Austin Weather: Storms Possible Via Imelda In Gulf Coast

AUSTIN, TX — If anything is predictable in Central Texas, it's the unpredictability of the weather. After sweltering heat in the last few weeks — including temperatures that exceeded the 100-degree mark — the region's residents are now bracing for potentially powerful storms spawned by Tropical Storm Imelda on the Gulf Coast.

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms lingered for the Austin area on Tuesday, mainly after 1 p.m. It will be partly sunny, with a high near 93 degrees but with heat index values as high as 100 degrees. Winds will blow from the east/northeast between five to 10 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service.

The activity stems from Tropical Storm Imelda, which originated as a less powerful tropical depression until it made landfall near Freeport, Texas. Weather officials warn Imelda could create dangerous flash floods to parts of the state as a result. According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm made landfall at 1 p.m. central time.

Back in Austin, chances of showers and thunderstorms are expected to diminish to a 20 percent chance under mostly cloudy conditions and a low of 74 degrees. East wind will blow between five and 10 miles per hours, forecasters said.

Related story: Tropical Storm Imelda Makes Landfall On Texas Coast

The chance of showers and thunderstorms grows again by Wednesday at 40 percent probability. It is expected to be partly sunny, with a high near 93 degrees. Heat index values are expected to be as high as 101 degrees, with north/northeast wind at around 5 miles per hour. Nighttime chances for rain fall to around 30 percent under mostly cloudy conditions, with a low around 74 degrees. East northeast wind will be around 5 miles per hour becoming calm in the evening.

On Thursday, forecasters said, showers and thunderstorms are likely. It will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 93 degrees. North/northwest wind will be around five miles per hour, becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation will be at its highest of the week at 60 percent.

Thursday night, the chances of showers and thunderstorms diminish to 40 percent. Conditions will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 75 degrees, with south wind between 5 to 10 miles per hour.

Friday calls for a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. South wind around 10 mph. Friday night is predicted to be partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South southeast wind around 10 miles per hour.

Saturday and Sunday may see rain too:

• Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. South southeast wind around 10 miles per hour.
• Saturday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
• Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
• Sunday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.