Freak weather pattern brings more rain

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A very unusual July weather pattern has brought drought-improving rainfall to most of our area, and even more rain is in the forecast.

An upper level, low pressure system over Central Texas will remain in place or drift slowly southeast over the next two days, producing additional showers and thunderstorms. In addition, a rare July cold front has moved into the area, aiding in the development of more widespread and heavy rainfall.

Doppler radar estimates of 6- to 8 inches of rainfall caused dangerous flash flooding over a small area of eastern Travis and western Bastrop County early Tuesday morning. Five inches of rain fell in just three hours near Webberville, causing a rapid rise on Wilbarger Creek.

In the Austin metro area, many locations received 1- to 2 inches of rain Monday—by far the heaviest rainfall in nearly two months.

Additional rainfall totals of 1- to 3 inches will be possible in some areas, with a few isolated spots possibly receiving as much as 5- to 6 inches of rain through Wednesday. Rain chances will begin decreasing Thursday, but some widely scattered showers will still be possible through the weekend.

This is a significant and welcome departure from the weather last summer—the driest, and hottest on record. By July 10, 2011, afternoon highs had climbed to 100 degrees or above 27 times. This summer, highs have only reached the triple digits eight times.

By mid-afternoon Tuesday, Austin’s temperature was only 89 degrees.