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The average daily temperature in Austin continues to increase due to climate change, according to new data released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (City of Austin)
Austin's already warm climate is getting warmer, according to new data released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
NOAA calculates climate normals, describing the average weather over the past 30 years, based on measurements gathered at more than 15,000 observation stations; they're updated each decade.
In Austin, the average temperature at Camp Mabry on West 35th Street was 70.7 degrees between 2011 and 2020, up 0.9 degrees from the previous decade and 2.1 degrees from 1981-90. The steepest increase was reported among the average daily maximum, which was 81.5 degrees between 2011 and 2020, up 1.2 degrees from the previous decade and 2.7 degrees from 1981-90.
"Texas is definitely one of the areas that has more warming than some areas in the country," NOAA Science Project Manager Michael Palecki said. "That's probably directly related to greenhouse gas-induced climate change."
Nationally, average temperatures are clearly rising. Between 1981 and 2010, the average temperature in the contiguous U.S. was 52.8 degrees. The new normal, calculated between 1991 and 2020, is 53.3 degrees—the warmest on record.
Although the new climate normals were anticipated, their impact is still being felt in Austin and around Texas. Environment Texas Executive Director Luke Metzger cited worsening heat, flooding, wildfires, species loss and toxic algae blooms.
Rising temperatures have drastically increased the number of days over 100 degrees compared to the 20th century, shifting Austin's climate closer to that of Arizona than what it has been historically and affecting residents' quality of life. "If it's just so hot, it's miserable," Metzger said, noting the particular impact on people who work outside, such as those in the construction and agricultural industries, and vulnerable populations like the elderly.
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Another chance of hail could hit the North Austin area area Monday night.
April showers are pushing into May with another wave of possible thunderstorms coming in tonight, according to the National Weather Service.
While much of Austin has a low threat level for severe storms, areas of North Austin up the I-35 corridor could experience more large hail, amounting up to 2 inches and damaging winds up to 70 mph. The NWS cannot rule out an isolated tornado.
Isolated severe thunderstorms are possible this evening along the I-35 corridor but will be conditional on if the cap is able to break. Large to very large hail, possibly 2+ inches, and damaging winds of 60 to 70 mph are possible. An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. #txwx pic.twitter.com/hmbDjiYdpZ
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) May 3, 2021
The storm, which comes after days of rainy weather and a patch of large hail in Hays County last week, is conditional on if "a cap breaks." A cap is a layer of relatively warm air that can fend off thunderstorms, the service says.
Tuesday morning could see some scattered thunderstorms, but a chance at May flowers will finally come to Austin with sunny skies from Tuesday afternoon through at least Friday. Highs will reach the low- to mid-80s throughout the week.
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Thunderstorms with lightning can be expected all weekend in Central Texas. (Pexels)
It might be time to adjust any outdoor weekend plans- it seems like thunderstorms are here to stay into Monday.
There will be at least a 50% chance of storms over the next few days. The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for Travis and surrounding Central Texas counties.
Thankfully we aren't expecting any more severe weather today. But some locations will still see a few scattered showers and storms, with cooler temperatures as well. The forecast remains wet Friday but especially Saturday, then we warm up into Monday. pic.twitter.com/KPFGECfh3M
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) April 29, 2021
Hail, like those seen in Hays County Wednesday night, could be possible into the weekend, but the weather service doesn't anticipate any more large hail.
Scattered showers will bring cooler temperatures with lows in the 60s and highs in the 70s. On Saturday and Sunday, isolated severe storms are expected east of I-35.
Come Monday, we should see sunny skies and 90-degree weather just in time for the first week of May.
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The National Weather Service reports that a cold front could bring storms into the Hill Country Monday night, with possible threats including "large hail" and "damaging winds."
After days of sunny skies, Monday night's temperatures will drop slightly into the low 60s or high 50s. Areas west of the I-35 corridor are most at risk of strong to severe storms.
Tonight: A cold front will bring a chance for showers and thunderstorms. Storms could be strong to severe NW of the dashed line. Large hail and damaging winds the most likely threat. pic.twitter.com/klgno9Gq8l
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) April 12, 2021
Austin is in the "marginal" threat level for tonight, meaning the area could see isolated severe storms with the possibility of hail, winds or tornadoes similar to storms the area may experience several times per year.
A cold front will bring a chance of strong to severe storms into the area late this afternoon into tonight. Primary severe weather threats will be for large hail and damaging winds, and the highest threat areas will be west of a line from Eagle Pass to Burnet. pic.twitter.com/lpbTVqwE2E
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) April 12, 2021
Chances of thunderstorms will last at least through Friday, with high temperatures in the 70s and lows in the low 60s or high 50s. Storms should taper off over the weekend, with a chance of showers Saturday and partly sunny skies on Sunday.
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