Austin Heats Up: Clouds Clear for a Balmy Election Day

Morning: A Cloudy Start and a Missed Celestial Show

Austin residents waking up early this Tuesday, March 3, 2026, were greeted by a thick blanket of clouds that unfortunately obscured the peak of this morning's lunar eclipse. While the moon turned a reddish-orange hue between 5:04 a.m. and 6:02 a.m., the heavy cloud cover typical of this humid spring-like pattern prevented most locals from getting a clear view. Temperatures started in the high 60s, with a morning low recorded at 68°F, accompanied by high humidity levels near 86%.

Afternoon: Sun Breaks Through and Temperatures Soar

As we move into the afternoon, the weather pattern is expected to shift significantly. For those heading to the polls on this Election Day, the morning clouds will gradually give way to sunshine. The KVUE Weather Impact Team and National Weather Service data indicate that the sun will 'pop out' by mid-afternoon, leading to unseasonably warm conditions. High temperatures are projected to reach 85°F, which is well above the typical March average for Central Texas.

If you are planning to stand in line to vote later today, keep the following in mind:

• Peak Heat: Temperatures will be at their highest between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
• Humidity: While the humidity will drop slightly from the morning highs to around 55%, it will remain a 'sticky' afternoon.
• Hydration: With temperatures in the mid-80s, staying hydrated is recommended if you are outdoors for extended periods.

Evening: Breezy Conditions and a Look Ahead

As evening approaches, the clouds are expected to return, leading to a mostly cloudy night. Southerly winds will remain steady at 10 to 15 mph, with some gusts reaching up to 20 mph, keeping the air moving but maintaining the warm, mild environment. The overnight low is expected to settle comfortably at 68°F.

Alerts and Precautions

There are currently no active rain or wind warnings for Austin today. While there is a slight 20% chance of a stray shower, the primary weather story for Tuesday remains the warmth and cloud-to-sun transition. However, residents should be aware that a Weather Impact Alert has been issued for tomorrow, Wednesday, March 4. A frontal system is expected to bring strong thunderstorms and significant rainfall to the region starting Wednesday evening. For today, enjoy the dry and warm conditions before the mid-week storms arrive.