Unseasonably Warm Weather Hits Austin Amid South Texas Heat Surge

People from Texas are used to very hot weather, but 100 degrees in the winter? That's what some parts of South Texas might see this week, while Austin gets ready for a stretch of unusually warm weather with highs close to 90 degrees.

The National Weather Service (NWS) says that cities like Laredo, McAllen, and Rio Grande City could reach triple digits as early as Wednesday, which is much earlier than normal. Laredo has 78 days a year with temperatures above 100 degrees, but the first one usually happens on April 10. If it gets to 100 degrees this week, it will be one of the earliest recorded times.

The sudden heat is caused by dry air, warming from compression, and a cold front coming through. As the front moves toward Texas, the air pressure rises, which makes the temperatures rise above average. Also, in some places, humidity levels as low as 5–10% will make the air very dry, which will make it heat up faster.

Even though Austin won't reach 100 degrees, highs near 90 degrees, low humidity, and strong winds are making people more worried about wildfires. The fire risk will be greatest west of Austin and in Central Texas, where it will be the driest.

As record-breaking heat hits the state before spring, Texans should stay hydrated, limit their time outside, and be aware of fire risks.

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