Light freeze expected in Austin, followed by 80-degree highs by midweek

Overnight, temperatures will drop into the 30s across Central Texas. The Austin area will see some light freezes, but Monday will see a rapid warm-up.

It was warm on Sunday afternoon, with highs in the low 60s. Tonight, as the winds die down, cool, dry air will allow temperatures to drop. Forecasters say that most places will be in the 30s by early Monday morning, with some spots briefly dropping to or below freezing.

The government says the freeze will be light and short-lived. People do not have to drip their lines, but they should keep people, pets, and plants warm.

It will not be cold for long.

Monday, with a sunny sky, will be the start of a big warming trend. Later in the day, a breeze from the southeast will help raise the temperature a bit above Sunday's highs.

By midweek, that southerly flow will be stronger, pushing temperatures well above what they would be during this time of year. Tuesday will see highs in the 70s, and Wednesday will see highs in the 80s.

Later this week, a weak cold front will bring temperatures down a bit. By Friday, highs will be back in the low 80s. Even with that small drop in temperature, it will still be unusually warm for the last few days of February and the beginning of March.

There will be no rain until the end of the month, and every day should have plenty of sunshine. People are still worried about parts of Central Texas not getting enough water because of the dry stretch.

Longer-term indicators, on the other hand, point to a possible change in the trend. Forecasters are monitoring signals indicating the formation of "some signs of a wetter pattern" in the first week of March.

For now, people in the area can expect a short period of freezing temperatures, followed by a period of warm weather, like spring, with clear skies.