Forecast: Severe weather risk on Thursday

AUSTIN, Texas — It will be another cold start for your Wednesday morning as clouds build in throughout the day. While today will be calm, our attention shifts to Thursday where a round of severe storms will be possible for parts of Central Texas.

While Wednesday will be cloudy, our temperatures will be similar to yesterday with afternoon highs in the lower 60s. We’ll remain dry throughout the day as rain chances start to rise heading into the evening. Showers will grow scattered overnight ahead of the main severe weather risk on Thursday.

On Thursday morning, a low-pressure system moving across north Texas will help bring widespread rain chances into the area, with the potential for a few strong to severe storms as well. The main timeframe for severe weather will be between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Thursday. The main areas of concern will be along and east of I-35. With our southern wind, temperatures Thursday afternoon will peak in the lower 70s. 

The Storm Prediction Center increased the risk for strong storms for areas along and east of I-35. Portions of Milam, Lee, and Fayette County will be under an “enhanced” – level 3 out of 5 – risk. The main concern will be the potential for a few spin-up tornadoes within stronger storms. 

Behind the strong storm threat, a weak cold front will move through the area Thursday evening. The front will not drop temperatures much at all, with highs around the lower 70s heading into the weekend. 

Recent forecast models have started trending drier for the weekend as afternoon highs remain in the lower 70s through Sunday.