As of 5:19 a.m. CDT Saturday, March 14, Austin was sitting under low clouds and roughly 60°F, with skies expected to clear by late morning and temperatures headed for the mid 80s. The pattern flips abruptly on Sunday, when a dry, hot push moves in ahead of a powerful cold front late in the day. That rapid swing sets up both short-term heat and a stretch of very strong winds that could heighten wildfire danger across the metro.
Today: Sunny And Warm
This afternoon should feature mostly sunny skies with a high near 85°F and light southerly breezes. The low clouds and patchy fog hanging around early today are expected to thin by midday, leaving a generally pleasant window for outdoor plans. It will still feel warm, so keep water handy and, if you can, tackle any outdoor work earlier in the day.
Legal Implications
The state has an ongoing disaster proclamation addressing fire weather that includes Travis County, and officials can use that authority to mobilize resources as conditions warrant. Local burn bans and enforcement differ by county and city, so check your county or the City of Austin before any open burning or pile burns. You can read the proclamation from the Office of the Texas Governor.
Fire Weather Watch And What To Expect
A Fire Weather Watch is in effect starting at noon Sunday, March 15, through 8 p.m. Monday, March 16. Forecasters warn of very low humidity, 10 to 25 percent in the afternoons, combined with gusty winds: west winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph Sunday ahead of the front, then north winds 20 to 35 mph with gusts of 45 to 55 mph Sunday night into Monday, and temperatures that fall from the 90s Sunday into the 30s Monday morning. Any fire that develops could spread rapidly, and a Wind Advisory is likely for parts of the area, according to the NWS Austin/San Antonio.
How To Prepare
Postpone outdoor burning and yard debris fires, secure patio furniture and loose items, and shelter or weigh down tarps and trash cans. Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be cautious Sunday night into Monday, since strong crosswinds and sudden gusts can make travel hazardous. Keep phones charged and monitor local alerts, as official updates will go out if watches are upgraded to warnings.
