Austin is waking up to a cloudy, oddly warm Sunday, with temperatures stalled in the upper 60s and a steady southerly breeze ahead of a sharp dryline. By this afternoon, March 15, the metro is expected to rocket into the mid 90s before a fast-moving cold front barrels in late in the day, flipping winds to the north and sending temperatures tumbling overnight.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
According to the National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon Sunday, March 15 (CDT) through 8 p.m. Monday, March 16 (CDT), and a Wind Advisory runs from 3 p.m. Sunday to 5 a.m. Monday. Gusts of 45-55 mph are possible over the Hill Country, with sustained north winds of 20-35 mph expected across much of the metro. Those gusts could blow down tree limbs and trigger isolated power outages, so officials are urging residents to secure loose outdoor items and use extra caution on the roads, especially in high-profile vehicles.
Big Temperature Drop Overnight
The change will be abrupt: highs near 95°F on Sunday, March 15 will give way to lows in the 30s and low 40s by Monday morning, March 16, which is roughly a 50-degree swing in under 15 hours. Wind chills could dip into the 20s in exposed areas. Plan for a colder, slower Monday morning commute and make sure pets and plants are protected before you call it a night.
Legal Implications
Travis County has an active burn ban for unincorporated areas, and the county's Fire Marshal's Office notes that open burning is prohibited during high fire-risk periods and violations can carry penalties, Travis County Fire Marshal's Office. If you see smoke or an uncontrolled fire, call 911 immediately so crews can respond quickly.
What To Do Today
Before the front arrives, secure patio furniture, trash bins and anything else that could turn into airborne yard decor. Consider postponing any yard work that could create sparks. Driving could be tricky from about 3 p.m. Sunday through the overnight hours into Monday, so give extra space to large trucks and keep both hands on the wheel. Bring pets indoors ahead of the worst of the cold and wind.
Through The Week
Dry, mostly sunny weather returns by midweek, with a warming trend that nudges highs back into the upper 60s by Tuesday and into the 80s to 90s later in the week. No significant rain is expected through the weekend, and the continued dry afternoons will keep fire concerns elevated until humidity makes a more solid comeback.
