Austin weather this weekend: storms Saturday, then a sharp cool-down next week
Central Texas is riding a weather rollercoaster: summerlike warmth today, a stormy Saturday with the risk of heavy downpours, and then a refreshing snap that drops highs into the low 70s by midweek. Here’s the day-by-day on the Austin weather outlook and what it means for outdoor plans, events, and the morning commute.
Austin weather today: warm, humid, and a pop-up storm risk
Friday stays muggy and very warm, with intervals of sun pushing readings to the upper 80s. A few afternoon thunderstorms may bubble up, mainly east and southeast of downtown, but a stray cell could drift across the metro. If you’re catching happy hour on a patio, keep an eye on the sky for a quick shower and gusty outflow. Overnight will be sticky, with lows near 70°F.
Saturday soaker potential: keep a rain plan
Moisture surges ahead of a passing disturbance on Saturday, bringing more clouds than sun and scattered showers/storms. Some storms could produce torrential rain, brief flash flooding, frequent lightning, and localized damaging wind gusts. Not everyone sees the worst of it, but any slow-moving cell can dump a lot of water in a short time.
Tips for Saturday:
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Have alternate indoor plans for tailgates, youth sports, and pumpkin-patch trips.
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Never drive through flooded low crossings—turn around, don’t risk it.
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Secure lightweight décor or lawn furniture in case of gusty outflow.
Expect highs in the low 80s; it will feel sticky through the afternoon. Showers taper at night as slightly drier air edges in.
Sunday reset: sun returns and humidity eases
Sunday looks markedly nicer—partly sunny, very warm, and less humid—with highs in the upper 80s but a noticeably crisper feel by evening. It’s the better day for outdoor brunch, Zilker hangs, and Hill Country drives. Sunset temps slide quickly; plan an extra layer if you’ll be out after dark.
Next week’s Austin weather: first real fall stretch
A more substantial air mass change arrives early in the week. Monday spikes one last time—low 90s and sunny—then a front flips the script:
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Tuesday: Partly sunny and not as warm, near 81°F, with a fresh north breeze.
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Wednesday: Bright and pleasant, highs near 71°F, chilly morning in the mid-40s possible in outlying spots.
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Thursday: Sunny and comfortable, highs in the low 70s, cool mornings in the upper 40s.
If you’ve been waiting to crack the windows, this is your stretch. Allergies: the drier air helps, but early-season ragweed can still flare after Saturday’s rain.
7-day at a glance
| Day | Forecast | High | Low | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri | Warm, humid; isolated pm storm | 87°F | 69°F | Patchy downpours/gusty outflow possible |
| Sat | Mostly cloudy; showers & storms | 82°F | 64°F | Heavy rain pockets; brief flooding/wind risk |
| Sun | Partly sunny, less humid | 87°F | 63°F | Ideal outdoor day |
| Mon | Sunny and hot for late Oct | 91°F | 64°F | Last warm spike |
| Tue | Partly sunny, cooler | 81°F | 55°F | North breeze |
| Wed | Sunny, pleasant | 71°F | 46°F | First real fall feel |
| Thu | Sunny, mild | 73°F | 48°F | Cool morning |
Temperatures are metro averages; hill-country and river-valley spots may vary by a few degrees.
Planning notes for Austin events and commutes
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Saturday morning runs & rides: Start early and keep a radar check; storms become more likely from late morning into afternoon.
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ACL-style outdoor setups and markets: Use weighted canopies; break down early if thunder is nearby.
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Commuters (early next week): Allow a few extra minutes Tuesday morning as winds shift and leaves/debris may blow around post-front.
What could change
The exact timing and coverage of Saturday’s storms is the main forecast swing factor. A slower exit would keep clouds and a stray shower lingering into early Sunday; a faster push would dry us out sooner Saturday night. Either way, the cool-down next week looks locked in, delivering the most comfortable run of days we’ve seen this month.
Plan around a stormy Saturday—then get ready to enjoy a fantastic fall stretch from Tuesday through Thursday, with sunny skies, cool mornings, and afternoons in the 70s.
