Fiesta weather will be all over the place
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Fiesta is kicking off hot, humid and possibly stormy — with a brief cooldown before the sticky weather returns.
Why it matters: Thousands of people will pack outdoor events across San Antonio this weekend.
What they're saying: The overall pattern is unsettled, National Weather Service meteorologist CJ Magnussen tells Axios. A muggy, potentially stormy start to Fiesta is on tap for major opening weekend events, including A Taste of New Orleans and Oyster Bake.
State of play: Expect warm, humid conditions Friday, with highs pushing into the low 90s and humidity holding in the upper 60s.
- A cold front moves through early Saturday, bringing cooler conditions with highs in the low 70s Sunday and Monday, before gradually warming again by Tuesday.
- That cooler air could make it feel noticeably different for events like the Texas Cavaliers River Parade on Monday and the start of A Night in Old San Antonio on Tuesday.
- Temperatures are expected to climb back into the 80s by Wednesday, when humidity returns.
Yes, but: "Precipitation models are all over the place," Magnussen says. "This isn't one of those fronts where, as soon as it moves through, it clears everything out."
- Lingering showers are possible Sunday into Monday, even after the front passes.
What we're watching: It's still too early for a confident forecast for Fiesta's biggest parades next Friday and Saturday.
Of note: City officials are urging Fiesta-goers to take heat seriously.
- Hydrate early and often. Don't wait until you feel thirsty, and avoid alcohol or sugary, caffeinated drinks that can worsen dehydration.
The bottom line: Plan for heat, humidity and occasional storms.
- And keep checking forecasts as the biggest events get closer.