Records fall as heat wave intensifies

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A two-week heat wave across Central Texas has rewritten the history books.

The high temperatures Monday at Camp Mabry and at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport reached 103 degrees, the hottest temperature ever recorded so early in the year at ABIA -- and second hottest at Camp Mabry.

It was the seventh day of record heat in the past two weeks, and the record-high temperature is expected to be threatened again Tuesday, with a forecast of 100 degrees. This spring is now the hottest in Austin history, with records dating back to the 1850s.

Temperatures have reached the triple digits five times this spring, with two weeks remaining until the official beginning of summer. On average, temperatures reach 100 or above only 12 times a year.

The average first day of triple-digit heat in Austin is July 11.

Even during the hottest summer on record in 2009, when there were 68 days of 100-degree heat, the first 100-degree day didn’t happen until June 13.

Read more about the potential historic nature of this heat wave, and what is causing it, on the First Warning Weather blog.

You can also download the First Warning Weather Heat Wave Safety Guide.