Austinites brace for a shift in weather as the National Weather Service forecasts a rise in heat today, followed by potential severe storms tomorrow. According to the National Weather Service, cloud coverage will increase today with highs nearing 92 degrees and southsoutheast winds blowing at 5 to 10 mph. However, gusts could reach up to 20 mph. Temperatures will drop to a low around 69 tonight under partly cloudy skies.
The sultry calm could end abruptly as "showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm" on Thursday, advises the forecast. With a precipitation chance pegged at 70%, the oncoming system may bring new rainfall totaling between a half and three-quarters of an inch. Southeast winds are expected to maintain their pace at 5 to 15 mph, including gusts as high as 20 mph.
In a statement obtained by KXAN, the looming storm system advancing across the region Thursday is predicted to bring with it a suite of severe weather conditions. These conditions include "large hail, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes". KXAN also underscores a Level 2 of 4 flood threat across many areas, as torrential downpours could yield 1"-2" of rain in turbulent bursts. However, the majority of locals can expect no more than an inch of rain.
Come Thursday night, the storm chance will drop to 30%, with lingering clouds and a low near 70, and Friday may see a paltry 20% chance for showers and storms after 1pm. As the city emerges from the tempest's shadow, a hot front takes the stage. "The big story this weekend (and beyond) looks to be the heat with a string of 90s taking us through the third week of May," KXAN warned, forecasting a return to partly sunny skies, and temperatures climbing to the mid-90s by early next week.
While the immediate focus is on storm preparedness, residents are advised to also ready themselves for the summer sizzle on the horizon. With conditions expected to be sunny and increasingly hot over the weekend, locals should anticipate a dry spell to accompany the rising temperatures. Saturday is tipped to reach a high near 94, as stated by the National Weather Service, transitioning into a mostly clear evening around 72 degrees. A similar pattern is predicted through Tuesday, with highs pushing to near 95 degrees.
