Austin wakes up to a cloudy, muggy start this morning, with Camp Mabry reporting about 66°F and humidity near 87%. Afternoon temperatures are expected to climb into the low 80s, but it will not be a dry heat; scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible during the warmest hours. If you have outdoor plans on Thursday, April 9, 2026, be ready for brief heavy downpours and gusty winds that can pop up with little notice.
Afternoon Storms Possible
The best window for storms is this afternoon, roughly between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., with about a 40% chance of measurable rain and isolated thunderstorms. Most activity should stay spotty, but any stronger cell could produce a quick burst of intense rainfall and sudden gusts that make driving tricky on I-35, MoPac, and other busy corridors. For background on how this pattern was set up earlier in the week, see the blue skies before the late-week storm threat.
Tonight And Friday
Showers may linger into Thursday night with lows near 66°F. Friday looks unsettled as well, with showers and thunderstorms likely and highs in the low 80s. Forecasters note that widespread severe weather is unlikely over the next 24 to 48 hours, but any slower-moving storm could quickly drop 1 to 3 inches of rain or bring gusts near 40 mph in stronger cells. See the National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio for the latest local forecast and discussion.
Weekend Outlook
Rain and storm chances stick around into the weekend. The period from Saturday into Sunday carries the highest confidence for isolated to scattered strong to severe storms, particularly along and north of I-35 and Highway 90. That combination of moisture, instability, and supportive wind profiles raises the stakes for locally heavy rainfall and damaging gusts in isolated cells, so factor that in if you are planning outdoor events. It is worth checking for updates before you lock in Saturday night and Sunday plans.
Plan Ahead
Bring rain gear and allow extra travel time during afternoon and evening commutes, especially on I-35, MoPac, and low-lying streets that tend to pond water. If you are hosting events outdoors, have a quick move-inside backup and secure loose furniture before storms bubble up. Turn on local weather alerts and give the forecast a quick check shortly before you head out.
