Austin Sizzles: 105-Degree Heat Wave Turns Nights Into Sweatfest

Austin is waking up Thursday under mostly cloudy skies and upper-70s temperatures, but any early-morning comfort will disappear quickly. The city is headed for another stretch of triple-digit heat, with little overnight relief and almost no rain in the forecast.

Heat Advisory Runs Through Sunday

Thursday’s high is expected to reach 104 degrees, with heat index values as high as 109. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory from 2 p.m. Thursday through 7 p.m. Sunday for Austin and much of the I-35 Corridor, warning that the combination of heat and humidity could cause heat-related illnesses, the advisory says.

Triple-Digit Heat Does Not Let Up

Friday will be nearly as hot at 104 degrees, followed by highs around 105 on Saturday and Sunday. Monday should reach 104, while Tuesday and Wednesday are forecast to top out near 103.

Nights will offer only limited relief, with lows generally between 79 and 81 degrees through the weekend. That means homes, pavement and people may not cool down much before the next afternoon surge.

Rain Is Basically Missing

There is no meaningful rain chance Thursday, and precipitation chances remain at 1% or less through Saturday. Sunday through Wednesday bring only single-digit chances, with mostly sunny skies expected across the Austin area.

South winds will stay light, generally around 5 mph or less, which will do little to ease the afternoon heat. The pattern continues the punishing stretch described in an earlier Hoodline forecast, only now with higher temperatures and a longer advisory period.

Move Outdoor Plans To Cooler Hours

Residents should schedule strenuous work and exercise for early morning or evening, take frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning, and drink plenty of fluids. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, check on older neighbors and other vulnerable people, and never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle.

Austin Emergency Management says city libraries and Parks and Recreation facilities can serve as cooling centers during normal operating hours, with current information available through its extreme-heat resource page. Anyone showing signs of heat stroke should be moved to a cool place and receive emergency help immediately.