Austin residents can breathe a sigh of relief as no hazardous weather conditions are expected today or tonight, according to the National Weather Service. However, the calm might be short-lived, with forecasts predicting potential fire weather conditions later in the week. The weather forecast for Austin today promises sunny skies with a high near 56, while tonight's skies will remain clear as the temperature dips to a low around 36.
Following the first freeze the city has witnessed in four weeks, the weather outlook is set to shift dramatically. According to KXAN, after a chilly start to the Austin Marathon with temperatures close to 32º, the city will experience highs in the mid-50s Sunday afternoon. Despite the warm-up predicted for the week ahead, on Thursday, strong west-to-northwesterly winds and low humidities may elevate the risk of wildfires across the region.
Temperatures remain well below normal today, then a warming trend begins on Monday leading to well above normal temperatures for the week. Fair skies prevail. pic.twitter.com/GLpjPn9jXy
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) February 18, 2024
As the week progresses, Austinites can expect a steady increase in temperatures. Monday, Washington's Birthday, will see a high near 67 with sunny conditions. The warmth continues through Tuesday and Wednesday, with temperatures soaring near 79 and 80 degrees, respectively. The National Weather Service forecasts a sunny Tuesday and a mostly sunny Wednesday, both with potential gusts as high as 25 mph.
While the city is embracing warm temperatures, Thursday's forecast comes with a caution. The National Weather Service warns that strong winds paired with low humidity levels may bring "elevated to near critical conditions for the spread of wildfires," especially over the Hill Country, Edwards Plateau, and Rio Grande Plains. These conditions, detailed in the Hazardous Weather Outlook, could pose significant risks for areas prone to wildfires. Following this, temperatures are predicted to remain high, albeit a cold front late Thursday is expected to bring temperatures back down to the 70s.
Rounding out the week and moving into the weekend, Friday and Saturday are forecasted to maintain mostly sunny conditions with highs in the mid-70s. As Austin gets past the colder temperatures of the previous night where they were given the reminder to protect "people, pets, pipes and plants," the next chance for rain falls beyond the current 7-day outlook, according to KXAN.
