Austin experiences hottest week ever recorded after consecutive triple-digit days

AUSTIN, Texas - This has been the hottest week ever recorded in Austin history with temperatures reaching triple-digits on multiple days.

"The last seven days have been the hottest seven days we've ever recorded in Austin, and the numbers go back to the 1800s," said Chief Meteorologist for FOX 7 Austin Scott Fisher.

Central Texas has seen extreme temperatures for days with many in the triple-digits. Chief Meteorologist for FOX 7 Austin Scott Fisher says this is in no way normal.

"We never have a normal high in the 100s. The highest normal high we get is 99. We've seen 107, 108, and 109 already this season," said Fisher.

So far, Austin has seen around 13 triple-digit days this month with more expected to come.

Even if little rain showers here and there decide to roll through, that will not really show any relief.

"While we may get a degree or two shaved off in the afternoon highs the next day, it certainly looks like we're going to bump back up once we get through the weekend and into next week," said Fisher.

With hot temperatures comes higher energy use. Austin Energy says this time of year, electricity bills go up because of the amount of energy customers are using to stay cool. 

Austin Energy encourages customers to save energy when possible, especially with temperatures not expected to get cooler any time soon.

Here are some tips from Austin Energy:

• Set your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher in the warm months of the year. Raise the thermostat to 85 degrees when you are away for two hours or more.
• Install LED light bulbs.
• Point fans in your direction. Fans blowing directly on you can make temperatures around you feel about 4 degrees cooler. Only keep fans on when you are in the room.
• Clean your AC condenser/evaporator coils. Clean coils lower your energy costs, extend the unit's life, and provide cleaner air for you to breathe.
• Close shades/curtains on windows hit by direct sunlight. This helps to prevent heat from getting indoors.
• Provide shade for outside AC units. AC units shaded by trees or structures work more efficiently and use up to 10% less electricity.
• Dim the screen. Dim your televisions and computer screens to reduce energy use. Some TVs have a "home" or "standard" setting option to help. This can also help with eye fatigue.
• Avoid turning on the oven during the hottest time of the day. Using a microwave or a slow cooker produces less heat.
• Unplug appliances, chargers, and electronic devices when you are not using them. They use energy even when they are turned off. Turn off your lights when you leave a room.