Mother’s Day in central Texas will start out bright and hot across the Hill Country, Austin and San Antonio before a cold front moves through after sunset, bringing a window of potentially strong to severe storms overnight. The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted parts of the Hill Country and Austin metro with an elevated risk, and San Antonio sits under a notable threat as well. Read on for timing, what to expect, and practical steps to protect property and family tonight into early Monday morning.
Expect sunshine and summerlike heat through much of the day, with temperatures climbing into the low 90s across the region. That warmth will fuel the atmosphere, while a cold front approaches from the west and northwest. When that boundary arrives after sunset it will trigger scattered to organized storms that can intensify quickly.
The highest chance for severe weather is focused over the Hill Country and the Austin metropolitan area, where forecasters have placed a Level 3 out of 5 risk. San Antonio remains in a Level 2 risk area, so residents there should stay alert through the overnight hours. These risk levels indicate some storms could pack damaging winds and hail, not just ordinary downpours.
The main window for storm activity tonight is roughly between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., though exact timing will vary by location. Hill Country communities should be especially watchful from about 8 p.m. through midnight. The San Antonio metro area should monitor conditions closely from about 9 p.m. through 2 a.m., as storms may arrive or redevelop during that span.
Storms that become severe will most likely produce strong straight-line winds capable of gusting to 70 mph or more. Quarter-sized hail is also possible in stronger updrafts, and pockets of heavy rain could lead to short-lived street flooding given the speed of the storms. The combination of wind and hail is what raises the risk for downed trees and snapped branches, plus scattered power outages.
There are sensible, easy preparations you can do this afternoon to reduce damage overnight. Secure patio furniture, trampolines, potted plants, and anything lightweight that could become airborne in strong gusts. Move vehicles into a garage if possible, or at least avoid parking under trees where branches might fall.
Charge phones and portable battery packs, and make sure you have at least one reliable way to receive warnings if power goes out. A NOAA weather radio, an app with push alerts, or your local TV station’s livestream can all notify you quickly. If you have people in your household who need extra help during blackouts, plan now where you’ll shelter and how you’ll communicate.
Local impacts could include short power outages, snapped limbs, and isolated roof or siding damage from wind-driven debris. Flooding is likely to be brief and localized but can make roads hazardous, so avoid driving through standing water. If a warning is issued for your area, move to a safe interior room away from windows until the threat passes.
Forecasters expect the line of storms to move through relatively quickly, with most neighborhoods clearing by early Monday morning. Behind the front, conditions should feel more comfortable and stable for a few days. Cooler overnight lows and lower humidity will be welcome after the day’s heat and humidity.
Monday’s highs will drop back into the upper 70s to low 80s in many spots before temperatures slowly climb again through the week. Expect dry, sunny weather and a warming trend, with 90s returning by late in the workweek. That stretch should be calm and pleasant compared to tonight’s storm window.
If you plan outdoor plans for Mother’s Day evening, consider moving gatherings inside or under sturdy shelter once the sun goes down. Keep close tabs on local forecasts and be ready to pause any outdoor activities at the first sign of lightning or rising winds. Simple steps now can prevent stress and property damage later.
Here are the key takeaways to keep handy: storms likely tonight after sunset, main threats are damaging winds and hail, expect a brief period of heavy rain, and most places will clear by early Monday. Take action by securing loose items, parking carefully, and ensuring devices are charged. If you live in the Hill Country, Austin, or San Antonio metro areas, consider this an elevated night for weather awareness.
Emergency services and utility companies are prepared for potential outages and will respond where needed, but response times can vary depending on the scale of damage. Avoid downed power lines and report outages through your provider’s official channels when it’s safe to do so. Neighbors checking on one another can also make a big difference after severe storms.
Quick weather resources to note for tonight are WATCH LIVE: Doppler Radar, Hourly and 10-Day Forecast, Download FREE Weather Authority App for up-to-date forecasts and livestreams, and KSAT Connect to share weather photos with local meteorologists. These tools can help you track storms as they develop and adjust plans in real time. Use trusted local sources for the fastest, most relevant updates.
Stay safe, keep family and pets sheltered if severe warnings are issued, and take the simple steps now to reduce the odds of damage later. The overnight window is the critical period, so be ready to act between about 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. and enjoy calmer, drier weather once the front moves through.
