Get a sneak peek into the varied weather patterns across the Southern Plains, from tranquil skies in Austin to the storms sweeping east from the Gulf.

As we step into another vibrant week, the Southern Plains promises a mix of weather conditions. Austin enjoys calm skies, while cities like New Orleans prepare for storms. Discover how these diverse climates impact everything from daily activities to broader ecological systems, with expert insights from Amy Freeze.
Across the Southern Plains, the regional radar indicates a tranquil scene with most areas experiencing clear conditions. However, an organized line of storms is underway from the Gulf of Mexico reaching into Louisiana. New Orleans is currently enduring a significant downpour, with showers extending northward toward Jackson, Mississippi. The storms are poised to continue moving eastward, potentially affecting areas farther into the Southeast. Major cities such as Dallas, Oklahoma City, and Albuquerque, enjoys calm and dry weather. El Paso is also experiencing clear skies at the moment.
This evening in Austin, expect clear skies throughout the night. Temperatures start at 71 degrees at 8 p.m., dropping to 65 degrees by 10 p.m., and down to 62 degrees by midnight. Winds remain gentle, shifting from northeast at 4 mph early in the evening to calm conditions by midnight.
Tonight, the Southern Plains will experience a significant drop in temperatures. In Oklahoma City, expect a low of 39 degrees, while Dallas will cool down to 46. Further south, San Antonio will see a low of 50. In the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo is forecasted to dip to 35 degrees, and the cooler air is also expected to hit Midland with a low of 40. Meanwhile, El Paso will remain milder with a low of 53 degrees. Temperatures across the region are about 5 to 10 degrees cooler than previous nights, signaling the arrival of colder air.
High temperatures across the Southern Plains tomorrow are expected to be quite warm, with some areas reaching above average. In El Paso, the high will be around 82 degrees, while Midland could soar to a sizzling 90 degrees. San Antonio is on track for a comfortable high of 84 degrees, and Corpus Christi will see temperatures reaching 82 degrees. Dallas is expected to be slightly cooler at 78 degrees. To the north, Kansas City will remain more moderate with a high of 65 degrees.
Tomorrow, the Southern Plains face a dynamic weather scenario. Rain showers are expected to sweep through areas from Dallas to Corpus Christi, bringing much-needed moisture to the region. Oklahoma City might experience stronger storms, with an unstable air mass and a cold front approaching. Be on the alert for severe weather warnings extending to the southeast throughout Wednesday night. In contrast, clear skies are forecasted for El Paso, providing a break from the more active weather farther east.
The UV index in Austin will peak at a very high 8 on Monday, so be cautious if you’re spending time outdoors, with potential sunburn occurring in just 17 minutes. By Tuesday, the index will moderate to 5, suggesting a burn time of about 27 minutes.
Starting with your 7-day forecast in Austin: Monday: Mostly clear skies with a comfortable high of 76°F and a low of 57°F. Tuesday: Mostly cloudy conditions expected, with temperatures rising to 81°F and falling to 71°F at night. Wednesday: The skies will be cloudy, reaching a warm high of 86°F and a low of 71°F. Thursday: Thunderstorms may develop late in the day, with a high of 82°F and a low of 70°F. Friday: Expect thunderstorms and a high temperature of 84°F, cooling down to 63°F overnight. Saturday: Partly cloudy with highs reaching 72°F and lows around 46°F. Sunday: Partly cloudy conditions continue with a high of 64°F and a low of 44°F.