Austin Weather Update
Austin is currently under a level 1 out of 5 risk for severe weather as of Wednesday, March 11, 2026. This marks a notable shift from earlier expectations of a calmer weather pattern.
The decisive moment came as a Pacific low pressure system moved into the region, interacting with an unstable atmosphere across Central Texas. As a result, isolated thunderstorms are the main concern for the area, with the National Weather Service noting, “The risk for a couple of strong and borderline severe storms remains on Wednesday, especially along and east of the Interstate 35 corridor.”
Rain and thunderstorms are expected to linger into the early afternoon, with temperatures projected to reach the upper 60s and lower 70s. However, the National Weather Service has indicated that cooler afternoon highs may be necessary for Wednesday, as some areas may struggle to exceed the 70-degree mark.
Looking ahead, temperatures in Austin are set to rise significantly. On Thursday, the forecast predicts afternoon highs in the upper 70s to near 80 degrees, accompanied by north winds with gusts topping 25 mph. This change signals a transition from the cooler, unstable conditions experienced earlier in the week.
By Friday, temperatures are expected to climb even higher, reaching around 80 degrees. The warm trend will continue into the weekend, with air temperatures projected to hit the mid-80s on Saturday and approach 90 degrees on Sunday.
As the weekend progresses, dew point temperatures will gradually increase, contributing to a warmer atmosphere. However, a cold front is forecast to move through Sunday afternoon, which may bring a shift back to typical March levels by the start of next week.
The National Weather Service has also mentioned that the dry, cool, and refreshing air will be short-lived as winds turn more southerly on Friday. This will help temperatures warm significantly, indicating a notable change from the earlier weather patterns.
For those attending events such as South by Southwest, it will be a bit warm, but skies should remain mostly clear for the first half of the weekend. Clouds are expected to move in on Sunday ahead of the next cold front, which will further alter the weather landscape.
Overall, the weather in Austin is set to remain active through the first half of the day on Wednesday, with significant temperature fluctuations expected as the week progresses.
