Austin is starting Wednesday on the warm and sticky side, with clear skies and temperatures sitting in the mid-60s at local stations. The sun will be out most of the day, and the Central Texas heat will ramp up quickly, pushing afternoon highs to about 91°F by mid- to late afternoon. With no measurable rain expected through Sunday, anyone planning to be outside should factor in both heat and air quality.
This Afternoon And Air Quality
Highs near 91°F are on tap today, with light southeast winds generally in the 0 to 5 mph range. The humidity will keep things feeling warmer as the day wears on. An Air Quality Alert is in effect through Wednesday evening, since conditions are lining up in favor of ozone formation, according to the National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio.
Later in the week, those gentle breezes will not stay gentle. Southerly winds are expected to strengthen, with gusts up to 25 mph possible from Thursday into the weekend, the National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio notes.
What To Do
Sensitive groups, including people with asthma or lung disease, older adults, and young children, are advised to limit long stretches of outdoor activity during the afternoon and early evening while ozone levels are elevated. Simple moves can help cut ozone exposure: shift hard workouts to the morning, refuel vehicles after dark, avoid unnecessary idling, and carpool when possible, according to the City of Austin Air Quality page.
If you have practices, games, or other outdoor events lined up, consider sliding them earlier in the day or moving them indoors. A quick check of the day's AQI before heading out can help you decide how hard to push it outside.
Weekend Outlook
The warm, dry pattern is expected to hold through Sunday, with daytime highs close to 91°F and mornings staying muggy. A stronger southerly flow late in the weekend will bump up humidity, and the chance for showers and thunderstorms returns Monday into Tuesday, with about a 30% chance for scattered storms, according to the National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio. If you are banking on outdoor time early next week, keep an eye on updated forecasts.
Quick reminder for the week ahead: check the morning AQI and weather before exercising outdoors, and carry water if you are out in the heat during the afternoon. Updates will follow if any advisories change.
