Austin residents are kicking off the new year with a forecast that has them reaching for umbrellas and jackets. After a partly sunny start on New Year's Day with highs lingering in the mid-50s, things are expected to take a wet turn. Entering Tuesday, there's a 90% chance of rain, transforming into showers and possibly a thunderstorm post-noon, according to the National Weather Service.
Happy New Year! Cooler today with breezy north winds following an overnight passage of a cold front. Lingering fog to the south dissipates by 8 am. Clouds decrease northwest to southeast today. A series of upper level lows will bring rain and some storms Tuesday and Friday. #txwx pic.twitter.com/E4lp2l0GK1
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) January 1, 2024
Nighttime isn't bringing much relief with continued rainfall and an 80% chance of precipitation, and temperatures dipping to the low 40s. Forecasters warn locals to prepare as breezy conditions give way to a wet week ahead. Meanwhile, murky conditions enveloped the area early New Year's Day; visibility near San Antonio was reported to be a mere quarter-mile, while some areas faced near-zero visibility conditions, the weather service advised caution, as per National Weather Service.
The gray skies are attributed to two storm systems ambling in from off the Pacific, "The first of two areas of low pressure will head to the area leading to an excellent chance for rain and a few thunderstorms Tuesday, mainly during the afternoon and evening." A short respite is expected Wednesday before the second system renews the rain chances come Friday, as reported by KXAN.
