October Cold Blast

Forecast Discussion

The strongest cold front of the 2017 fall season arrives early Friday morning. After a chilly start today in the 40s and 50s, afternoon highs were able to rebound nicely into the upper 70s - mid 80s area wide thanks to abundant sunshine, dry air, and a breezy south southwesterly surface wind. 

Current Temperatures across the Nation as of 5:00 PM CDT

Cold Front Timeline/Impacts

Friday

The cold front will arrive early Friday morning (before sunrise) with gusty northerly winds and falling temperatures. Afternoon "highs" on Friday will struggle to climb much above the upper 50s to lower 60s across the region. Breezy north winds sustained between 10-20 mph, frequently gusting 25-30 mph will make it feel even colder. While no substantial rain is in the forecast, a sprinkle or two cannot be ruled out (especially across northern areas of central Texas) Friday morning.

Highs | Upper 50s to Lower 60s

Friday Night 

Temperatures plunge into the 30s and lower 40s area wide late Friday night into Saturday morning...some areas north and west of the city of Austin may get within a degree or two of the freezing mark (32°F).

Lows | Mid 30s to Lower 40s

Saturday/Saturday Night/Sunday Morning

A chilly start to the day in the 30s and lower 40s will give way to a mainly sunny and brisk afternoon with afternoon highs climbing into the lower to middle 60s across the area before the bottom drops out once again Saturday night/Sunday morning as temperatures drop even further into the 30s across the area. The best opportunity for a freeze will come early Sunday morning for out-lying and low-lying areas across central Texas. Since cold air is more dense than warm air, on clear/calm nights the coldest air drains to the lowest lying locations (river beds, valleys, creek beds, etc.)...a freeze is NOT expected for Austin proper, although the airport may get very close because of their weather station's location near Onion Creek.

Highs | Lower to Middle 60s

Lows | Lower to Upper 30s; some low 40s in urban areas

Sunday & Beyond

After a very cold start to the day for late October, afternoon highs will rebound into the lower 70s with the help of a south southwesterly surface wind. Our next cold front and our next significant chance for showers and thunderstorms looks to arrive on Tuesday (Halloween).