Weather Whiplash: Austin’s Week of Sun, Storms, and Surprises
By
Amy Freeze
Dive into a detailed breakdown of this week's fluctuating weather conditions in Austin, with insights from renowned meteorologist Amy Freeze. From sunny days to storm nights, know what to expect and how to prepare.
Explore a snapshot of Austin’s varied weather this week. From highs near 90 degrees to looming storm threats, meteorologist Amy Freeze covers all the essentials you need to stay informed and prepared.
This week in Austin and the broader Southern Plains region is a textbook example of spring weather unpredictability. Amy Freeze takes you through each day’s forecast, detailing conditions from clear skies to potential severe storms. With highs reaching into the 90s and nights cooling down significantly, it’s a week to stay weather-aware. Plus, get practical tips on how to handle fluctuating conditions from Austin’s favorite meteorologist. From UV safety to preparing for quick weather shifts, this comprehensive guide ensures you’re ready for anything the sky throws your way.
The Southern Plains are experiencing a mix of weather conditions today. We see clear skies dominating much of Texas, from San Antonio up to Dallas and across to El Paso. However, a notable line of rain and storms is draped across the far eastern areas, including parts of Missouri and Arkansas, with Little Rock watching these showers push eastwards. As we move north, Kansas City is braced for enhanced storm activity, bringing some heavy rain and potential thunderstorms. Albuquerque enjoys a break from any significant precipitation, with clear skies expanding westward. The radar shows that rain is continuing in eastern New Mexico, providing much-needed moisture in the region. Farther south in the Oklahoma panhandle, conditions remain relatively tranquil with only isolated rain showers present.
This afternoon in Austin, expect temperatures hover around 80 degrees, peaking at 81 degrees by 5 PM. Winds will transition from south-southwest at 6 miles per hour early in the afternoon to a gentle south-southeast breeze at 4 miles per hour by 7 PM. The sky will remain mostly cloudy throughout, creating a shaded and comfortable atmosphere.
Let’s take a look at today’s high temperatures across the Southern Plains. It’s a warm day with El Paso seeing a high of 81 degrees, while Midland reaches 77. Dallas is feeling the heat at 81 degrees as well, and San Antonio distinguishes itself with a warm high of 84 degrees. In contrast, expect cooler conditions in Oklahoma City, where the high will only hit 70 degrees. Little Rock is enjoying a pleasant 75, while Jackson sizzles at 79.
Tonight in the Southern Plains, we’re looking at a significant drop in temperatures with quite a chill settling in. In Oklahoma City, expect a low of 42 degrees, while Dallas will cool down to 54 degrees. Little Rock checks in with a low of 50, just slightly warmer than the expected 51 degrees in Midland. Moving farther south, San Antonio will remain mild at 64 degrees, with Corpus Christi at 65. However, El Paso will see a notable drop to 51 degrees.
High temperatures for the Southern Plains tomorrow are looking quite warm. In El Paso, expect a high of 83 degrees. Midland is set to reach 84 degrees, maintaining its trend of above-average temperatures for this time of year. San Antonio will sizzle with a high of 90 degrees, reflecting the typically warm and humid conditions this region experiences in late March. Corpus Christi is also joining the warmth with a high of 82 degrees. Dallas is forecasted to see highs around 83 degrees, while Little Rock remains slightly cooler at 76 degrees.
A cold front swings into the Southern Plains, setting the stage for a dynamic Monday. From Dallas to Corpus Christi, expect widespread rain, offering needed relief. Oklahoma City braces for potential severe storms due to an unstable air mass. Stay alert for warnings as strong thunderstorms sweep across Arkansas and Mississippi by Monday night. Cool, dry conditions return post-storm, leading to more stable weather further into the week.
The UV index in Austin will be moderate at 5 on Sunday, with a burn time of about 27 minutes under sunlight. As we transition to Monday, expect a high UV index of 8, with a faster burn time of just 17 minutes.