101 degrees first time this year

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Monday's temperature in Austin tied a record of 101 degrees. It marked the hottest day of the year so far. Temperatures this time last summer were already consistently 100-- degrees, but higher humidity levels this summer have made it feel just as hot.

Monday's heat index was near 110 degrees, a stark reminder to take precautions for those goign out in the sun.

"This is pretty dangerous when you start talking levels of that magnitude," said Bob Rose, a meteorologist at the Lower Colorado River Authority.  "If you're outside with a heat index of 105 degrees, you can suffer heat exhaustion much quicker."

The heat is particularly dangerous for people like construction workers, who are outdoors most of the day. The Workers' Defense Project in Austin abides by OSHA's heat awareness campaign of "water, rest, shade" and urges workers to take 10- to 15-minute breaks every four hours.

"Find out what are the dangers of heat stress," said Jason Cato, a workforce program manager with the Workers' Defense Project. "A lot of workers are unaware of how deadly working in hot weather can be."

If you expect to be outside, the Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services reminds you to hydrate often, protect your skin, and be mindful of children, expecting moms and elders.  Also, remember that medications, alcohol, and caffeine can affect heat-related conditions.