Sunshine & Strong Winds: Why Austin’s Fire Risk is High This Week!

Get ready for a classic Texas spring week, Austin! We’re looking at plenty of sunshine, warm afternoons, and cool, comfortable nights ahead. However, with gusty winds and dry air in the mix, a Red Flag Warning has been issued, meaning fire danger is high. So while it’s the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, we need to be extra cautious.

Let’s break down what’s coming day by day:

Monday, March 17: Hot and Dry with High Fire Risk

  • The heat is on! Temperatures will climb to 86°F (30°C) under clear, sunny skies.
  • Winds will be strong, between 15-25 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph—that’s enough to make it feel even drier outside.
  • The Red Flag Warning means that any spark could lead to a fast-spreading fire, so avoid outdoor burning and be cautious with anything that could create flames.
  • The evening will be mild and pleasant, cooling down to around 58°F (14°C).

Tuesday, March 18: Warm with a Breeze

  • Another warm day, with highs sticking around 86°F (30°C).
  • Winds will still be a factor, keeping the air dry and fire risks high.
  • The night will feel slightly warmer, with lows near 62°F (17°C).

Austin is at a 'potentially historic' risk of wildfires Tuesday. Here's how to prepare. | KUT Radio, Austin's NPR Station

Wednesday, March 19: Slight Cool-Down, But Still Sunny

  • A small dip in temperatures brings a high of 81°F (27°C)—still warm, but not quite as intense.
  • Expect plenty of sunshine, so if you’re heading outside, don’t forget sunscreen!
  • The night will cool down significantly to 46°F (8°C)—a reminder that Texas spring can be unpredictable.

Thursday, March 20: The Coolest Day of the Week

  • A pleasant, mild day with a high near 72°F (22°C).
  • Crisp and refreshing at night, with lows dropping to 47°F (8°C).
  • If you’ve been waiting for the perfect patio weather, this is it!

Friday, March 21: Warming Back Up

  • The warmth returns with highs reaching 81°F (27°C) and clear blue skies.
  • Another mild night, with lows around 56°F (14°C).

What You Need to Know

Fire Danger is High! The Red Flag Warning on Monday means we need to be extra cautious:

  • No outdoor burning! Even a tiny spark can ignite dry grass and spread rapidly.
  • Be mindful of strong winds. If you’re grilling or using equipment outdoors, make sure flames and sparks are fully contained.
  • Stay informed and keep an eye on any fire weather updates.

Stay Hydrated – The warm afternoons and dry air can sneak up on you, so keep your water bottle handy.

Sun Protection is Key – With plenty of sunshine all week, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat will go a long way in keeping you comfortable.

Looking Ahead

This is perfect spring weather for Austin—warm, sunny, and mostly dry. Just be mindful of fire risks early in the week, and then enjoy the fantastic temperatures before the real summer heat kicks in!

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