The NWS says Austin is expected to hit one of the hottest weeks of the year
Did you think this summer couldn’t get any worse? mistake!
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.
Bermudez said this week will see more extreme heat warnings and critical fire conditions expected each day.
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:
- July is the hottest in recorded history with an average temperature of 90.8 degrees.
- Number of consecutive days at 105 degrees or higher: 11.
- Most consecutive days at 100 degrees or more: 30.
- Highest heat index ever reached at Camp Mabry: 118 degrees on June 21.
Austin hit a straight month of triple-digit temperatures on Sunday. Our previous record of 27 days was in 2011. With no end in sight for next week, we look forward to surpassing that record.
We’re still working on catching up to being the hottest summer on record, with the summer of 2011 holding that distinction. But do not worry; This summer he still has a chance to beat him.
The summer of 2011 also had the highest number of days with recorded temperatures reaching 100 degrees, with 90. This summer there were 46 as of Sunday.
Is there any relief in sight?
Not real. August is usually the hottest month for Austin, Bermudez said. He said that there is a chance that temperatures will cool by a few degrees towards the end of the week. But it is still unclear whether that will happen.
Additionally, the weather service said there is “no tangible end in sight” to extreme heat advisories, heat advisories and critical fire conditions.
Here are the forecasts for this week:
- Monday: The greatest is 105 and the least is 78.
- Tuesday: The greatest is 105 and the least is 77.
- Wednesday: The greatest is 104 and the least is 78.
- Thursday: The greatest is 106 and the least is 78.
- Friday: The greatest is 106 and the least is 78.
Plus, next month is September, and unless you’ve just arrived in Austin, you probably already know that the 100 degree days aren’t going to stop there.
Only you can prevent a fire
With temperatures still at record levels and precipitation essentially nil, fire conditions are expected to worsen. On Sunday, the National Weather Service placed nearly all of Central Texas under a red flag warning of serious fire danger.
These critical fire conditions are expected to continue throughout the week, with heavy rain expected Tuesday into Thursday, according to the weather service.
more: Texas wildfires, smoke map: Track the latest wildfires, red flag warnings
Walter Fluke, of the Texas A&M Forest Service, said humans cause 90 percent of fires in Texas. While many people know they shouldn’t throw a lit cigarette or start a fire during this weather, many don’t realize that 50% of fires are caused by equipment, he said.
This could include using a lawnmower, chainsaw, chainsaw, welder or even just driving through tall grass with a hot engine, Fluke said.
As of 2:15 PM Sunday, the 400-acre Oak Grove Fire in Hays County is 30% contained. In all, the Forest Service counted seven wildfires burning across the state.
more: The Oak Grove Fire in Hays County grows to 400 acres and is 20% contained as of Sunday morning
Watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion and stroke
It goes without saying that this heat can be very dangerous. July saw a record number of heat-related calls for EMS in Austin-Travis County with 285. EMS officials received 51 heat-related calls during the first five days of August. There were only 27 during 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 febrile cramps, which feel like normal cramps. If you notice this, take a break in the shade or air conditioning and drink some water.
more: July breaks records for average temperature and 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 skin flushing. If you or someone you know has these symptoms, go to a cooler area with shade or air conditioning immediately and start drinking water.
If left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which can cause permanent damage to the brain and other organs and possibly death. Signs are similar to heat exhaustion but include cold skin, sudden cessation of sweating, and loss of consciousness. It should be treated in a similar manner, and you should call 911 if you or someone with you is experiencing it.
In addition, if you’re going out, wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat, and be sure to take breaks in the shade or air conditioning and drink plenty of water.
more: Paramedics in the Austin area are not seeing a significant uptick in heat-related calls
How is the power grid performing in Texas?
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages the state’s grid, issued a weather watch for Sunday and Monday, when rising temperatures are expected to bring record power demand along with the possibility of declining reserves.
Network conditions are expected to be normal, according to the agency. On Monday, demand is expected to reach 86,064 megawatts, with an expected capacity of 91,746 megawatts.
more: How to protect and prepare your car from the excessive Texas heat this summer
