Austin is in for a weather rollercoaster this week as residents can expect varying conditions, ranging from mild temperatures and increased cloudiness to freezing rain and gusty winds. The National Weather Service predicts that today will see increasing clouds with a peak temperature around 65 degrees and south winds turning southwest at 5 to 15 mph that could gust as high as 25 mph.
As the night descends, the skies are expected to clear progressively, resulting in a low around 25 degrees. The calm will precede a cooler Sunday with increasing clouds once again, capping the mercury at about 34 degrees. The forecast has set the stage for wintry conditions, including a 40% chance of freezing rain after midnight.
The chilly conditions look to extend into Martin Luther King Day with a 30% chance of freezing rain before noon and cloudy skies that'll hover at a high near 30 degrees. The National Weather Service warns of north winds that could reach 15 mph with potential gusts of 25 mph. Austinites should bundle up come Monday night as temperatures could dive to around 15 degrees, with brutal north winds at 15 to 20 mph and gusts that could push to 30 mph.
However, a gradual warming trend is on the horizon by mid-week. Tuesday is expected to be mostly sunny despite the cold, with highs creeping back up near 33 degrees and northerly winds continuing at 15 to 20 mph, potentially gusting up to 35 mph. Relief finally comes Wednesday, with bright and sunny skies driving the high up near 46 degrees, complemented by milder south winds between 5 to 15 mph. These winds could get a bit friskier, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
The forecast, as reported by the National Weather Service website, suggests that sunny conditions will continue through the end of the week with temperatures fluctuating. Thursday's temperature is expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 61 degrees before dipping to a low around 31 degrees at night. Closing out the week, Friday will be sunny with a high near 46 degrees, potentially giving Austin a gentle respite from the wintry grip that starts the week.
