Austinites rolled into Friday, July 3, under muggy, partly cloudy skies and a sultry 77°F start, with dew points hovering around 74°F that kept the overnight air feeling thick. Light southerly breezes offered almost no relief, setting the stage for a fast warmup and a sticky lead-in to the holiday weekend.
What To Expect This Afternoon And Over The Fourth
The National Weather Service is calling for a high near 97°F today, with heat index values pushing into the low 100s under mostly sunny afternoon skies and light south winds around 0 to 5 mph. Independence Day on Saturday looks just as steamy, with a forecast high near 98°F and heat index readings around 100 to 103°F. Forecasters also expect a shift toward slightly drier but hotter weather into next week, with several afternoons topping out in or above the upper 90s. For the full point-and-click and hourly breakdown, check the NWS Austin/San Antonio.
Local Tips And Cooling Options
To cope with the heat, try to move tough outdoor activities to the early morning or later evening, drink plenty of water, and keep an eye out for symptoms of heat illness, since shade and frequent breaks can make a real difference. The city maintains a network of cooling centers and other heat-response services and may offer transit assistance when extreme heat impacts are declared, so check current locations and guidance before you head out. You can find local resources and cooling-center details on the City of Austin website.
