Austin's Memorial Day is shaping up to be a scorcher with a side chance of thunderstorms that could put a damper on holiday festivities, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The forecast suggests a 20 percent chance of storms post-4 p.m. and heat index values might hit a sweltering 112 degrees, despite the actual high hovering near a blistering 99 degrees.
One last day of excessive heat can be expected today. Isolated thunderstorm chances return late today. While a strong storm can't be ruled out this afternoon, slightly higher chances for strong to severe storms is expected Tuesday. Damaging winds and hail are the main risks. pic.twitter.com/JE9nobHzIg
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) May 27, 2024
Austin residents can expect the heat to persist into the evening with a slight possibility of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m.; the heat advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m. tonight for areas along and east of I-35, KXAN reports. The humidity will push feels-like temperatures up to an oppressive range between 105°-115°, and while the discomfort is certain, a larger concern lies with a stray severe storm that can bring gusty winds, hail, and even isolated tornadoes.
Looking beyond Memorial Day, the unsettled weather pattern over Texas means rain chances will rise, offering some relief from excessive heat. The NWS projects a 30 to 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms continuing into the week, with temperatures dipping down to seasonal highs in the low 90s by next weekend.
Central Texas is on track to receive between one and three inches of rain over the seven-day period following Memorial Day, with the heaviest rainfall expected to the north and west of Austin, which may help in cooling down the sizzling temperatures that have defined the start of the week, the rain blessings and likelihood of storms thus continue aisle through these hot days and nights, according to KXAN.
