Austin residents should brace for a soggy day ahead as scattered showers and thunderstorms are on the menu, according to the National Weather Service. The forecast indicates a 70% chance of precipitation throughout the day, with thunderstorms likely to hit before 10 am and again potentially roaring through between 10 am and 1 pm. Shower chances will continue into the afternoon, with the high temperature hovering near 67 degrees and northeast winds gently blowing at 5 to 10 mph.
As the evening approaches, weather conditions aren't looking to quickly improve - with showers and thunderstorms being likely before 10 pm, followed by a chance of more rain and storms up through 1 am. Despite the looming forecast, the rainfall amounts are expected to keep below a half-inch for the most part. On a day expected to be marked by patchy fog and mostly cloudy skies, folks are advised to prepare for a damp experience.
Showers are expected this morning followed by a break through the afternoon hours. Strong/Severe storms are expected to develop between 6pm and midnight over areas in dark green and yellow, with the greatest threat for large hail in the yellow shading. #txwx pic.twitter.com/lfZxedeALU
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) March 21, 2024
KXAN further reports a close watch is being kept on the potential for a cluster of strong or severe storms near the Hill Country, projected to possibly escalate from about 6 pm to 11 pm. There's some uncertainty surrounding the intensity of this cluster. "If we can get a line of storms to form then rainfall expectations will be higher, but the severe weather risk will go up too," warns KXAN. The Storm Prediction Center has downgraded most of Central Texas to a marginal severe weather risk, while areas southeast of Austin remain under a slight risk for severe conditions.
Hail appears to be the primary concern with any strong storms that develop, with damaging winds as an added hazard. The community should stay alert and have ways to remain informed on the weather, especially as evening approaches. However, there's light in the aftermath of the storm clouds as we're expected to see skies clear up by midnight, leading to dryer and sunnier conditions come Friday. Austin can anticipate mostly sunny days with highs in the 70s going into the weekend.
