Heat Advisory Issued For Travis, Williamson Counties

AUSTIN, TX — A heat advisory has been issued for Central Texas as heat index values are expected to reach 113 degrees amid temperatures ranging from the upper 90s to 103 degrees, weather officials said Monday.

The National Weather Service has issued the heat advisory to last until 8 p.m. Monday evening. The advisory covers a large swath of the south and central Texas region, mainly those areas along and east of Interstate 35, weather officials said. Both Travis and Williamson counties are covered as part of the advisory.

It's often-repeated guidance, but worth repeating: Stay hydrated. It's important for people to drink plenty of water while outdoors, and to take breaks in cool, air-conditioned areas throughout the day. Potential tragedies can be averted by not leaving children and pets unattended in vehicles amid such high heat, which renders vehicle interiors into veritable ovens.

The temperature in Austin already had reached 103 degrees by 11 a.m. In spite of the ongoing heat streak, Mother Nature may offer a reprieve from the scorching conditions. The weather could take a change by midweek, with cooler temperatures and rain in the forecast.

Graphic via National Weather Service.

But don't get your hopes up too high for rain relief as the chances are minimal. The National Weather Service predicts a 30 percent chance for showers and thunderstorms by Tuesday night, mainly after 1 a.m. Nighttime will be tolerable under partly cloudy skies with a low of around 79 degrees. Yet the daytime will bring more of the same, as Tuesday during the day is expected to be partly sunny and hot, with a high near 100 — but with a brutal heat index as high as 114 degrees, according to forecasters.

By Wednesday, the chances of showers and thunderstorms drops to 20 percent amid partly sunny and hot conditions with a high temperature of 99 predicted. Thursday, Friday and Saturday also come with a 20 percent chance of much-needed precipitation.

We could definitely use the rain. But as the weather models are showing, it might be advisable not to hold your breath.