Stormy spring set-up in store for Central Texas

AUSTIN, Texas - An active weather pattern will settle into Central Texas for the next few days, with a strong cold front triggering strong-to-severe storms Friday.

Ahead of the cold front, there will be plenty of moisture and instability in place across the region. This will provide fuel for thunderstorms to develop as the cold front moves in.

There is a slight risk for severe weather Friday afternoon and Friday evening with the main hazards being wind gusts of 60 mph, or stronger, and large hail. Stronger storms will also produce downpours, some capable of triggering flash-flooding.

Average rainfall between Friday morning and Saturday morning will likely be between 1.5” and 2.5”. Rainfall totals may be even higher in areas that see stronger storms.

At the moment, the threat for tornadoes is low, but not zero. Stay weather aware and have ways to get urgent weather alerts after you go to bed. 

Into the weekend, cooler air moves in and rain chances remain. 

Upper-level winds will help to bring a series of disturbances to Central Texas from the southwest. This will also keep plenty of moisture in the atmosphere. This unsettled weather pattern will bring several rounds of rain to Central Texas between now and next Thursday.

After this weekend, the best chance for rain will be late next week as a broad upper-level trough moves towards the Desert Southwest, sending abundant moisture and upper-level energy through Texas.

Average rainfall totals for the next week will be between 2” and 5” throughout Central Texas. 

Stay tuned to FOX 7 Austin or download the free FOX 7 WAPP for up-to-date forecasts and severe weather alerts.