Austinites facing the tricky tandem of fog and rain this weekend. A "chance of showers" with "thunderstorms also possible after 3 pm" is expected today, according to the National Weather Service. Visibility could be compromised early this morning due to "patchy fog," elevating the risk for those on the roads. Drivers are advised to exercise caution, deploying low beam headlights and allowing for extra following distance, especially where fog has been reported dense. The NWS warns of a "50% chance of precipitation" with potential "new rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms."
Mild high temps and overcast skies are expected today. In the morning, showers and areas of fog will be seen before thunderstorm chances return this afternoon. Heads up: the most rainfall is expected to fall tonight into Sunday morning if you are traveling for the holiday! #txwx pic.twitter.com/aYjr15p2zL
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) December 23, 2023
The scenario deepens tonight, making for a soggy yuletide eve as "showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 9 pm" lead into a night where the "chance of precipitation is 90%." Fog is expected to roll back after 1 am. By Sunday, the showers are anticipated to persist at least until noon, followed by a "slight chance of showers" as the afternoon unfolds, the National Weather Service reports.
The Hazardous Weather Outlook issued for South-Central Texas details more specific threats. Areas along the Rio Grande, Hill Country, and east of I-35 saw fog that "has briefly become dense." A "level 2/4 risk of excessive rainfall" is in place for parts of Lavaca County, while a "level 1/4 risk" occurs elsewhere.
Transitioning into the holiday, KXAN notes "colder, breezy weather blows in Christmas Eve and Christmas Day" bringing "high temperatures in the 50s and lows in the 30s/40s." But it's not all wet and fog as Christmas reveals "mostly sunny" skies, offering a break in the dampness and a peaceful setting for any post-unwrapping strolls. By midweek, "sunny" conditions with "highs near 63" are expected, according to KXAN.
