Cloudy, muggy skies are parked over Austin on Tuesday morning, and low clouds likely kept much of the city from catching the lunar eclipse during totality earlier today. By midday, the sun should muscle through, and temperatures will climb fast, with a high near 88°F and thick humidity hanging on through the afternoon. South to southeast breezes will strengthen, and gusty pockets may rattle loose outdoor furniture. If you have big outdoor plans, keep them flexible since a stormier pattern is queuing up later this week.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Southerly winds should increase to around 5–10 mph this afternoon, with gusts up to 25 mph in exposed spots such as bridges and hilltops. That is enough to flip lightweight patio umbrellas and make driving high-profile vehicles a bit trickier, so now is a good time to secure anything that can blow away. The breeze will also nudge the heat index higher, so the afternoon is likely to feel hotter than the thermometer suggests.
Midweek Storms Could Be Strong
Showers and thunderstorms become likely on Wednesday, with forecasters putting the chance of rain near 70 percent and warning that a few storms could grow strong to severe, especially from the eastern Hill Country into central Austin. According to the National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio, storms could produce gusty winds and locally heavy downpours, and parts of the area sit under a low-end severe risk. If you have outdoor plans Wednesday afternoon or evening, make sure you have a lightning-safe backup and keep an eye on local alerts.
Weekend Rain May Add Up
Rain chances return Friday and build into the weekend, with Saturday currently showing the highest odds for widespread showers and thunderstorms. Ensemble guidance points to a realistic chance for at least an inch of rain across much of the area, and multiple inches in spots that see repeated rounds of storms, so pockets of slow drainage could see localized flooding. Check updated forecasts before you lock in weekend outdoor events and be ready to move plans indoors if storms close in.
Where This Fits
This piece updates yesterday’s warm-weather briefing with timing and risk details, so see our Austin sweats now, ducks storms later this week coverage for more background on the pattern. We will post further updates if watches or warnings are issued. For now, expect hot afternoons, gusty winds, and a decent chance of disruptive showers from Wednesday through the weekend.
