AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Triple digit heat and soaring heat index values will continue to grip the Austin metro into early next month, as city officials continue to try to help residents stay cool.
“Austin always expects hot conditions during the summer months, but not to the degree that we’re experiencing this year,” said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson. “The City is working to ensure we’re available to the public and helping those in need during these excessively high temperatures, but we’re also asking our residents to help by checking on your neighbors, friends, family and pets.”
Watson held a press briefing Monday morning at Austin City Hall, detailing the city's efforts to continue to respond to the ongoing heat.
Last week, Austin recorded what is believed to be the highest heat index value on record at 118 degrees; while the area is not forecast to see heat index values quite that high this week, conditions will still be dangerous for those working outdoors for any extended period of time.
Austin Energy officials said they're working with ERCOT, the state's electric grid operator, to monitor any need for conservation or calls for other action. While ERCOT is operating under a Weather Watch this week, the grid operator says it expects to have sufficient generation capacity to meet the peak demand.
Austin's Homeland Security and Emergency Management teams are working with Austin Public Health to deliver water to homeless encampments across the city, Last weekend, crews delivered 720 bottles to eight encampments.
Austin-Travis County EMS says its crews responded to 76 calls for heat-related incidents in just the past seven days, out of 224 for the year so far. “Mild heat issues escalate to life-threatening heat stroke in mere minutes,” said ATCEMS Asst. Chief Wesley Hopkins.
The city is continuing to offer cooling centers at several facilities, including Parks & Rec centers and libraries. An updated list is available on the city's website at www.AustinTexas.gov/alerts.
