Austin is waking up under clouds Friday, but the brief gray start is giving way to a punishing stretch of heat: highs near 99 degrees and heat-index values up to 107. The forecast stays mostly dry through the weekend, with triple-digit temperatures returning by Tuesday and Wednesday.
Temperatures were around 79 degrees early Friday, with humid air and almost no wind. The National Weather Service expects skies to turn sunny, with south winds of 0 to 5 mph and only a small chance of rain in Austin.
Afternoon Heat Will Be The Main Story
Friday’s high should reach about 99 degrees, while the heat index could climb to 107. Saturday looks nearly identical, with another 99-degree high and a heat index near 106, so outdoor workouts, yardwork and long stretches in direct sun are best handled early or near sunset.
Sunday and Monday remain hot, with highs near 98 and overnight lows around 77. Those warm nights offer limited relief, especially for people without reliable air conditioning or anyone working outdoors.
Rain Chances Stay Small In Austin
Most Austin neighborhoods should stay dry, with rain chances in the single digits through the weekend and only a slightly higher chance Monday. Isolated showers and thunderstorms are more likely toward the Coastal Plains, although a few storms could push inland toward the I-35 corridor on Saturday.
Triple-Digit Heat Returns Next Week
The heat builds again Tuesday, when Austin could reach 100 degrees, followed by highs near 101 on both Wednesday and Thursday. The forecast calls for mostly sunny to sunny skies, with no watches, warnings or advisories currently posted for the area.
Cooling Centers Offer A Break From The Heat
Anyone needing a temporary escape from the heat can use Austin Public Library and Austin Parks facilities as cooling centers during normal operating hours, according to the City of Austin. Hours and locations can change, so residents should check before heading out, drink water regularly and take heat symptoms seriously.
