A sticky weather pattern returned to Central Texas on Friday, with morning temperatures about 15 to 20 degrees warmer than Thursday morning. Friday afternoon’s high temperatures will range between the upper 80s and low 90s, with a very slight chance for isolated storms.
Saturday’s forecast is the main focus, as strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible across the region. A First Alert Weather Day has been issued for the entire day due to the elevated risk of severe storms. Here’s everything you need to know as we head into the weekend:
When will the storms arrive?
Arrival: Around midday Saturday
Departure: Sunday early morning
Although the timing of the storms is not completely nailed down yet, forecast models are in good agreement about a severe weather outbreak between Saturday afternoon and early Sunday morning.
Light, scattered showers will be possible starting around sunrise and lasting through roughly midday. By the time we head into the early afternoon, disorganized storms are anticipated across Central Texas. There will be a lot of energy in the atmosphere before the cold front moves through, so any storms that develop between midday and the early evening will have high potential to turn severe.
Between the late afternoon and sunset (5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.), a cold front will begin to sweep across the I-35 corridor. This frontal boundary is expected to produce a more organized line of rain and thunderstorms. The severe threat will be slightly lower along the frontal boundary, but storms will still be capable of producing all types of severe weather.
Around 7:00 P.M. to midnight, the front will extend across a large portion of Central Texas, potentially from the I-45 corridor to the southern end of the I-35 corridor. Sunlight will be fading, so it will be extra important to stay vigilant. This front will sweep east southeastward, so most areas east of the I-35 corridor can expect some form of strong to severe storms.
Between midnight and 3:00 A.M. Sunday, the cold front should exit the region and drift east of the I-45 corridor. The majority of our counties should be clear of severe weather by the time we hit Sunday early morning. However, showers and a few rogue thunderstorms will be possible before sunrise. By about 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. on Sunday, conditions should dry out significantly.
What are the main threats?
Every type of severe weather will be possible on Saturday, especially during the afternoon and early evening. As mentioned earlier, there will be a lot of energy in the atmosphere before the cold front arrives, so any storms that fire up during the afternoon could very well turn severe. Storms will be capable of producing heavy rain, large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes.
It will be very important to stay weather aware starting Saturday morning. New forecast trends will be coming in by the hour. At any point we feel necessary, we’ll update you on air, online and through the First Alert 25 weather app. Count on receiving frequent push alerts to your smart phones, especially as storms start to develop Saturday afternoon.
As always, our team will be with you during the entire weather event.
Stay weather aware, everyone!
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