Austin Area Under Heat Advisory, With Temps In High 90s Feeling Like 108-110 Degrees

Austin, TX -- A heat advisory is in effect through Tuesday evening given high temperatures that, with the heat index, make it feel like 108 degrees Fahrenheit, National Weather Service officials said.

Austin-Travis County EMS officials urge people to stay hydrated -- especially if you're out and about today.

At 3 p.m. in Austin, the temperature reading was 94 degrees. But when the heat index is factored in, it feels like it's 108 degrees and even hotter at some points at 110 degrees.

The intense heat prompted officials at the Austin-Travis County EMS to urge residents to take all precautions in guarding themselves against heat stroke.

As a result, the NWS has issued a heat advisory in effect until 7 p.m. Tuesday. And it likely won't be the last: Summer has just begun, and -- as every Texan knows -- it's going to be a cruel, cruel summer (in terms of heat). That Texas summer heat is unavoidable and inevitable, but there are precautions that can be taken to avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

"Heatstroke is predictable and preventable," Mayo Clinic officials write on their website. They offer the following precautions:

• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing. Wearing excess clothing or clothing that fits tightly won't allow your body to cool properly.
• Protect against sunburn. Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool itself, so protect yourself outdoors with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours — or more often if you're swimming or sweating.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain a normal body temperature.
• Take extra precautions with certain medications. Be on the lookout for heat-related problems if you take medications that can affect your body's ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat.
• Never leave anyone in a parked car. This is a common cause of heat-related deaths in children. When parked in the sun, the temperature in your car can rise 20 degrees F (more than 6.7 C) in 10 minutes. It's not safe to leave a person in a parked car in warm or hot weather, even if the windows are cracked or the car is in shade. When your car is parked, keep it locked to prevent a child from getting inside.
• Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day. If you can't avoid strenuous activity in hot weather, drink fluids and rest frequently in a cool spot. Try to schedule exercise or physical labor for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening.
• Get acclimated. Limit time spent working or exercising in heat until you're conditioned to it. People who are not used to hot weather are especially susceptible to heat-related illness. It can take several weeks for your body to adjust to hot weather.
• Be cautious if you're at increased risk. If you take medications or have a condition that increases your risk of heat-related problems, avoid the heat and act quickly if you notice symptoms of overheating. If you participate in a strenuous sporting event or activity in hot weather, make sure there are medical services available in case of a heat emergency.