WEATHER UPDATE: Austin to be under flash flood watch all day Wednesday

2:40 p.m. update: A flash flood watch will be in effect all day Wednesday for the Austin metro area and across parts of the eastern Hill Country, the National Weather Service has announced.

"A slow-moving cold front combined with an approaching storm system will result in periods of showers and thunderstorms during the day Wednesday," the service said in a statement. "Repeated rounds of heavy rain are expected to result in rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches across the watch area with isolated higher amounts in the 4 to 6 inch range."

While widespread flash flooding is not anticipated, some areas are likely to see flash flooding, the service said.

"Particular areas of concern are smaller creeks and streams that respond faster to heavy rain and low-water crossings," the service said.

The following counties are included in the watch: Travis, Williamson, Hays, Blanco, Burnet, Gillespie and Llano.

Earlier: Tuesday forecast for Austin: Remember just two days ago, when it was nice and sunny? Unfortunately, mild days have been paused while rain and clouds move into Central Texas, the National Weather Service said.

Skies will be cloudy during the day with a 40% chance of rain, and thunderstorms are possible after 1 p.m., forecasters said. South-southeast winds will be blowing at 10 to 15 mph.

Temperatures will reach a high of around 78 degrees but stay above 66 degrees at night, forecasters said.

Evening skies will be mostly cloudy with a 60% chance of rain, forecasters said. South-southeast winds will be blowing at 5 to 15 mph at night and a thunderstorm is possible after 1 a.m.

Tuesday's weather is a precursor to storms expected all day on Wednesday, according to the weather service's extended forecast:

Wednesday: High near 75 and a 100% chance of rain with east winds at 10 to 15 mph becoming south-southeast in the afternoon. Between 1 and 2 inches of rainfall is possible. Low of 60 at night with a 90% chance of rain.

Thursday: Mostly sunny with a 20% chance of rain and a high near 77. Mostly clear at night with a low around 60.

Friday: Sunny with a high near 81. Clear at night with a low around 60.

Saturday: Sunny with a high near 85 and south winds at 5 to 15 mph. Clear at night with a low around 63.

Sunday: Sunny with a high near 86. Partly cloudy at night with a low around 65.

Monday: Partly sunny with a high near 85.