Austin, Texas – Tropical Storm Bertha is expected to weaken as it approaches the Texas coast later this week, limiting impacts across South Central Texas while increasing the chance for showers along the Coastal Plains late Thursday into Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Austin/San Antonio and the National Hurricane Center, Bertha is forecast to move west across the northern Gulf before approaching the Texas coast as a tropical depression by late Thursday or early Friday. Wind shear, dry air and interaction with land are expected to weaken the system before it reaches Texas, reducing the potential for significant inland impacts.
For communities across Austin, San Antonio, New Braunfels, San Marcos and surrounding areas, no impacts from Bertha are expected through Thursday afternoon. However, moisture from the weakening system or its remnants could bring a 20% to 50% chance of showers from Thursday night through Friday, with the highest rain chances focused across the Coastal Plains, including areas closer to Victoria and the middle Texas coast.
While tropical impacts are expected to remain limited inland, South Central Texas will continue to contend with hot and humid conditions, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses. Residents should stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day and continue monitoring updated forecasts as the tropical system approaches.
Forecast tracks can change, and impacts often occur well outside the center of a tropical system. Residents should rely on the National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service for the latest updates through the end of the week as Bertha nears the Texas coastline.
