Residents of Austin can expect a sunny break to sweep through the city starting this afternoon, as the cloudy skies give way to brighter weather. According to a local forecast by the National Weather Service, temperatures will top out in the low 60s with a brisk north-northwest wind reaching speeds of up to 25 mph. The chilly morning air is set to transition into a clear night, with lows around 40.
The week ahead appears promising for those tired of grey skies, with clear conditions predicted to last until Friday evening. In a mischievous dance with the elements, the next bout of precipitation is slated for Friday night stretching into Saturday, originating from what KXAN describes as the "Climate Prediction Center forecasts wetter than normal conditions from the 3rd to the 9th of February." Residents should brace themselves for a drop in temperature tomorrow as the mercury dips into the mid to upper 30s.
After a cloudy start, expect afternoon sunshine to break out from west to east. Winds will be quite gusty at times with sustained winds of 10-20 mph, gusting to 25-30 mph. The next 5 days look dry along with partly to mostly cloudy skies and highs in the 60s and lower 70s. pic.twitter.com/TZLVXOdOpz
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) January 27, 2024
Capping off what has been an unusually soggy January, Austin's Camp Mabry saw the month evolve into the fifth wettest on record. The monthly total reached an impressive 6.07 inches, after a significant downpour from Sunday to Thursday. The weather service notes a sunny stretch as we begin the new week, with temperatures gradually climbing and the potential for highs near 70 degrees by Tuesday.
Despite the immediate forecast, the region has been experiencing a wetter than typical winter, attributable, to the effects of El Niño. This weather pattern has brought total rainfall this winter to 8.49 inches, which is higher than the normal for December to February set at 7.25 inches. KXAN reports, "During this current meteorological winter our rainfall total of 8.49″ will qualify this December through February as a wetter than normal winter." With no significant rainfall expected until the weekend, locals have a reprieve to enjoy the upcoming sunny days.
As temperatures inch back to normal by Sunday, Austinites are advised to make the most of the week of sunshine before the rain gears up for another round. For more detailed information, visit the National Weather Service's update on the forecast.
