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Cool sunrise temps made for a comfortable start across Central Texas, though the Gulf breeze will soon bring change. We’ll not only notice a few more clouds in the skies overhead through the end of the week, we’ll feel the humidity on the rise. High temps will spike, too, with some nearing 90 to kick off May!

While most were in the 50s at daybreak ABIA dropped to 44, blowing out the old 10 year record of 45 for the date. A warmer afternoon will likely range from near 80 at Waco to mid 80s in Austin by 5pm. Those Gulf wind gusts will pickup to near 25mph today, prompting a Wind Advisory for Bell county north from 10a-7p.

Our future looks a little less bright and increasingly warmer (dare I say hot?) as we close out the week. The Gulf moisture provides more cloudcover during the nighttime hours (blanket on top = warmer temps) that will transition back to some sunshine by midday Thursday and Friday. Fog and drizzle become possible for morning commuters, too. A weak cold front approaches from the Rockies by Friday morning but accumulating rain isn’t expected in our area. Temps will drop a few degrees by Saturday.

Better rain chances come with another disturbance from the west early next week. A slim 20% risk for storms shows up late Sunday and increases Monday and Tuesday. See today’s 8-day forecast for the very latest.

On a personal note, after a much needed break, it’s nice to be back with you! Thanks to Marc and Rich for subbing in during my absence.

Enjoy your Wednesday.

Meteorologist
Burton Fitzsimmons

In yet another fine example of Texas weather turning on a dime, it’s hard to believe some in our area were near freezing just 24 hours ago! After enjoying four beautiful and comfortable days, the Gulf breeze returns with midweek weather changes. You may notice something we haven’t had around lately: more clouds and higher humidity.

Expect more sun by midday, offering high temps possibly as warm as low 80s. Southerly winds will gust above 20mph at times, prompting a Wind Advisory for at least our northernmost counties until 7pm.

Tonight will feel muggy and won’t get too cool while clouds hold overhead, with lows only in the 60s, and more warm-breezy-humid weather comes Thursday in advance of Friday morning’s early cold front. It presents a 50% risk for brief thunderstorms early Friday, the strongest possibly coming with large hail, then we’ll see clearing Friday afternoon.

Don’t expect much “cool” to accompany this next front! We think it’ll blow dry westerly winds back into the area, allowing for a rapid warm-up well into the 80s this weekend and closer to 90 early next week. As strong high pressure builds over the southwest, temps will run above normal and rain chances will be slim, especially Tuesday to Wednesday, as seen on the 8-day forecast.

Solar Conjunction… It would be impossible and downright dangerous to do with your own eyes, yet today the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory safely brings us the view of a conjunction between our sun and Mercury, the innermost planet in our solar system. Click here for the latest movie to see for yourself! Of course, they’re not really colliding — it just appears that way from our earthly perspective.

Enjoy your Wednesday.

Meteorologist
Burton Fitzsimmons