Austin is starting Thursday clear and around 82 degrees before sunrise, but the thermometer is headed for a much harsher afternoon. A Heat Advisory remains in effect through 7 p.m. Thursday, August 27, with temperatures reaching 104 and the heat index approaching 110.
Thursday Brings Peak Heat And A Few Storm Chances
The National Weather Service forecasts mostly sunny skies and a high near 104 degrees, with the heat index reaching as high as 109 in Austin. A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms arrives mainly from the afternoon into the evening, though scattered coverage means plenty of neighborhoods may stay dry.
Winds should remain light at 0 to 5 mph, with directions shifting through the day. Any stronger storm could bring a gusty wind or locally heavy rain, but forecasters say severe storms are not expected to be widespread.
Friday Eases Slightly Before Another Hot Stretch
Friday, August 28, will be mostly sunny with a high near 101 and a heat index around 104. Friday night drops only to about 78 degrees, followed by sunny, mostly dry conditions and highs near 100 from Saturday through Wednesday.
Rain chances fall sharply after Thursday, although a few isolated showers or storms could return early next week, especially east of the Interstate 35 corridor. In other words, Austin gets a brief flirtation with rain before summer turns the oven back on.
Cooling Options And Heat Safety
The City of Austin says public library and parks facilities can serve as cooling centers during normal operating hours. The Austin Resource Center for the Homeless at 500 East 7th St. is listed as a cooling center from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Drink plenty of fluids, use air conditioning or shade whenever possible, and save strenuous outdoor work for early morning or evening. Check on older neighbors, children, outdoor workers and anyone with health conditions, all of whom face higher risks during prolonged heat.
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