Heat Advisory Issued For Austin Area

AUSTIN, TX — The dog days of summer have been officially unleashed, with the high temperature on Wednesday expected to reach 100 degrees — marking the first triple-digit reading this year — with more scorching heat expected in the coming days.

It could be the subject of a series of Texas-is-so-hot jokes, but it's serious enough to have prompted the National Weather Service to issue a heat advisory that will be in effect from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Such advisories are issued when heat Index values are forecast to meet locally defined advisory criteria for 1 to 2 days with daytime highs= 100-105° Fahrenheit.

It's a natural extension of chronology given the arrival of summer, and something to be expected. This is especially true in Texas, where people are able to fry eggs on sidewalks in illustrating the oppressive nature of our summers. But what people sometimes forget is the need to take safeguards against such heat by staying hydrated and avoiding being out in the sun too much.

By midday, the temperature in Austin registered at 93 degrees. But the high was expected to reach 100 degrees, with a heat index that will make it feel between 105 to 110 degrees.

And you might as well get used to it. Scorching heat is expected through the remainder of the week. Here's the National Weather Service outlook:

• Thursday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Heat index values as high as 109. South wind between 10 and 15 miles per hour.
• Friday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98. South wind between 10 and 15 mile per hour, with gusts as high as 20 miles per hour.
• Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. South wind around 15 miles per hour, with gusts as high as 20 miles per hour.

By Sunday, a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms will develop. The new week will begin with partly sunny skies, with a high near 93 degrees, forecasters predict. South wind will be around 15 miles per hour, with gusts as high as 20 miles per hour.

Extreme heat can be dangerous. People sometimes go about their days in the same manner during more temperate seasons, but this could lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Children (and pets) should never be left in cars during such heat as doing so could lead to their deaths.

The American Red Cross offers tips on how people can stay safe during days of such extreme heat.

What to do before a heat wave:

• Listen to local weather forecasts and stay aware of upcoming temperature changes.

• Be aware of both the temperature and the heat index. The heat index is the temperature the body feels when the effects of heat and humidity are combined.

• Discuss heat safety precautions with members of your household. Have a plan for wherever you spend time— home, work and school—and prepare for power outages.

• Check the contents of your emergency disaster kit in case a power outage occurs.

• Know those in your neighborhood who are elderly, young, sick or overweight. They are more likely to become victims of excessive heat and may need help.

• If you do not have air conditioning, choose places you could go to for relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day (schools, libraries, theaters, malls).

• Be aware that people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than are people living in rural areas.

• Get trained in First Aid to learn how to treat heat-related emergencies.

• Ensure that your animals' needs for water and shade are met.

What to do during a heat wave:

• Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical updates from the National Weather Service (NWS).

• Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

• Eat small meals and eat more often.

• Avoid extreme temperature changes.

• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.

• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.

• Postpone outdoor games and activities.

• Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.

• Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.

• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.

• Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.