Wednesday is starting off steamy in Austin, with temps already near 70°F and dew points high enough to make the air feel downright sticky. Most of the morning should stay on the dry side, but a weak disturbance aloft and some leftover outflow boundaries will boost the odds of scattered showers and thunderstorms later today. Highs are expected to climb into the low 90s before any storms roll through and knock readings back into the upper 80s in a few neighborhoods. Overnight lows hold in the low 70s through the rest of the week, so there is not much relief after sunset.
Afternoon Storms And Timing
Storm chances jump after about 1 p.m., with the main window running through late afternoon into the early evening. According to the National Weather Service in Austin/San Antonio, today’s high should land near 91°F, and many spots around the metro carry about a 30% chance of rain. Any stronger cells that fire up could bring gusty winds, frequent lightning, and brief, heavy downpours that quickly cut visibility on area roads.
Thursday Night Into Early Friday
Late Thursday into early Friday, the focus shifts west of Austin, where slow-moving storms could drop locally heavy rain across the Rio Grande plains and the southern Edwards Plateau before rain chances spread east on Friday. With plenty of Gulf moisture in place and storms not moving very fast, repeated downpours could lead to localized street flooding in areas that get hit more than once. If you have plans Thursday night or Friday, it is worth lining up an indoor backup or at least a quick exit strategy for any outdoor events.
Commute Tips And Local Resources
Plan on wet pavement and pockets of poor visibility during heavier cells, and give yourself extra time for afternoon errands and the evening drive. Check CapMetro service alerts before you ride, and do not try to drive through flooded streets; moving water and stranded cars create some of the biggest hazards in these setups. Tie down lightweight patio furniture, keep an umbrella within reach, and stay tuned for quick changes in the weather this afternoon and into the weekend.
Forecasters will be watching the pattern evolve into Friday and the weekend as rain chances hang around and temperatures start trending upward again next week. Keep an eye on local forecasts and radar if you are planning anything outside over the next several days.
