Austin woke up under a blanket of clouds and humidity this morning, with temperatures hovering around 71°F and a noticeably sticky feel in the air. That muggy start is headed toward a warm afternoon, with forecast highs near 84°F on Friday, March 6. South-southeast winds are expected to kick up later, with gusts as high as 30 mph this afternoon, and there is roughly a 40% chance of afternoon showers and isolated thunderstorms. Any storm that does pop up could bring brief heavy downpours and damaging wind, although coverage today is expected to stay on the spotty side. A more organized and wetter pattern is set to arrive Saturday and is forecast to hang around into next week.
Heavier Rain Likely This Weekend
According to the National Weather Service in Austin/San Antonio, showers and thunderstorms become more likely on Saturday, March 7, with a high chance for widespread rain and pockets of locally heavy totals. Forecasters now put the odds of at least 1 inch of rain at 75–85% for the Hill Country, the I-35 corridor, and the coastal plains, and localized multiple-inch totals are on the table. Severe storms with large hail and damaging winds are also possible, especially on Saturday. This updated outlook builds on our March 2 update, which first flagged midweek showers and rising humidity. Anyone with weekend plans should keep an eye on NWS watches and warnings as the pattern evolves.
Commute And Outdoor Plans
Heavy downpours and gusty winds, with gusts up to 30 mph Friday and up to 25 mph at times overnight, could trigger brief street flooding and slow commutes on I-35, MoPac, and other low-lying routes. If you have outdoor events lined up this weekend, it is worth considering an indoor backup plan or at least a rain-friendly setup. Secure patio furniture, expect soggy ground, and prepare for muddy parks. Travelers should also keep tabs on Austin-Bergstrom International Airport for possible delays during periods of heavier showers. Small, localized flooding is the main near-term concern, so keep phone alerts turned on and do not drive through standing water.
Into Next Week
Rain chances stay elevated from Monday, March 9, through Wednesday, March 11, with highs generally returning to the low 80s on most days and a brief cool down still expected on Sunday, March 8. The primary hazard through this stretch is heavy rainfall repeatedly hitting the same areas, which can quickly lead to urban and neighborhood flooding. Residents in flood-prone spots should stay especially alert. Check the NWS Austin/San Antonio page and sign up for local alerts before you head outdoors next week.
