These are Texas and Austin's hottest days on record

Nate Chute, Aberdeen News
·2 min read
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Forecasters say it is going to be dangerously hot for the next several weeks in Central Texas, with temperatures expected to reach triple digits consistently.

These conditions mean it's best to avoid going outside if you can, but if you do, early mornings and late evenings are the safest time to be out. Those brave enough to venture out should wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothes, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen and to drink lots of water if you're heading out, too.

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If you feel achy, find an indoor space or shade to rest and sip on water for a while so heat cramps don't develop into heat exhaustion, or worse, heat stroke.

With these high temperatures, will we see a record? Let's look at the current highs:

How hot was the hottest day in Texas history?

Almost 30 years ago, the West Texas community of Monahans hit 120 degrees. Located in Ward County, about 30 miles from Odessa, the extreme temperature was marked on June 28, 1994.

Almost sixty years earlier and over 200 miles away, the same temperature was hit on Aug. 12, 1936 in Seymour.

What's Austin's hottest day on record?

A high of 112 degrees recorded at Camp Mabry on Aug. 28, 2011, tying the all-time hottest temperature in Austin previously hit on Sept. 5, 2000.

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Heat Index Calculator: Know when you are at risk for heat stroke and more

How hot the air is, is one thing, but considering how the temperature feels is another. That's where the heat index comes in, which measures relative humidity and air temperature.

The higher the heat index, the more likely it is that your body can not regulate its own temperature.

You can use this National Weather Service to calculate what the heat index is so long as you have a temperature and humidity level available. If you do, note what the NWS says should be of concern at the following heat index temperatures:

  • 80-90 °F: Fatigue possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity

  • 90-103 °F: Heat stroke, heat cramps, or heat exhaustion possible

  • 103-124 °F: Heat cramps or heat exhaustion likely, and heat stroke possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity

  • 125°F or more: Heat stroke highly likely

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: The hottest days in Texas, Austin's heat record