Thursday is starting off thick and sticky in Austin, and it is only going to get rougher as the day wears on. Morning temperatures already feel swampy in the upper 70s, with dewpoints stuck in the mid 70s, and the National Weather Service has slapped an Extreme Heat Warning on much of south central Texas from noon to 8 p.m. CDT. Forecasters expect the heat index to spike into the 113 to 118°F range this afternoon, so outdoor plans during peak hours are basically a bad idea.
This Afternoon
Afternoon highs should top out near 99°F, but it will feel far worse, with heat index values likely reaching around 116°F and some spots flirting with 118°F. South southeast winds of about 5 to 10 mph could gust up to 25 mph, offering more of a hot blow dryer than a breeze. The warning calls this a period of "dangerously hot conditions" with a higher risk of heat-related illness for outdoor workers, kids and older adults. For official timing, map coverage and any updates, check NWS Austin/San Antonio.
Tonight Through The Holiday
Overnight will not provide much relief, with lows only slipping into the low 80s and heat index readings hanging near 114°F into the evening. Juneteenth on Friday looks a bit less brutal, with highs near 95°F and a slight chance of afternoon showers or a few isolated thunderstorms. Rain chances tick up Friday night into Saturday, when some storms could drop locally heavy downpours. After that, expect the mid 90s and soupy humidity to settle back in next week, with heat index values generally around 100 to 105°F away from any storms.
Local Help And Safety
The City of Austin is running cooling centers at libraries and recreation centers during their normal hours, and the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH) is open downtown as a daytime cooling and respite space. The city also lays out transportation help and a rundown of where to cool off in its heat guidance, including options for getting people to these locations, as outlined by the City of Austin. If someone shows signs of heat exhaustion such as heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness or nausea, get them to a cooler place, offer fluids if they are conscious, and call 911 right away if symptoms are severe, including confusion or loss of consciousness.
What You Should Do Right Now
Skip strenuous outdoor work between noon and 8 p.m., push yard work or construction to earlier or later, and check in on older relatives, neighbors and anyone without reliable air conditioning, plus their pets. Do not leave children or animals in parked vehicles, even for a quick errand. If you have to be outside, take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors, wear light-colored, loose clothing and sip water regularly instead of waiting until you feel thirsty. Employers and crew leaders should build in rest breaks and move workers into shaded or air-conditioned areas during the hottest part of the day.
