The city of Austin braces for an inconsistent batch of weather this week, with temperatures and conditions swinging from brisk and sunny to potentially stormy skies. According to the National Weather Service's latest update, Austin residents can expect a high near 47 degrees today, under partly sunny conditions with north winds blowing at 10 to 15 mph and gusts possibly hitting the 20 mph mark.
Tonight, the forecast indicates a shift to mostly cloudy skies with the mercury dipping to around 37 degrees. The wind, turning north-northeast, should slow to a gentle 5 mph before becoming calm as evening sets in. Friday won't bring much relief from the clouds, with highs anticipated near 54 degrees and light winds transitioning from calm to an east-southeast breeze.
The possibility of wet weather inches into the forecast Friday night with a slight chance of showers before 9 pm, followed by a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9 pm and midnight. Low temperatures are projected to hover around 49 degrees, and though winds should remain calm, they're expected to pick up slightly from the south at around 5 mph.
Respite will arrive with Saturday's partly sunny skies; temperatures are expected to soar to a high near 77 degrees. The wind will maintain its south-southwest course at around 5 mph but take a westerly turn in the afternoon, with possible gusts up to 20 mph. However, as the night falls, a drastic drop will take place with clear skies and the lows plummeting to around 36 degrees. A west wind of 5 to 10 mph is forecast to go north past midnight, gusting as high as 25 mph.
Looking ahead to Washington's Birthday, the NWS projects unequivocal sunshine with temperatures making a comfortable climb up to nearly 62 degrees. The calm of the morning is set to change with a south-southeast wind developing in the afternoon and gusts once again picking up, potentially peaking at 20 mph. As the week progresses, Austinites should keep an eye out for a 20 percent chance of showers on Tuesday, increasing to a 30 percent chance come nightfall. The erratic weather journey concludes on Wednesday with a continued chance of rain and partly sunny conditions, with the mercury expected to reach around 48 degrees.
