Monday, February 23, 2026 — Austin woke up to clear skies and a chill in the upper 30s, the kind of cold that vanishes as soon as the sun gets going. A bright, dry day is on tap with a high near 65F. Light northeast winds stay gentle through the afternoon, and with tonight's low near 37F, some protected valleys could slip into a light freeze by early Tuesday morning.
Sunny Skies, Then A Quick Jump Into Spring Heat
Sunshine sticks around Monday with highs near 65F, but the quiet cool spell does not last long. A returning southerly flow pushes temperatures into the mid-70s on Tuesday and the mid-80s by Wednesday. Winds swing around to the south on Tuesday and strengthen through midweek, with gusts up to about 30 mph at times. No measurable rain is expected through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
Fire Weather Concerns
The combination of dry air and increasing winds will bring elevated to near-critical fire weather conditions west of I-35, with the risk potentially expanding across much of South Central Texas by Thursday. In response, Travis County has issued a local disaster declaration and a burn ban, and the City of Austin is urging residents to avoid open burning and secure yard debris before the wind does it for you.
What To Do This Week
For outdoor plans, secure loose patio furniture, tie down lightweight gear, and hold off on any controlled burns until conditions ease. If you see smoke or an uncontrolled fire, call 911. Keep an eye on National Weather Service updates and local emergency pages for any changes as the week heats up.
