Austin weather: 11th day in a row for triple digit heat, but under record levels

AUSTIN, Texas - Today will be the 11th day in a row with highs in the 100s and 28th this summer.

Most of Central Texas will remain under a Heat Advisory today (Aug. 25) and tomorrow (Aug. 26).

What can I expect from the weather today?

Timeline:

We can expect the highest temperatures between noon and 8 p.m., with a peak about 4 to 5 p.m.

At least we will keep it under record levels and the humidity will be low, keeping the heat indices close to what the thermometer is showing.

Heat advisories today

Big picture view:

The Extreme Heat Warning expired Monday night for Central Texas, even though there are still some counties to the north of our viewing area still under a warning.

A Heat Advisory is staying in place until 7 p.m. Wednesday (Aug. 26) as the National Weather Service is expecting temperatures up to 105 and heat index values up to 110. 

The Advisory is in place for the following counties:

• Bastrop
• Bexar
• Burnet
• Caldwell
• Comal
• Fayette
• Hays
• Lee
• Llano
• Travis
• Williamson

What's next:

Temperatures seem to slowly be trending down this week with the heat dome shifting west and helping to open the door for a few showers later this week.

We are also looking at breaking the triple-digit trend by the weekend, but not by more than a couple degrees.

7-day forecast

What's the difference between a heat advisory and a heat warning?

Dig deeper:

A Heat Advisory is triggered when the heat index hits at least 108 degrees or the air temperature hits at least 103 degrees.

An Excessive Heat Warning is then triggered when the heat index hits at least 113 degrees or the air temperature is at least 105 degrees.

How can I protect myself from the heat?

What you can do:

First responders have some tips on how you can protect yourself from the heat:

• Pre-hydrate ahead of going out in the heat
• Wear sunscreen
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
• Limit activities to early morning and evening

Officials are also reminding residents to be sure to look before you lock your vehicles to make sure you aren't leaving behind children or pets.

Symptoms of heat stroke and exhaustion

Exposure to heat puts everyone at risk for heat-related illnesses, and in some cases, the illnesses can lead to a heat stroke and become deadly.

It is essential to know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heat cramps. 

Heat exhaustion symptoms include:

• Cool, pale, clammy skin
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Heavy sweating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fast, weak pulse

What to do for someone experiencing heat exhaustion:  

• Cool them and move them
• Move the person to a cooler area immediately
• Loosen clothing
• Sip cool water slowly

If symptoms do not improve, they last longer than an hour, or the victim begins vomiting, you should seek medical help. Heat exhaustion can quickly lead to heat stroke within minutes. 

Heat stroke symptoms include:  

• Hot, red, dry or damp skin
• Rapid and strong pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Confusion
• Nausea or dizziness
• Body temperature above 103 F
• Lethargy or loss of consciousness

Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency that can cause death or permanent damage if emergency treatment is not given promptly. If you or someone you are with experiences symptoms of heat stroke, move them, cool them, and call 911: 

• Move the person to a cooler area, preferably air-conditioned
• Reduce their body temperature with cool clothes or baths
• Do not give fluids or anything by mouth to a person experiencing heat stroke

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