Austin residents should prepare to brace themselves for another bout of high temperatures and potential thunderstorms in the coming days. According to the National Weather Service, this afternoon promises a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm with a soaring high near 98 degrees. The heat index could reach an oppressive 106 degrees, providing little respite with only a light south wind blowing around 5 mph.
The weather tonight is somewhat more promising for those looking to enjoy the evening, with just a 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. As the sun sets, the skies will be partly cloudy with lows tempering to around 78 degrees, with that gentle south wind persisting at around 5 mph. But Friday's outlook is set to equally test the resolve of locals and their air conditioning units, as the day is pegged to be sunny with highs close to 98 degrees, and the heat index peaking yet again at around 105 degrees.
As we head into the weekend, the forecast signals a 50 percent chance of showers on Saturday, and thunderstorms could possibly join the mix after 1pm. With mostly sunny skies, the high should be around a slightly more bearable 93 degrees, and the winds remain mostly calm with an expected south southeast direction at around 5 mph. Saturday night's skies will stay partly cloudy as temperatures dip to about 77 degrees.
Looking forward to Sunday, the high is expected to return near 98 degrees under mostly sunny conditions, with winds staying calm and then becoming south at about 5 mph in the afternoon. Residents will see mostly clear skies by Sunday night, with a low around 77 degrees and a southeast wind slowing to calm by the evening. Monday's weather takes a turn back towards the scorching highs, with a near 99 degrees anticipated. Additionally, there's a 20 percent chance for showers and thunderstorms to develop after 1pm.
Those hoping for a reprieve next week might need to wait a little longer. Tuesday and Wednesday show a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with highs continuing to scorch at around 99 degrees on Tuesday and a slightly less intense 98 on Wednesday. The evenings both nights should grant some relief, with lows hovering around 78 under partly cloudy conditions. For more detailed updates and weather advisories, Austinites can visit the National Weather Service's website at NWS Austin.
