Welcome to the seventh day in a row of really hot summer weather across Central Texas. Today will likely be the hottest of this streak, with a forecast high near 108 this afternoon, our hottest since 2013! Fortunately, a weak cold front is in sight for tomorrow with relief.
Current Conditions | Satellite & Radar | Travel Maps
7 Day Forecast | Allergy
An EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING is in place today -- please take this weather seriously as it can kill! For maximum safety, we recommend you avoid being outdoors during the hours of 2 and 7 p.m. If you do have to be outside, here are some safety steps to consider:
--Drink LOTS of extra water
--Wear a wide-brimmed hat
--Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes
--Take FREQUENT breaks, preferrably in the A/C
--Check on your elderly neighbors
--Ensure pets have lots of extra water
--NEVER leave kids or pets in an unattended car as it can be lethal
Today's records to beat? 104 (2011) at Camp Mabry and 103 (1995) at the Austin Airport. So far, yesterday's 106 is the hottest temp of 2018. Last year, 107 was Austin's highest reading.
As of 9:30 a.m., temperatures were already pushing above 90 in the Hill Country. After peaking around 3:30-4:30 p.m., we still might be around 100 after tonight's 8:30 p.m. sunset. That's some serious heat!!
Upper-level high pressure continues to dominate the Western U.S. but shows signs of shifting west, and we think it'll back off enough to allow a weak & rare July cold front all the way down to Austin at some point tomorrow. Latest computer models show the front moving through the area during the morning hours. While there might be some rain east of I-35, Futurecast only hints at a few brief showers & storms in our area. We'll give it a low but noted 20% rain chance.
Temps could still reach the century mark later this week but should generally be lower than today, thank goodness.
Long range computer models advertise another cold front for early next week. Let's be hopeful!
Be sure to join us on 'Weather on the 1s' on TV or the live stream for more about the cold front and what looks like a possible wetter-than-normal transition to August.
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Keep cool!!
--Chief Meteorologist Burton Fitzsimmons (@Burton_Spectrum)