen usually means those annoying misty sprinkles that make your windshield wipers squeak. If you’re planning a backyard BBQ, maybe keep the patio umbrella handy just in case.
Once the sun goes down, things shift. The clouds are expected to clear out entirely. The temperature is going to take a pretty significant dive, bottoming out at a low of 42°F.
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That’s a 25-degree drop.
If you're heading out to 17th Street tonight, you’ll definitely want a jacket. The rain chances evaporate to 0% after dark, so at least you won't be dealing with wet pavement while you're shivering.
Looking Into Next Week
If today feels a little too gloomy for your taste, just hang on. Sunday is looking like a total turnaround. We’re talking full sunshine with a high of 63°F.
It’s going to be one of those classic "bright but brisk" South Texas winter days. The wind chill in the morning might actually dip into the lower 30s because of that north wind, so don't be surprised if you see frost on a few windshields further north in Edinburg or Mission.
By Monday, the warmth starts creeping back. We’ll see a high of 73°F, and then by Tuesday, we’re back into the 80s.
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That’s just how it goes here. You get 24 hours of winter, and then it’s back to t-shirt weather.
A Few Pro-Tips for the Current Conditions
- Plants: If you have some of the more sensitive tropicals, that 42°F low tonight is right on the edge. It might be worth throwing a light cover over them or bringing the potted ones inside.
- Driving: With that 35% rain chance, the roads might get that slick, oily film. McAllen drivers aren't exactly famous for their rainy-day skills, so give yourself an extra five minutes.
- Attire: Layers are your best friend today. You’ll want the sweater for the 58°F morning, you’ll probably shed it when we hit 67°F, and you’ll be hunting for it again the second the sun sets.
Basically, today is a day for indoor coffee, maybe a quick walk during the high-temp window, and making sure your heater actually works before that 40-degree low hits tonight.
Enjoy the break from the humidity while it lasts. The North wind is doing us a favor for now, keeping the UV index at a very manageable 2. No sunburns today, just a bit of Texas "winter" to keep things interesting.
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Check your tire pressure if your "low air" light pops on. These sudden temperature drops usually trigger those sensors. Get it topped off at a gas station on Nolana or 10th Street before you start your commute on Monday.