Hot, humid nights grip Central Texas

Central Texas is still dealing with oppressive humidity and near-record nighttime temperatures. A cold front is forecast to bring cooler temperatures and the chance of strong to severe storms by the middle of the week.

Meteorologists report that an exceptionally moist air mass has kept overnight temperatures among the hottest ever recorded for April. Persistent cloud cover has also inhibited daytime heating in the Austin metro area. Areas farther east and west have reached the 90s, making a big difference in the weather across the region.

Forecasters said the weather was "very warm" to "hot," and the humidity was high throughout the afternoon, like in the tropics. Even while the weather is unstable, a cap, which is a layer of warm air high up in the atmosphere, is predicted to keep thunderstorms from forming widely on Tuesday, even though there is a severe weather outbreak happening farther north near Dallas.

Still, weather experts warned that any storm that breaches the barrier may soon become severe, with the possibility of large hail and devastating winds.

As a cold front comes across the area late Wednesday morning into early afternoon, things are likely to get busier. Storms forming along and ahead of the boundary could become strong to severe, with hail and strong winds being the main threats, with a low chance of tornadoes.

The front is forecast to move the day's maximum temperatures earlier than usual, and once it passes, the afternoon readings will be in the 70s. About half of the area is forecast to get rain, and some places will get more than an inch in intense downpours.

There will still be a chance of storms on Thursday, with some activity here and there. A bigger bout of rain is likely to come late Thursday night into Friday. During that time, parts of the area are at Level 2 of 4 for flash flood risk, and the risk remains at Level 1 until Friday.

Most places should get between a quarter and an inch of rain through Thursday, but some places may get more.

A second cold front is likely to move in on Friday and push the rain out of the area by nightfall. This will bring in cooler, drier air. Friday's high temperatures may struggle to get out of the 60s, a big departure from earlier in the week.

Saturday should be clear, with highs about 70 degrees. Sunday should be warmer and largely sunny, with highs in the upper 70s. There shouldn't be any more rain until the middle or end of next week.