Austinites can expect to brace themselves for sustained heat as today's forecast predicts a high near 98 degrees with heat index values soaring as high as 105, according to the National Weather Service. Though the respite of a calm wind may arise, becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon, the evening does little to alleviate the swelter, promising a low of around 75 degrees, with the wind settling into a calming lull.
Turning towards the weekend, Saturday maintains the heat with cloud coverage expected to give way to the sun, culminating in a high near 97 that could feel up to 103 due to the heat index. That same calm southeast breeze is predicted to persist, as described by the National Weather Service.
A slight reprieve appears on the horizon with a pattern change expected next week. According to KXAN, this transition will pivot Austin away from these persistent high temperatures with the weakening of high pressure and the promise of a strong Pacific storm crossing the Rockies, which might bring rain as we approach Monday.
In our pursuit for cooler weather, early next week high pressure is anticipated to slide east, inviting a front that could cool temperatures to the low 90s and increase rain chances. "Rain chances remain low for the time being, starting Monday and continuing through midweek," noted the KXAN forecast.
Further developments are expected in the Tropics as well. KXAN reports an escalation in the likelihood of a broad area of low pressure becoming more organized in the Caribbean, where chances for development are now placed at 40%.
