It is a sticky, mostly cloudy Friday morning in Austin on May 22, 2026, with temperatures in the low 70s and a high near 88°F on tap this afternoon. While only a slight chance of afternoon showers is in the cards today, Central Texas is stepping into a multi-day flood threat that could put a serious damper on Memorial Day plans.
Flood Watch Through Monday
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch from 7:00 p.m. CDT Friday, May 22, through 7:00 p.m. CDT Monday, May 25, for Travis, Hays, Williamson, and nearby counties. Forecasters are calling for 2 to 4 inches of rain, with isolated amounts up to 6 inches and “a potential for life-threatening flooding somewhere in the watch area,” which can quickly inundate low-lying streets, creeks, and low-water crossings. For full details and the county list, see NWS Austin/San Antonio.
Timing And Today's Weather
Partly sunny skies will hang on through much of the day before a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms develops after 1:00 p.m. CDT. Most storms should stay isolated this afternoon, with highs near 88°F. Winds will be light from the south at 0 to 6 mph, and the humidity will stay uncomfortably high. The next, more widespread round of rain is expected late Friday night into Saturday, when rain chances climb sharply.
Weekend Outlook And Local Impacts
Saturday looks like the wettest stretch into Saturday night, with showers and thunderstorms likely and highs near 84°F. Forecasters put rain chances at roughly 80% for much of the area. The Flood Watch remains in effect through Monday evening, so drivers should be ready for ponding on streets, possible low-water crossing closures, and quick rises on creeks and tributaries. Move vehicles out of low spots and stay clear of walking or driving through moving water. Read our earlier coverage of this threat in our flooded morning commute report.
How To Prepare
If you live in a flood-prone neighborhood, move vehicles to higher ground, avoid low-water crossings, and have an evacuation plan ready in case water rises. Keep an eye on updates from local officials and sign up for WarnCentralTexas alerts. CapMetro riders should check service notices before heading out. When flooding appears, remember the rule that always applies in Central Texas: turn around, do not drown.
