Austin, get ready for 'one of the hottest weeks of the year' after record-breaking heat

Skye Seipp, Austin American-Statesman
·5 min read
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Think this summer couldn't get any worse? Wrong!

The hellish nightmare of summer 2023 continues as we enter "one of the hottest weeks of the year," according to National Weather Service meteorologist Orlando Bermudez.

This week will be plagued with more excessive heat warnings and critical fire conditions expected every day, Bermudez said.

More: Ceviche, sushi and Szechuan: What to eat at Austin restaurants to beat this heat

So far this summer, we've already broken some major records:

  • The hottest July in recorded history with an average temperature of 90.8 degrees.

  • The number of days in a row at or above 105 degrees: 11.

  • The most consecutive days at 100 degrees or more: 30.

  • The highest heat index ever reached at Camp Mabry: 118 degrees June 21.

Austin hit a month straight of triple-digit temperatures Sunday. Our previous record of 27 days was in 2011. With no end in sight for the coming week, we're looking to burn right past that record.

We're still working on catching up to being the hottest summer on record, as the summer of 2011 holds that distinction. But don't worry; this summer still has a chance to beat it.

The summer of 2011 also has the most days with recorded temperatures reaching 100 degrees, with 90. This summer had 46 as of Sunday.

Is there any relief in sight?

Not really. August is typically the hottest month for Austin, Bermudez said. He said there is a chance we could cool down by a few degrees near the end of the week. But it's still not clear if that will happen.

Additionally, the weather service said there's "no appreciable end in sight" for the excessive heat warnings, heat advisories and critical fire conditions.

Here's the forecast for this week:

  • Monday: A high of 105 and a low of 78.

  • Tuesday: A high of 105 and a low of 77.

  • Wednesday: A high of 104 and a low of 78.

  • Thursday: A high of 106 and a low of 78.

  • Friday: A high of 106 and a low of 78.

Plus, next month is September, and unless you just got to Austin, you probably already know the 100-degree days don't stop then.

Businesses and residences were evacuated as Bastrop County first responders fought a fire Tuesday. The Texas A&M Forest Service counted seven wildfires in progress throughout the state Sunday.
Businesses and residences were evacuated as Bastrop County first responders fought a fire Tuesday. The Texas A&M Forest Service counted seven wildfires in progress throughout the state Sunday.

Only you can prevent a fire

As the heat continues at record levels and rainfall is basically nothing, fire conditions are expected to worsen. On Sunday, the National Weather Service placed almost all of Central Texas under a red flag warning for critical fire danger.

Those critical fire conditions are expected to continue through the week, with the windiest conditions expected Tuesday through Thursday, according to the weather service.

More: Texas wildfire, smoke map: Track latest wildfires, red flag warnings

Walter Flocke with the Texas A&M Forest Service said humans cause 90% of fires in Texas. While many people know not to throw out a lit cigarette or build a fire during this weather, he said, a lot don't realize that 50% of fires are caused by equipment use.

This can include the use of a lawnmower, chain saw, electric saw or welder or even just driving over tall grass with a hot engine, Flocke said.

As of 2:15 p.m. Sunday, the 400-acre Oak Grove Fire in Hays County was 30% contained. In total, the Forest Service counted seven wildfires in progress throughout the state.

More: Oak Grove Fire in Hays County grows to 400 acres, 20% contained as of Sunday morning

Keep watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion, stroke

It goes without saying that this heat can be extremely dangerous. July saw a record number of heat-related calls for Austin-Travis County EMS with 285. EMS officials received 51 heat-related calls through the first five days of August. There were only 27 through the same time period last year.

The best way to stay safe is to know the signs of heat-related illness. Typically, it can start as heat cramps, which feel like normal cramps. If you notice this, take a break in the shade or air conditioning and sip some water.

More: July breaks records for average temperature, heat-related calls to Austin EMS

Heat cramps can lead to heat exhaustion, the symptoms of which include confusion, excessive sweating, nausea, high body temperatures and flushed skin. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, get to a colder area in the shade or AC immediately and start sipping water.

If left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to a heat stroke, which can cause permanent damage to the brain and other organs and possibly death. The signs are similar to heat exhaustion but include cold skin, a sudden stop in sweating and unconsciousness. It should be treated in a similar way, and you should call 911 if you or someone you're with is experiencing it.

Additionally, if you're going to be outside, wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothes, sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat, and be sure to take breaks in the shade or AC and drink lots of water.

More: Suburban Austin-area paramedics not seeing big spike in heat-related calls

How is Texas' power grid doing?

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which operates the state's grid, issued a weather watch for Sunday and Monday as higher temperatures are expected to lead to record power demand along with a potential for lower reserves.

Grid conditions are expected to be normal, according to the agency. Demand is expected to reach 86,064 megawatts Monday, with an expected capacity of 91,746 megawatts.

More: How to protect, prepare your vehicle from excessive Texas heat this summer

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: 'One of the hottest weeks of the year' expected to hit Austin, NWS says