Residents in Austin should keep their umbrellas at hand and plan for a potentially stormy week ahead. The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms today, primarily after 1 pm, with high temperatures hovering near 94 degrees. Calm winds will become easterly at about 5 mph in the afternoon.
According to KXAN, muggy to humid conditions are set to elevate heat index values by approximately 5 degrees over the air temperatures. Austin will see, possible isolated storms throughout today with a few areas already experiencing early weather activity. Regardless of the chance for rain, the forecast includes high temperatures in the 90s for much of the week.
Tonight, there's still an opportunity for precipitation with a slight 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10 pm. Temperatures are expected to drop to a low of around 74 degrees with a light easterly wind calming towards the evening. The NWS informs that Tuesday and Wednesday will continue to present chances for rain with Wednesday night skies clearing up as the week progresses.
A look back at the turbulent spring season shows Texas faced formidable severe weather, with 118 tornadoes reported through May, far surpassing the average of 86. "Tornado deaths for 2024: 8," reports KXAN. This year has exceeded the typical average annual tornado deaths, which is 4. Hail has also been notable this year, with a record-breaking hailstone greater than 7 in diameter reported on June 2nd in Vigo Park, a size still under confirmation by the NWS.
The week should conclude with sunnier skies as a ridge of high pressure is expected to settle over the area. Hotter temperatures are forecast for the weekend with a high near 98 degrees on Saturday and soaring up to 99 degrees by Sunday. As the summer months approach, severe weather activity is anticipated to decrease, yet the outlook for the upcoming hurricane season suggests it will be active.
