Austin residents are bracing for what could be the hottest day of the year today, with temperatures anticipated to soar to around 93 degrees and the heat index likely reaching a scorching 103 degrees, the National Weather Service has reported a high near 93 degrees with heat index values reaching as high as 103, and a south wind blowing at 5 to 10 mph.
Hot temperatures are expected today with a conditional threat for severe storms this aftn. If storms can form, they would be severe. A bigger threat exists on Thursday as a cold front enters the region bringing scatered strong to severe storms to the area. pic.twitter.com/bpptoF3Pvd
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) May 8, 2024
Humidity will add to the discomfort, as dew points will surpass 70 degrees in some locales, making it feel close to 100 degrees, which everyone will surely notice paired with the heat, high humidity will make it feel oppressively close to 100 degrees, tonight is expected to see patchy fog after 4 am with increasing clouds and a low around 73 degrees as according to the NWS forecast.
Relief from the searing heat and humidity is projected later on Thursday when a cold front moves in bringing a chance for widely scattered storms ahead of it, the cold front on Thursday is expected to trigger a few scattered storms, and with them comes a level 2 to 3 out of 5 severe weather threat that includes large hail, isolated storms, and damaging winds as KXAN report suggests.
The anticipated cooldown on Friday will not only lower temperatures to around 82 degrees but will also mark a noticeable drop in humidity making it feel significantly more comfortable after the front's passage, Friday will see a substantial decrease in temperatures near 82 degrees the humidity will drop making the day feel much more comfortable as per what KXAN channel reports.
Looking ahead to Mother's Day weekend, while Friday and portions of Saturday appear to remain dry, there's an increased chance of rain and thunderstorms starting late Saturday through Sunday and going into the next week, with a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms on Sunday, those planning outdoor activities for Mother's Day might want to consider indoor alternatives due to the wetter weather trend.
In terms of water resources, the recent rains have been advantageous, adding over 90,000 acre-feet of water to the Highland Lakes system, which translates to nearly 30 billion gallons enriching ecosystems in Buchanan and Travis as KXAN reported, providing much-needed relief to this critical central Texas water source.
