SAN ANTONIO, TX — Grab the umbrellas and keep an eye on the sky, San Antonio. A shifting weather pattern is bringing a stretch of “gloomy days” to the Alamo City, with the National Weather Service (NWS) warning of potential severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, and hail.
While the moisture is a welcome sight for South Texas landscapes, the timing means a soggy outlook for the rest of the week and the upcoming weekend.
Timing the Storms: When to Expect Rain
The unsettled weather kicked off Wednesday, April 7, but the chances for precipitation are expected to ramp up as the week progresses. According to the NWS San Antonio-Austin office, residents should prepare for the following:
- Thursday Afternoon: Storm odds sit at 40%.
- Friday Afternoon: Chances peak at 50% according to federal forecasters, though some models suggest even higher probabilities.
- The Weekend: The Weather Channel is taking a more aggressive stance, predicting a 70% to 50% chance of thunderstorms from Friday through Sunday.
The National Weather Service notes that while severe weather is a threat, the rain is much needed. “Any rainfall at this point is beneficial, so despite the threat for severe weather, we will take the chance at rainfall when we can,” the office stated.
What Makes a Storm “Severe”?
Local forecasters are keeping a close watch on cloud formations that could turn dangerous. For a storm to be officially classified as severe, it must produce at least one of the following:
- Hail: 1 inch in diameter or larger.
- Wind: Speeds of at least 58 mph.
A Break from the Heat
If there is a silver lining to the grey skies, it is the temperature. The cooling trend will help San Antonio avoid the 90-degree mark for the foreseeable future.
Daily Outlook:
- Highs: Peaking in the low 80s most afternoons.
- Lows: Dipping into the upper 60s and low 70s overnight.
Residents are encouraged to stay weather-aware through Monday, as the gloomy pattern is expected to linger into the start of the next workweek.
Local Tip: Ensure your weather alerts are turned on and clear any loose outdoor furniture that could be caught in high winds.
