Today could be the hottest day of the summer

by: Nick Bannin, Kristen Currie, Rich Segal, Jim Spencer, Freddy Vela, Tommy House

Posted: Aug 19, 2024 / 06:25 AM CDT

Updated: Aug 19, 2024 / 07:52 AM CDT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — It’s more of the same today with afternoon high temperatures reaching up to 100° to 104°. Austin has reached 100° to 102° 25 times in 2024. We have, for now, five more days of highs reaching triple digits before afternoon highs slip a little below 100° for the weekend.

*Today could be the hottest day of the year*

Sunday’s highest heat index reading was 108° reported at both Cameron and La Grange. Most heat index readings ranged from 102° to 108°, numbers we should reach again today.

Heat Advisories remain in effect today. For the greater Austin area the advisory will be in effect until 8 p.m. For Lampasas, Milam, and San Saba Counties, the advisory will be in effect until 9 p.m.

*Monday’s Heat Advisories for much of Central Texas*

NEW BLOG: September forecast released. When will triple digits end

The center of the heat dome is over New Mexico today. It will be over Central Texas by Tuesday then head back to west Texas Wednesday. It’s getting stronger meaning temperatures will be hotter.

*The upper ridge strengthens as it moves to Texas*

The high will depart Texas by the end of the week bringing temperatures down a few degrees.

We are still seeing low rain chances on a couple of the map model runs but, for now, the forecast will remain dry going out to Sunday. Future model runs may dictate a change to the weekend forecast.

Meanwhile, the second-week forecast August 25th to September 1st is calling for a wetter-than-normal pattern. Let’s hope.

Ernesto Update

Ernesto is racing through the northwest Atlantic. It is back to being a hurricane after weakening to a tropical storm yesterday. Winds are up to 85 mph. Weakening is expected over the next 24 hours. It will create high surf on the northern New England and Canadian coastlines.