Austin residents are bracing for a shift in weather patterns, as forecasters predict an unsettled end to the week with increasing chances of rain from Thursday through to the weekend. Today's mild temperatures and mostly cloudy sky are expected to give way to a series of disturbances bringing moisture to Central Texas, according to the National Weather Service.
Morning clouds and some patchy fog will give way to sunshine this afternoon, especially for central and western areas. Above normal highs will range from 78 to 95, warmest SW. Storm risk looks lower for Thursday now, but wetter weather arrives Friday-Sunday. pic.twitter.com/dRflptwfCy
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) March 13, 2024
The forecast today points to a high near 83 degrees with a south wind reaching up to 15 mph, and potential gusts as high as 20 mph. Increasing clouds this evening will precede a low of around 68 degrees. Despite a slight chance of showers on Thursday, said disturbances become more pronounced by Friday, when a stalling low-pressure system overhead and a cold front usher in heightened precipitation probabilities, as per the National Weather Service.
Austin is expected to see spotty drizzle this morning which should clear as the afternoon ushers in some sunshine breaks. However, the area is on the lookout for increased shower activity and potential thunderstorms straddling the weekend, especially on Friday and Saturday, as reported by KXAN.
The severe weather threat for tomorrow has been downplayed. KXAN notes, "Tomorrow's severe weather threat has decreased due to the increasing likelihood of a cap holding over Central Texas." This meteorological feature, a stable layer in the atmosphere, will likely inhibit the development of stronger storms locally while shifting severe weather northwards. Yet, the forecast still acknowledges a marginal risk of severe weather in the far northern counties of the region.
Looking toward the weekend, the National Weather Service forecasts an 80 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm on Saturday, with high temperatures peaking near 69, as cited by the National Weather Service. Although the chance of any severe weather occurring on Friday and Saturday appears slim, residents should prepare for substantial rainfall and the potential for thunderstorms through Sunday night
