Clouds, muggy air and that familiar Austin stickiness are back this morning (Wednesday, June 10), with temperatures in the upper 70s and dewpoints in the mid-70s, so humidity is running high. Forecasters expect the sun to break through by late morning and drive highs into the mid-90s, with afternoon heat index readings pushing into the low 100s. Overnight, it stays warm and humid, with lows only dropping into the mid to upper 70s, so there will be little relief after dark.
Afternoon Outlook
Highs are forecast to top out around 94°F on Wednesday and near 95°F on Thursday, and heat index values could climb into the 105 to 107°F range during the hottest part of the afternoon. Southerly to south-southeast winds should run about 5 to 10 mph, with gusts up to roughly 20 mph later in the day, and there are no heat advisories in effect right now. Isolated showers or a brief thunderstorm could pop up mainly along and east of the I-35 and I-37 corridors today, while overall rain chances trend higher late this weekend into early next week, with the potential for heavier rain Monday night into Tuesday, according to NWS Austin/San Antonio.
Commute And Outdoor Plans
Any midday downpour that develops could briefly knock down visibility and leave standing water in low-lying spots, so plan a little extra time for the afternoon drive. If you have outdoor plans, try to move strenuous activities to the early morning or evening hours and bring plenty of water. Most of the week should stay on the dry side apart from scattered storm cells.
Cooling Options And Safety
The City of Austin notes that Parks and Recreation facilities and Austin Public Library branches operate as cooling centers during their normal hours, and residents should check the city website for the full list of locations. Medically vulnerable residents can enroll in local assistance programs, and anyone showing signs of heat exhaustion should move to a cool place and hydrate, and call 911 if there are signs of heat stroke. Pet owners should keep animals out of the midday heat and never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.
Earlier Coverage
We first wrote about the sticky start to the week on June 8; see our coverage of the sticky Austin morning that set the stage for triple-digit heat for background. We will post updates here if any heat warnings are issued or if the timing of the front shifts over the weekend.
