Austin, Travis County officials urge residents to prepare as early heat wave brings triple-digit forecasts

Mayor Kirk Watson and Travis County Judge Andy Brown urged Austin-area residents at a joint press conference to prepare for an unusually early heat wave, warning of expected triple-digit temperatures and outlining cooling resources and outreach for vulnerable people.

The warning came as city officials said today’s high was expected to reach 102 degrees and tomorrow could hit 105 degrees, with a seven-day forecast showing a string of days at or above 100 degrees. “This is the type of heat we generally don't start seeing until July,” Mayor Kirk Watson said, adding that the conditions are “unwelcome, and ... a stark reminder that we need to be prepared.”

The message was aimed at the general public and at groups at higher risk of heat-related illness: infants and young children, older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, outdoor workers, people who are unhoused, and pets. Officials emphasized specific, actionable precautions: prehydrate in the days and hours before exposure, drink water regularly while outdoors, wear light-colored loose clothing and hats, use sunscreen, take frequent shade breaks…