Fiesta forecast: Will annual celebration get stormy?
Fiesta, the annual 11-day San Antonio celebration, officially got underway Thursday with Fiesta Fiesta. Although thunderstorms may interfere with several Fiesta events this weekend, South Texas is not expecting widespread rainfall the entire time. In fact, we’ll have plenty of opportunities to head outside and enjoy the festivities rainfree.
So when are the best chances for thunderstorms in San Antonio over the next few days? Here’s a guide to help you make those Fiesta plans to keep you and your family safe from strong thunderstorms.
Today
A couple of major Fiesta events, the Fiesta Oyster Bake and A Taste of New Orleans, get started today. Rain chances are thankfully going to remain low. Temperatures also will be lower, too, thanks to a cold front that will be stalled over South Texas. Highs are expected to be in the upper 70s to low 80s.
With overall rain chances of only 20% in San Antonio, Friday will be a great opportunity to take advantage of the drier forecast before higher rain chances arrive on Saturday.
Saturday storms
Several Fiesta events will be happening on Saturday, when rain chances will be at their greatest, unfortunately. The best times to be outside without encountering wet weather will be in the morning and early afternoon. Rain chances are less than 40% before 3 p.m.
Rain chances will continually increase from late Saturday afternoon through the evening. It’s not going to rain the entire time, but off-and-on showers and storms can be expected. Rain chances will reach their peak after sunset, between 8 p.m. and midnight.
Bring an umbrella if you still plan on attending Fiesta events Saturday night. While a few storms could be strong, the chance of widespread severe weather is low.
Be sure to prepare for cooler weather, too. Temperatures will fall into the 60s Saturday evening.
Sunday and next week
Rain chances will end on Sunday, making for great weather to go out and enjoy Fiesta. Temperatures will be much cooler, though, as lows fall to the upper 50s and high temperatures only top out near 70 degrees.
The drier weather continues into much of next week. The Texas Cavaliers River Parade should go off without a problem on Monday evening. Temperatures will be comfortable, too, starting in the 70s and falling into the 60s after 9 p.m.
Fiesta’s most popular street party — A Night in Old San Antonio, or NIOSA — kicks off next Tuesday and continues through Friday.
Overall, the weather is looking good with only small rain chances, around 10% to 20%, during the second half of the week.