Austin woke up Saturday to a thick, soupy start, with mostly cloudy skies, official temperatures hovering near 77°F, and dew points in the mid-70s that make the air feel downright heavy. A light breeze from the south is already in place, but it will not be nearly enough to keep afternoon temperatures in check.
By this afternoon, skies turn mostly sunny, and the high is expected to climb near 98°F, with heat-index values potentially reaching around 104°F along the I-35 corridor. That will make midday outdoor plans feel punishingly hot. Winds should stay light from the south at about 5 mph, and the chance of rain is essentially zero through tonight, with overnight lows only dipping into the mid-70s, according to National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio.
Afternoon Heat and Where To Cool Off
The most intense heat is expected from early afternoon through early evening, and with nighttime temperatures holding in the mid-70s, there will not be much relief after sunset. If you need a break from the blast furnace, the City of Austin keeps a list of cooling locations - including libraries and recreation centers - that are open during their normal hours. Residents are encouraged to check the city's heat resources for the latest locations and schedules, according to City of Austin.
Looking beyond today, a stubborn ridge of high pressure keeps Central Texas hot and dry. Sunday is expected to reach near 100°F with heat-index values up to about 107°F, and early next week highs are forecast to edge into the 100 to 102°F range with little, if any, rain in sight. That pattern will keep heat risk elevated through the week, so outdoor events are best planned for the coolest hours of the day, and extra care is needed with children and pets in parked cars.
For today, health officials recommend steering clear of strenuous outdoor work from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., drinking water regularly, grabbing shade whenever possible, and checking on older neighbors. If someone shows signs of heat exhaustion - such as heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, or nausea - move them to a cooler place and call 911 if symptoms worsen.
