Catch up on the latest weather trends and forecasts in Austin and the Southern Plains with Meteorologist Amy Freeze. From upcoming thunderstorms to serene sunny days, know what to expect and how to prepare.

This week, Austin and the Southern Plains face some dynamic weather shifts. Meteorologist Amy Freeze provides an in-depth analysis of weather patterns, including temperature fluctuations, storm probabilities, and safety tips for extreme UV exposure. Stay informed and safe with detailed daily forecasts, specially tailored for residents and visitors of Austin and surrounding areas. In the Southern Plains, the regional radar shows some activity developing. North of Albuquerque, snow is gently falling across the higher terrains, creating wintry conditions in that region. The Oklahoma City area is witnessing rain showers making their way towards Little Rock, contributing to ongoing wet conditions. Cloud coverage is widespread across Dallas and extends to New Orleans, yet these areas currently appear dry. Meanwhile, El Paso and San Antonio remain clear under tranquil skies.
This afternoon in Austin, temperatures stay warm, holding steady at 84 degrees until 6 PM before slightly dropping to 81 degrees by 8 PM. Winds will be coming from the south-southeast, ranging from 9 to 11 miles per hour. Expect increasing cloud cover, starting with partly cloudy skies, becoming cloudy by 6 PM, and mostly cloudy by 8 PM.
Today in the Southern Plains, we’re experiencing some warmth across the region. El Paso leads the pack with a high of 93 degrees, while Midland is also toasty at 88 degrees. In Texas’ larger cities, San Antonio reaches 87, and Dallas reports a high of 83. Further east, Jackson sees a pleasant 79 degrees, and New Orleans is right behind at 77. A noticeable temperature contrast occurs in Little Rock, where the high is only 76, highlighting the varying conditions across the Southern Plains.
Tonight in the Southern Plains, expect a mix of mild and cooler temperatures across key cities. Oklahoma City will dip to 68 degrees, while Dallas is forecasted to see a low of 68 as well. Further south, San Antonio has a mild low of 70 degrees, and El Paso will cool down to 63. Little Rock is experiencing a slightly cooler night at 66 degrees, and the temperature in Jackson will reach 64 degrees.
High temperatures for the Southern Plains tomorrow will soar above average, with several cities experiencing significant warmth. El Paso will see a high of 90 degrees, while Midland reaches a sizzling 95. San Antonio can expect a warm 90 degrees, with Corpus Christi slightly cooler at 84 degrees. In Dallas, the temperature will hit 88 degrees, and Little Rock will see highs around 84.
Expect a dynamic weather day across the Southern Plains with significant activity. Rain showers will extend from Dallas to Corpus Christi, offering much-needed moisture to the region. Oklahoma City may experience stronger storms, with potential for severe weather warnings due to unstable air mass intersecting with an approaching cold front.
The UV index in Austin will be very high, reaching 9 on both Wednesday and Thursday. With such intense sun exposure, the risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure is high, and burn times can occur in about 15 minutes. Be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear a hat, and consider seeking shade, especially during midday hours.