Austin residents are bracing for severe weather as a Pacific weather system is set to bring scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms today, with a likelihood of numerous showers and thunderstorms tonight, according to the National Weather Service. Conditions may rapidly escalate to severe storms, with a "Level 2 of 5 risk" across most of South Central Texas. "The primary risk with any severe storms will be large hail," the National Weather Service warns, while also noting the potential for "isolated damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes." A "Level 1 of 4 risk" for excessive rainfall is also forecasted, poised to possibly kindle isolated flooding, especially in the Hill Country and along the I-35 corridor.
Today's weather in Austin also brings challenges on the ground with areas of dense fog expected over the Hill Country region, potentially reducing visibility to less than 1/4 mile this morning. As per the NWS, such conditions should mandate caution on the roads and the usage of low-beam headlights. Critical fire weather conditions are anticipated to rapidly develop near the Rio Grande this weekend with the possibility of a Red Flag Warning and a Wind Advisory due to projected gusts of 40-50 mph, as stated in their Hazardous Weather Outlook.
Areas of fog are forecast this morning. Showers & isolated storms will develop late this afternoon north, with more storms overnight, a few of which could be severe. Large hail is the main threat, but damaging winds, locally heavy rain, and a tornado are all possible. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/bwr0G2BmHu
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) February 2, 2024
According to KXAN, the deteriorating conditions today will set in before nightfall, following a mostly cloudy and warm day. The risk for strong to severe storms is set to increase by this evening with the potential hailstorms not just shower but also batter with quarter-size hail and winds reaching up to 60 mph. Thunderstorms are predicted "to intensify and become more widespread" between 7 p.m. tonight and 4 a.m. Saturday.
After the stormy interlude, the weekend is expected to clear up following the front passage with sunny and windy weather ahead. Residents will hopefully quickly return to their usual routines as the skies begin to clear by sunrise on Saturday. Despite the tumultuous conditions, February remains on track to provide needed drought relief, with a continuing El Niño pattern likely heralding "wetter than normal weather locally," according to KXAN’s monthly outlook.
