Austin residents, brace yourselves for a week of soaring temperatures and the sporadic rumble of thunderstorms, forecasters warn. According to the National Weather Service, today there's a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm with a sultry high near 92 degrees and heat index values pushing a sweltering 100. Gusts might hit 20 mph as southeasterly winds sweep through at 5 to 10 mph.
As the night envelops Austin, the thermometers won't dip much beyond 77 degrees, and that south-southeast wind will persist, gusting as mightily as 20 mph. Monday promises to crank up the heat even further, with a high near 94 degrees and the heat index flaring up to a blistering 105. Winds will keep the southward tack, gusting up to 25 mph, creating a furnace-like start to the week.
Local news KXAN has outlined the potential weather trajectory, noting isolated showers and thunderstorms could hit Central Texas, primarily east of I-35. Forecasters at the Storm Prediction Center have pegged areas in Lampasas, Milam, and San Saba Counties with a marginal risk for severe thunderstorms that could bring hailstones as substantial as quarters and violent wind gusts that might exceed 58 mph.
Tuesday's skies plan to clear up substantially, with the heat ramping up to a sizzling 96 degrees. These conditions are set to prevail throughout the week, with the mercury slated to soar as high as 98 degrees come Wednesday. By the week's end, Austin's daily highs will consistently climb into the mid-90s, with the heat index reaching a scorching 105° to 110° across many areas, as the city trudges through the first throes of summer.
Residents are advised to exercise caution amid the swelter. "Be safe in the heat, Stay hydrated with plenty of water. Take frequent breaks if you’re working or playing for prolonged periods of time," urged meteorologists. As the temperatures rise, so does the need for vigilance in the face of Texas' characteristic summertime heat.
