Austin residents should brace for severe weather conditions today as the area faces its highest severe weather threat this week, with forecasters warning of potential large hail, isolated tornadoes, and damaging winds. A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms is predicted after 4 pm, and conditions could worsen with some storms potentially turning severe. Visibility may also be reduced earlier in the day due to areas of dense fog before 11 am, according to the National Weather Service.
Areas of Dense Fog can be expected this morning over the I-35, the Coastal Plains, and the Edwards Plateau. Severe storms are expected btwn 3-9pm with large to very large hail and damaging winds, along with a tornado or two possible. Cooler temperatures arrive this weekend. pic.twitter.com/l6N3wrkPzO
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) May 9, 2024
The atmosphere is ripe for tumultuous weather due to a convergence of factors. "The ingredients are there for severe storms today: dryline to the west, cold front sinking south, daytime heating and high humidity areawide," KXAN reports. Isolated storms could begin in the Hill Country between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., but the likelihood increases late afternoon and evening following the cold front's passage. Despite the grim forecast, there's a silver lining as the region is expected to experience relief from the current heat and humidity after the storms abate.
The upcoming weekend, which includes Mother's Day, will see rain and thunderstorm chances tick up on Saturday to 20%, and then jump to 70% on Sunday, as per KXAN. While Sunday might not be completely rain-drenched, indoor plans for Mother's Day celebrations are advisable given the likely inclement weather. The high for Mother's Day is anticipated to hover around 77 degrees, with continued east-southeast winds that could reach gusts as high as 20 mph.
This tempestuous week comes on the heels of a period of beneficial rains. More than 113,000 acre-feet of water have been added to Lakes Buchanan and Travis since Wednesday afternoon. Each acre-foot holds approximately 325,851 gallons of water. This influx translates to nearly 37 billion gallons bolstering the Highland Lakes, outlining a markedly positive turn for the area's water reserves, as stated by KXAN.
