109! New record high for June in Austin

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Feel the heat?

Everyone did. The temperature in Austin reached 109 degrees around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, making it the hottest day of any June in any year. Austin's previous hottest June day was June 14, 1998, when the temperature reached 108 degrees.

The high of 106 at ABIA Tuesday was a record high for June 26th.

The heat was so intense it spawned two severe thunderstorms over southern Fayette County, blowing down trees near Flatonia and Schulenburg.

In response the record breaking heat Austin Energy   sent out a notice asking customers to conserve electricity  from 3 to 7 p.m., and to unplug and turn off appliances and electronics when not in use.

The First Warning Weather forecast for Wednesday calls for a high of 105 degrees, but temperatures are expected to slowly moderate the rest of the week, possibly dropping below 100 by the weekend.

Tips from health agencies for coping with heat:

• Stay in shaded areas and avoid the sun.
• Wear light clothing and a hat.
• Never leave a person or animal in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, but avoid beverages that contain alcohol, caffeine or a lot of sugar.
• Take advantage of the cooling power of water. Wet towels and bandanas can have a cooling effect when placed on the shoulders or head. Take cool showers or baths, and consider using a spray bottle filled with cold water to cool off throughout the day.
• Plan strenuous outdoor activities for early or late in the day when temperatures are lower.
• Take frequent breaks when working outdoors.
• If you are aware of elderly, more vulnerable people in your neighborhood check on them to see if they need additional assistance.
• Allow your pet to stay inside in air-conditioned comfort during the heat of the day. If that’s not possible, make sure your pet always has access to shade and plenty of fresh, cool water. Never leave a child or animal in a closed, parked vehicle.
• At the first signs of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps), seek a cooler location, rest for a few minutes and slowly drink a cool beverage. Seek medical attention immediately if conditions do not improve.