Austin braces for a scorching week ahead, marking the hottest temperatures of 2024 thus far, KXAN reports. With only one day above 90 degrees to date, the forecast predicts back-to-back days of sizzling heat. Wednesday is slated to be the peak with highs in the low 90s. But the real kicker is the high humidity, making it feel as if it's almost 100 degrees.
The combination of heat and potential for severe weather means Austin residents should be on high alert. "Any storm that does develop has potential to be strong to severe," KXAN warns, urging locals to watch for hail, and gusty winds. The heatwave is expected to break on Thursday, thanks to a cold front which should bring some much-needed relief, with temperatures predictably easing into the more comfortable upper 70s and low 80s by the weekend.
Along with the anticipated relief, the front brings with it promising chances of rainfall. According to the National Weather Service, isolated storms could pop up bringing varied precipitation levels over the region. Thursday night ushers in a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, a pattern that extends into the weekend.
While the city sweats this heat advisory, some previous wet weather has offered benefits. "More than 50,000 acre feet of water was added to Buchanan and Travis," KXAN reports, reminding residents of the silver lining in storm clouds. Each acre foot – enough water to cover a football field a foot deep – comes to about 325,851 gallons. It's a substantial boost to the region's Highland lakes, providing more than 16 million gallons of water as per last week's calculations.
As the week progresses, Austinites will need to balance their enjoyment of the sun with caution, staying aware of the temperatures, and keeping an eye on the sky for potential storms that could escalate quickly. With the weekend promising to dial back the thermostat and the possibility of rain on the horizon, it looks like Central Texas can look forward to a reprieve from the oppressive heat and an infusion of life-sustaining rainwater.
