Updated: 09/02/2010 08:45 AM
Hot Today, Comfy Tomorrow
Welcome to the last steamy day of our week! A cold front scheduled for arrival tomorrow elevates our rain chance in the next 24 hours then delivers near-normal September weather for a few days.
We've watched a cluster of storms move through McLennan Co. (.67" in Waco from 6-8am) and parts of Bell Co., so a trip north of Austin may be a wet one. 
Today's overall 30% rain chance includes the threat of isolated storms as we heat up to near 100 again this afternoon. Expect a better 40% chance for rain tomorrow as the cold front moves in during the morning and midday hours, as seen on Futurecast. It'll be followed by a drier & cooler northerly breeze. Lower humidity will make the weekend feel so much more comfortable!
Gulf winds start to return on Sunday, priming our atmosphere for at least a slim rain chance early next week. Check out the 8-day forecast for more.
In the Tropics...
Hurricane Earl made it back to Category 4 status, and hurricane hunters report maximum sustained winds now near 145 mph. It appears the storm might've just peaked in intensity and could lose a bit of strength today then head perilously close to the Outer Banks of North Carolina tonight. The official forecast track takes Earl near Cape Cod tomorrow night then possible over land near Maine to Nova Scotia on Saturday. Residents along the East Coast are preparing for 2-5 inches of rain and a 3 to 5 foot storm surge and, of course, strong winds.
Tropical Storm Fiona has strengthened a bit but still isn't likely to become a hurricane. The forecast curves Fiona north, putting her just west of Bermuda by Sunday morning as she weakens.
Tropical Storm Gaston is the newest member of the Atlantic tropical trio and poses no immediate threat to land. The forecast indicates some strengthening, possibly up to hurricane strength as he nears the Lesser Antilles in the next five days.
Longhorn Gameday... Let the college football season begin! Texas takes on Rice at Reliant Stadium this Saturday and the weather looks great. There might be a few morning showers in Houston Saturday then skies turn partly cloudy midday with NE winds around 5-10mph. Temps will be near 91 at the 230pm kickoff.
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Enjoy your Thursday.
Chief Meteorologist Burton Fitzsimmons