T-storms today, flurries Easter weekend? NWS warns of fire risk with high winds, dry conditions
Published 10:14 am Wednesday, April 1, 2015
After getting more than 6 inches of snow last week, Austin is shifting to more spring and summer-like weather — though snow still isn’t completely out of the picture.
Austin may see its first round of 2015 thunderstorms tonight, as the National Weather Service says there is a 90 percent chance for thunderstorms with a low of 45 degrees.
The system is expected to move through with a cold front this afternoon and evening. Conditions look to be windy too, as 21 to 26 mph winds are expected with gusts reaching 40 to 50 mph. There is a wind advisory for strong winds from 1 to 6 p.m.
The high winds are also leading to warnings of an increased fire risk in the area. A red flag warning — meaning grass fires will start easily and spread quickly — is in effect from 1 to 7 p.m.
NWS warned residents against outdoor burning.
After a high near 74 today, temperatures are expected to dip to highs of 61 on Thursday and 45 on Friday.
Flurries are possible early Saturday and Sunday with lows in the mid-30s, but highs are expected to reach the 50s over Easter weekend.