Austin is bracing for a sizzling forecast, with the thermometer expected to soar near the century mark. According to the National Weather Service, today will see partly sunny skies with a high near 93 and potential heat index values climbing as high as 102. NWS also predicts south winds at 5 to 10 mph, gusting up to 20 mph. Come tonight, residents will face increased clouds and a low around 76, with those south-southeast winds persisting.
Another unusually hot day is expected, and more strong to severe storms are expected to form to the north and build southward into parts of the Hill Country and Central Texas late this afternoon and this evening. pic.twitter.com/itarsMLS9U
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) May 23, 2024
Meanwhile, KXAN reports the threat of isolated strong to severe storms continues, notably in northwest Hill Country early this morning where large hail, gusty winds, and frequent lightning are possible. Despite a cloud-covered morning, the relentless sun is expected to break through by afternoon, pushing highs back into the mid-90s, and humidity levels that'll make it "feel like 100-105º during the afternoon and early evening," as detailed by KXAN.
The scorching pattern isn't letting up anytime soon. Friday's forecast spells out a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 pm, with more mostly sunny weather and a high nearing 98 degrees. The heat index could make it feel stifling, upwards of 110. Going into the weekend, NWS expects the mercury to flirt with 97 degrees on Saturday under mostly sunny skies, then possibly climaxing to Austin's first triple-digit day of 2024 by Sunday.
However, there may be some relief on the horizon. Post-Memorial Day, a late May cold front is poised to bring a cooling northeast wind through the city. "A late May cold front delivers a northeast wind late on Memorial Day providing cooling for Tuesday with highs down to the low 90s," according to forecasters at KXAN. While a dip into the low 90s might seem slight, after days of near hundred-degree heat, even a minor respite could feel like a significant ease for locals.
