Climate & Weather
How Elevation Affects Weather: A Complete Guide
Discover the fascinating relationship between elevation and weather patterns.
Elevation of San Antonio, Texas
198 meters elevation
Sea Level (0m)Mount Everest (8,848m)
-1.3°C
Temperature Drop
99.0kPa
Air Pressure
97.7%
Oxygen Level
Quick Facts
Elevation198 meters
Everest Comparison2.2% of Everest
Altitude Risk✅ Low RiskBelow altitude sickness threshold
RegionTexas
Highest PointMount Smith (424 meters)
Notable Landmarks
The Alamo
198 meterselevation
Tower of the Americas
348 meterselevation
San Fernando Cathedral
201 meterselevation
Government Canyon State Natural Area
397 meterselevation
Friedrich Wilderness Park
384 meterselevation
Geographic Features
San Antonio sits at the intersection of three distinct geological regions: the Edwards Plateau to the north, the Blackland Prairie to the east, and the South Texas Plains to the south. The city's most significant geological feature is the Balcones Escarpment, a fault line that creates a dramatic elevation change from the Edwards Plateau to the coastal plain. This escarpment has created the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone, a crucial water source for the region. The landscape is characterized by limestone karst formations, creating numerous caves, springs, and unique topographical features. The San Antonio River, fed by the Edwards Aquifer springs, has carved a gentle valley through the city's heart.
Climate Impact
The city's position along the Balcones Escarpment creates unique weather patterns and microclimates. The elevation difference between the Edwards Plateau (averaging 300m) and the coastal plain (200m) can trigger sudden thunderstorms as Gulf moisture rises over the escarpment. This elevation transition zone experiences more frequent fog formation where warm, moist air from the Gulf meets cooler air from the plateau. The urban heat island effect is moderated somewhat by the prevailing southeasterly winds that follow the elevation gradient. The karst topography and varying elevations create distinct vegetation zones, from prairie grasslands in the lower elevations to juniper-oak woodlands in the higher areas.
Historical Context
San Antonio's relationship with elevation dates back to prehistoric times, with indigenous peoples utilizing different elevation zones for various purposes, from valley agriculture to mountain resource gathering. The Spanish colonial era saw the establishment of missions in the Rio Grande Valley, choosing locations that balanced water access with flood protection. The city's modern development pattern was profoundly influenced by the Franklin Mountains, which initially served as a barrier but later became a defining feature of the city's identity. The construction of the Mount Lemmon Highway in the 1950s (the Catalina Highway) created access to the highest elevations, establishing a crucial thermal refuge and recreational resource. The development of water infrastructure in the early 1900s utilized the natural elevation changes for gravity-fed systems, including the innovative conservation of groundwater through percolation ponds at different elevations. The preservation of hillside areas began with the creation of Alum Rock Park in 1872 (California's oldest municipal park), and continues with modern initiatives like the Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve, protecting both the natural elevation gradient and critical watershed functions that support the valley's groundwater system.
Cities with Similar Elevation
FAQs: San Antonio's Elevation
What is the elevation of San Antonio?
San Antonio has an elevation of 198 meters, which influences its climate and environment.
How does San Antonio's elevation affect its weather?
The elevation of San Antonio (198 meters) significantly impacts its local climate, affecting temperature ranges, precipitation patterns, and atmospheric pressure.
What are the highest points near San Antonio?
The highest point in San Antonio is Mount Smith (424 meters), providing unique perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
