Cloudy skies and thick, muggy air are hanging over Austin this morning, with temperatures hovering near 72°F and some patchy drizzle possible before mid-morning. Highs are still expected to climb into the mid 80s on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, but the quiet start will not last. Showers and thunderstorms become more likely as the day wears on, and south-southeast winds around 10 mph will pick up, with gusts pushing to roughly 25 mph in exposed spots. If you have outdoor plans, keep a backup ready and keep an eye on radar.
Afternoon Storm Timing
A slight chance of drizzle is on the table before 9 a.m., then scattered showers start to fill in, with a better chance of thunderstorms from late morning through the afternoon and evening. Any storm could deliver brief heavy downpours and some strong gusts, and a few cells near and west of I-35 could turn marginally severe. These forecast details come from the National Weather Service, which is flagging an elevated chance of showers today and gusts up to about 25 to 30 mph in some locations.
Weekend Rain And Flooding Risk
Rain chances ramp up Friday into the weekend, and the longer-range discussion from the forecast office points to a 50 to 75 percent chance for at least 1 inch of rain across much of the area, with locally higher totals possible where storms train or stall. That kind of setup raises the risk of street flooding and trouble at low-water crossings, so avoid driving through standing water and follow local safety guidance. For preparedness tips and road-closure resources, check the City of Austin’s flood safety page.
Commute And Outdoor Plans
Any brief heavy downpours could quickly slick up the roads, and gusty winds may be enough to toss around unsecured patio furniture, so build in extra travel time and tie down or bring in loose items before this afternoon. Transit riders should be ready for possible delays and sign up for service alerts, and event organizers will want an on-site shelter plan in place for outdoor gatherings. For background on the developing pattern later this week, see our earlier update.
