Austin and Central Texas are currently experiencing extreme prolonged heat and temperatures. This has triggered the National Weather Service to issue an Excessive Heat Warning through at least tonight, and high temperatures are forecasted in the triple-digits through the weekend.
There are four heat alert levels but the third and fourth levels are the two that the City wants everyone to be aware of -- Excessive Heat Watch and Excessive Heat Warning.
An Excessive Heat Watch means the risk of a heat wave has increased, but the occurrence and timing are still uncertain. It’s time to prepare. An Excessive Heat Warning means you should take action immediately. An Excessive Heat Warning is issued when the temperature of the air is 105 degrees or higher or the heat index reaches 113 degrees. In these situations, the combination of high heat and humidity can lead to serious heat-related illness.
“As the temperature and heat in Central Texas have become more dangerous, we are asking you to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself, your family, your neighbors, and your pets,” City of Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said. “Residents can find heat-related resources in 12 languages online at austintexas.gov/alerts that will help provide you information on how you can stay safer during this time.”
Piloting a new effort to keep Austinites cool, the City of Austin unveiled a program in Republic Square this morning consisting of several misting tents and chilled bottled water distribution for those in the area looking to escape the heat. These tents release a fine mist/fog that can cool the surrounding area and provide people with much-needed heat relief that can be up to 30 degrees cooler.
To date, at least 13 heat-related deaths have been reported in Texas this year, but as of today, no heat-related deaths have been reported in Austin this summer.
June 2023 heat-related illnesses doubled from June last year, and EMS calls in July of this year have dramatically increased in volume. Recommendations on how to stop heat-related illnesses include learning the signs and symptoms of being overheated and acting quickly by moving the person, then cooling the person down and calling 911, and being sure to take care of one another, especially young children and the elderly.
With extreme heat like Central Texas is experiencing, anyone can be at risk, but some are more vulnerable to the effects, including pregnant women, people with heart or lung conditions, young children, older adults, athletes, outdoor workers and those who are unhoused. Extreme heat can lead to dehydration, heat cramps, heat stroke, heat exhaustion and even death.
COOLING CENTERS
- City of Austin facilities (including Recreation Centers & Libraries) are available as cooling centers during normal business operations.
- These cooling centers serve as a reprieve from the heat, allowing people and their service animals to cool off during the hottest times of the day.
- During excessive heat warnings extended hours are available at a number of the cooling centers.
- Visit austintexas.gov/alerts for the most up-to-date cooling centers information in 13 languages.
- Always confirm hours and availability before visiting a cooling center.
HEAT SAFETY TIPS
- Visit ReadyCentralTexas.org for heat safety tips and how to prevent, identify, and treat heat-related illnesses.
- Knowing how to respond to heat-related illnesses can save lives.
- We ask everyone to please stay hydrated. Remember to drink water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty.
- Protect yourself:
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, and brimmed hats.
- Apply and re-apply sunscreen according to product labels.
- Take shade breaks, especially if you work outside.
- Practice water safety while cooling off in pools and open water.
- If you have neighbors who are elderly or vulnerable, check on them and make sure they have a way to stay cool.
- Keep your pets safe too:
- Keep your four-legged family members inside whenever possible.
- Pack a collapsible water bowl for hydration breaks.
