Clouds and sticky air are teaming up over Austin on Thursday, June 4, with temperatures stuck in the low 70s this morning and humidity hovering near 90 percent. A few stray showers may sneak through before mid-morning, and afternoon highs should land near 87°F. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are likely at times, and slow-moving cells could drop brief heavy downpours and kick up gusty winds, so the commute could turn sloppy in a hurry.
Afternoon Showers And Commute
Between mid-morning and late afternoon on Thursday, June 4, expect spotty storms to flare up, with rain chances around 30 to 40 percent for inland neighborhoods and along the I-35 corridor. Most areas see light totals under a tenth of an inch, but localized downpours can still cause quick ponding and slick spots on the roads.
Late-Week Heavy Rain Risk
The bigger concern shows up late Thursday night into early Friday (June 4 to 5), when storms firing to the west could roll in and unload locally heavy rainfall, especially across the Rio Grande plains and southern Edwards Plateau, according to NWS Austin/San Antonio. Slow-moving storms in those areas have the highest potential for more significant rain and localized flooding. There are no watches or warnings in effect at the time of this update, but forecasters are keeping a close eye on trends.
Weekend And Early Week Outlook
Rain chances hang around into Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6, with showers and thunderstorms likely Friday night into Saturday. By Sunday, June 7, the pattern turns drier and warmer, with highs in the low 90s and south winds around 5 to 10 mph, occasionally gusting up to 25 mph in some spots. This update reflects an increased late-week rain threat compared to the June 2 outlook. For context, see the earlier coverage from when the heat index nears 102.
Plan Ahead
If you are heading outside, pack a light rain layer and budget extra time for travel during any downpours, since flooding on low-lying roads can develop quickly with slow-moving storms. If you come across standing water in the roadway, turn around rather than trying your luck. Lightning and gusty winds remain the other main hazards with these storms. Anyone driving west toward the Edwards Plateau or south toward the Rio Grande plains should check the latest forecast before hitting the road, since activity is most likely to ramp up in those areas.
