Saturday in Austin (July 18) is starting off thick and soupy, with mostly cloudy skies, temperatures around 78°F, and dew points stuck in the mid-70s. In other words, the air feels like it’s giving you a damp handshake. This afternoon cranks things up further, with highs near 95°F and a heat index that could feel more like about 104°F. South winds around 5–10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph, will stir the air but won’t cool it much, and overnight lows in the mid-70s mean the sweat never really gets a break.
Flood Waters Still Sliding Downstream
The heaviest rain and immediate flash-flood threat have mostly moved on, but the region is not in the clear yet. Forecasters say river levels will continue to rise downstream in parts of the Nueces, Frio, San Antonio, Llano, and Rio Grande basins, with some impacts sticking around into early next week. Even when the sky looks friendlier, avoid flooded roads and low-water crossings; that standing water can stay dangerous long after the last thunderclap. For the latest river and road conditions, check the National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio.
Cooling Off Without Melting Down
If the heat starts to feel like too much, some Austin Public Library branches and Parks facilities can double as temporary cooling centers during their normal business hours. Call or check ahead, because hours and availability can shift. The city’s emergency information hub keeps a running list of open cooling centers, road-closure notices, and safety tips; you can find those details at the City of Austin emergency hub.
Health-wise, this is not the day to prove anything. Take frequent water breaks, skip heavy outdoor work in the mid-afternoon, and check in on neighbors, friends, or family members who are more vulnerable to heat.
Gray Start, Searing Finish
Morning low clouds or patchy fog, especially along the I-35 corridor, should lift by mid- to late-morning. Once that happens, expect mostly sunny skies and building heat. Highs should land around 95°F on Saturday, with the rest of the weekend and early next week holding close behind at about 96–97°F and very little chance for meaningful rain. South winds of 5–10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph will be the norm.
If you have outdoor plans, early morning and evening are your safer bets. Keep tabs on local forecasts as the pattern evolves; the National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio has the latest details.
On the roads, remember the old warning: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” when you encounter flooded areas. Don’t assume you know how deep the water is, and do bring extra water for yourself when you head out. Conditions will continue to be monitored and updated, especially if rising river levels or any pop-up storms trigger new warnings.
