Austin Sizzles to 104 Degrees as Brutal Heat Advisory Bakes Travis County

Austin is waking Wednesday, August 26, to clear skies and temperatures near 79 degrees, but the easy morning start will not last. The city is headed for an afternoon high around 104, with a Heat Advisory in effect as dangerous heat builds across Travis County.

Heat Peaks Wednesday Afternoon

Temperatures will climb into the triple digits by midday and peak near 104 degrees between 5 and 6 p.m., while heat index values reach roughly 106 to 107. The National Weather Service’s Austin-San Antonio office expects mostly sunny skies and light south-southwest winds, with the advisory continuing until 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 26, the forecast discussion says.

Wednesday night will only offer limited relief, with partly cloudy skies and a low around 80 degrees. Heat index values could still reach 106 during the evening, so patios and outdoor workouts may feel more punishing than the thermometer suggests.

Thursday Brings A Small Storm Chance

Thursday, August 27, stays hot but turns slightly more unsettled. A slight chance of showers arrives between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m., followed by a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms through the afternoon and evening as temperatures reach 102 degrees.

Rain is not expected to be widespread, and any stronger storms could produce gusty winds. Higher humidity may also push the heat index as high as 108, even with a few clouds and showers taking the edge off the afternoon temperature.

Triple-Digit Heat Hangs On

Friday, August 28, brings a slight early shower chance before mostly sunny skies return and the high reaches 101. Saturday through Tuesday remain mostly sunny and hot, with highs near 100 each day and overnight lows generally in the upper 70s.

Where Austin Residents Can Cool Off

Residents should drink plenty of fluids, stay in air conditioning when possible, and move strenuous outdoor work to early morning or evening. The City of Austin lists libraries and parks as cooling centers during normal operating hours, while its active emergency information page includes the ARCH at 500 East 7th Street as an extended-hours cooling location; the city’s guidance recommends checking hours before heading out.

Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and check on older neighbors, young children and anyone without reliable air conditioning. If someone shows signs of heat stroke, move them to a cool place and call 911 immediately.