Storm Watch in the Capital: Austin Braces for a Shift from Spring Warmth to Severe Weather

Morning: A Mild and Humid Start

Austin residents waking up this Tuesday, March 10, 2026, can expect a warm and somewhat humid start to the day. Early morning temperatures are hovering in the low-to-mid 60s, with a projected low of 63°F. Skies will remain mostly cloudy through the morning commute, and patchy fog may develop in some low-lying areas, particularly near the Colorado River. By 10:00 AM, the mercury is expected to climb to 66°F as southerly winds begin to pick up, bringing moist air from the Gulf of Mexico into Central Texas.

Afternoon: Peaking Temperatures and Rising Winds

The afternoon will see a notable rise in temperature, with the city reaching a high of approximately 81°F. This peak is expected around 3:00 PM, providing a brief window of late-spring-like conditions. However, the pleasant warmth is a precursor to a more volatile evening. Sustained winds from the south will blow at 13 mph, with occasional gusts reaching as high as 25 mph. While some sun may break through the clouds during the midday hours, the humidity will remain high, and cloud cover is expected to thicken again by late afternoon as an upper-level disturbance approaches the region.

Evening and Overnight: Severe Weather Threat Arrives

The primary concern for today is the severe weather threat predicted for the evening and overnight hours. The National Weather Service has placed the I-35 corridor, including the Austin metro area, under a Level 1 to 2 risk for severe storms. While the highest risk (Level 3) is concentrated to the west over the Southern Edwards Plateau, Austin residents should remain vigilant as a cold front moves through. Storms are expected to organize late Tuesday evening and move through the city before sunrise on Wednesday.

Key Warnings and Safety Hazards

Meteorologists are tracking several potential hazards associated with tonight’s storm system:

• Severe Winds: Wind gusts within the storm cells could cause minor damage to trees and power lines.
• Large Hail: There is a localized threat for hail as the cooler air mass collides with the daytime warmth.
• Heavy Rainfall: Locally heavy rain of 1 to 3 inches is possible, which could lead to isolated flooding on city streets and low-water crossings.
• Tornado Risk: While the risk for Austin is lower than areas to the west, isolated tornadoes cannot be entirely ruled out during the overnight passage of the front.

As the storm threat increases after sunset, residents are encouraged to ensure their weather alerts are active. The unsettled weather is expected to clear by Wednesday morning, ushering in a cooler and drier air mass for the remainder of the week.