Austin residents should brace themselves for severe weather today as storms packing hefty punches of rain, hail, and potential tornadoes could sweep through the area. According to the National Weather Service, the majority of these storms are expected to hit after 1 p.m., with an 80% chance of precipitation and possible new rainfall amounts ranging between 1 and 2 inches. The NWS warns the storms could be severe and carry heavy rainfall, causing concern for neighborhood flooding across Austin.
KXAN forecasts a rocky Thursday, highlighting the likelihood of "very large hail, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes" particularly in the northern counties. Even before the clock strikes noon, a few showers could dampen the ground, promising an ominous precursor to a more perilous afternoon. Localized flooding remains a risk due to the potential for heavy downpours, but most residents should see less than an inch of the wet stuff.
As the evening approaches, Austinites can expect some reprieve with showers and thunderstorms predicted to taper off before 7 p.m. A gentle east-northeast breeze at around 5 mph will reportedly become calm as night falls, though the humidity won't drop much with lows hovering around 68 degrees.
The outlook for the weekend offers a stark contrast to today's tempest. Come Friday, skies will part to reveal partly sunny weather with a calm breeze, ushering in a sun-soaked forecast. KXAN indicates this transition as the heat takes center stage, with the mercury set to climb into the 90s over the weekend and even higher as the new week rolls in. Saturday and Sunday boast sunny skies with temperatures expected to flutter near a sizzling 93 degrees.
For those yearning for respite from the mayhem, the forthcoming warmth presents itself as a balm, a signal perhaps, of calmer skies and steadier ground. However, with such heat comes another warning—a simmering prelude to our ever-growing discourse on climate, comfort, and the consequences laid bare by our own hand. For more detailed updates on Austin's tumultuous weather, visit the National Weather Service.
