Capitol building in Austin looming over a sunset sky with swirling leaves and distant thunderheads

Austin Weather: Record-Breaking Saturday, Cold Front Sunday, and New Year’s Outlook

At the heart of Austin’s spring, a weekend of weather extremes is on the horizon. While the city enjoys fall-like warmth, a powerful cold front is inching forward, poised to deliver a dramatic drop in temperatures by Sunday night. Residents can expect Saturday to mirror Friday’s heat, but Sunday will bring a stark contrast as chilly air rushes in, accompanied by rain and gusty winds. The forecast also hints at a freeze on Tuesday morning and a mild, dry New Year’s weekend.

Saturday

Saturday’s weather will closely resemble the previous day, with clear skies clearing in the afternoon and clouds returning in the late evening. Temperatures are projected to hover around the low 80s, placing the day near the city’s record highs. The forecast notes that Saturday’s record high is 82°, suggesting that the current day could easily surpass that benchmark if conditions remain favorable. This consistency suggests that the area’s diurnal temperature swing remains stable, offering predictability for outdoor plans.

Saturday’s heat may break the 82° record. With highs expected in the low 80s, Austin residents may find the heat comparable to a late-summer day. The historical record for Saturday stands at 82°, and meteorologists indicate that breaking this figure is a realistic possibility today. The combination of clear skies in the afternoon and lingering clouds in the evening provides a brief respite before the next weather system arrives. Such conditions are typical for late March, when the sun’s angle still delivers strong heating, yet the night brings cooler air.

Sunday

Sunday begins with a familiar pattern, but the arrival of a strong cold front will alter the day’s temperature profile. The front is expected to make a late-night entrance, bringing a sudden shift from the milder Saturday warmth to a noticeably colder environment. While the day’s highs remain in the 60s, the overnight temperatures will dip into the 50s, creating a steep gradient that will keep temperatures low throughout the morning. The timing of the front’s arrival is crucial, as it determines the length of time residents will experience the milder temperatures before the cold sets in.

Person standing outside on Sunday morning with cloudy sky and sunset glow showing temperature gradient

Rain is anticipated as the front moves through, accompanied by strong winds that will swirl around the city. These gusts are expected to persist into the afternoon before gradually easing. The combination of precipitation, wind, and dropping temperatures will produce a noticeably cooler evening, with the city’s air temperature falling into the 50s for the entire day. Residents should prepare for these changes, especially those who may be outdoors during the transition. These weather changes underscore the importance of monitoring local alerts, especially for those who may have sensitive equipment or health conditions that react to temperature swings.

Tuesday

After the Sunday front subsides, the next notable weather event will occur on Tuesday morning, when temperatures are expected to drop below freezing for many residents. This early-week freeze will be the first significant cold snap following the late-night front, and it will likely affect outdoor activities and transportation. Those planning to be outside during Tuesday’s early hours should consider appropriate clothing and precautions to avoid the cold. The freeze could also impact early morning commuting, as roads may become slick and visibility can reduce, prompting caution.

New Year’s Weather

Looking ahead to the end of the year, the forecast projects a return to milder temperatures for the final day of 2025 and the first day of 2026. Both days are expected to see temperatures in the 60s, with dry conditions anticipated for the holiday weekend. This forecast suggests that residents can expect comfortable weather as they celebrate the transition into the new year, with no significant precipitation or extreme temperatures expected during that period. This mild, dry spell aligns with the broader trend of stable temperatures during the holiday period, reducing the likelihood of snow or heavy rain.

Winter Outlook 2025

The Winter Weather Outlook 2025 provides a deeper dive into the anticipated weather patterns for Central Texas throughout the upcoming season. By examining the broader trends and potential variations, residents can better prepare for the cooler months ahead. The outlook emphasizes the importance of staying informed and ready for sudden temperature changes, especially during the transitional periods of late fall and early winter. The outlook also notes that while overall temperatures may be cooler, occasional warm spells can still occur, reflecting the region’s variable weather.

Stay Updated

To keep abreast of these evolving conditions, the KXAN First Warning Weather app offers real-time updates and alerts tailored to Central Texas. Subscribers can also receive weather newsletters and access the KXAN+ smart TV app for a custom forecast page. Social media channels-Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram-provide additional updates, while individual meteorologists’ accounts offer livestreams and behind-the-scenes insights for those interested in a deeper understanding of local weather patterns. By leveraging these tools, residents can tailor their daily activities to the forecast, ensuring both safety and enjoyment.

Key Takeaways

  • Saturday’s heat may break the 82° record.
  • Sunday’s late-night front brings rain, wind, and a drop into the 50s.
  • Tuesday morning freeze expected after the front.
  • New Year’s weekend will stay in the 60s and dry.

Closing

With a weekend that promises both high temperatures and a sharp cold front, Austin residents should remain vigilant and prepared for rapid changes. Whether it’s enjoying a sunny Saturday afternoon, bracing for Sunday’s cooler, wind-laden evening, or planning outdoor activities around Tuesday’s freeze, staying informed through official weather channels will help ensure safety and comfort throughout the transition into the new year. Staying informed and prepared will help residents navigate the shifting conditions and make the most of the weekend’s diverse weather.

Author

  • Brianna Q. Lockwood

    I’m Brianna Q. Lockwood, a journalist covering Politics & Government at News of Austin. My reporting focuses on local, state, and national political developments that shape public policy and directly impact communities. I strive to make complex political issues clear, accessible, and meaningful for everyday readers.

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *