Texas is experiencing a notably warm end to February, with temperatures predicted to be at least 15 degrees above the usual late February high of 69 degrees. This month is on track to match Austin’s previous record of 80-degree days in February, which includes a forecasted high of 86 degrees on February 28, marking the twelfth day in the month when temperatures are forecasted to reach or exceed 80 degrees. Notably, this will bring Austin close to the daily record of 87 degrees, established in 1978.
As February draws to a close, the average maximum temperature for the month has climbed to approximately 76 degrees, surpassing the prior record of 75.5 degrees set in 2017. However, when considering both daytime highs and overnight lows, February 2017 still holds the title for the warmest overall month, with an average daily temperature of 64.5 degrees. The current year’s average hovers around 63 degrees, influenced by several cooler mornings earlier in the month.
This weekend’s weather forecast indicates a continuation of warm conditions. Southerly winds from the Gulf of Mexico have increased humidity in the region, leading to the development of patchy dense fog in the mornings, which may reduce visibility to a quarter-mile in some areas. As the fog dissipates, sunny skies will prevail, allowing temperatures to soar into the 80s during the day, with breezy conditions and gusts reaching up to 20 mph. While the moisture might pose a moderate risk for wildfires in Central Texas, conditions remain manageable for the time being.
Skywatchers can anticipate a celestial event on the evening of February 28 when a rare “planet parade” will occur. This will feature the alignment of six planets—Venus, Mercury, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, and Jupiter—across the western and southern skies. While Uranus and Neptune will necessitate binoculars or a telescope for viewing, the brighter planets, Saturn, Venus, and Jupiter, will be visible to the naked eye shortly after sunset.
As March approaches, the weather pattern is expected to remain warm and dry. Sunday will begin with a mix of clouds, leading into a sunny afternoon with temperatures in the mid-80s. After a dry spell since February 14, rain is anticipated to return mid-next week, marking a welcomed change. Meteorologists project a significant storm system will bring rain to Central Texas from Wednesday through Thursday, with possible rainfall totals exceeding half an inch.
Overall, this February’s exceptional warmth and upcoming changes in weather patterns not only highlight Texas’ often unpredictable climate but also remind residents of the ever-changing nature of weather, providing both excitement and relief with the promise of rain in the near future.