<\/p>\n
Heat index values, or humidity-driven \u201cfeels like\u201d temperatures, in Austin could reach 107 degrees in Austin by 4 p.m. Sunday, according to the National Blend of Models, a composite weather forecast model.<\/p>\n
National Blend of Models\/Pivotal Weather<\/p>\n
Although rain chances for Austin will linger into Sunday morning, the traditional first day of summer<\/a> will mark the start of drier weather pattern, featuring temperatures close to 100 degrees over the next several days, according to the National Weather Service.<\/p>\n Austin on Sunday, the day of the summer solstice<\/a>, has a slight 20% chance of showers until midday, as overcast skies in the morning gradually becomr sunnier, forecasters said. Afternoon temperatures are expected to edge a bit higher than the climate-average for June 21, hitting 95 degrees.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n However, southerly winds will be keeping plenty of atmospheric moisture in place. All that humidity will be driving heat index values into the triple digits \u2014 making that peak temp of 95 feel more like 107 degrees instead.<\/p>\n “Sunday afternoon then looks to start the drying trend regarding the area rain chances, and this continues onward into the long term,” the weather service said in a forecast bulletin posted online<\/a> Saturday.<\/p>\n Why heat index matters this week<\/p>\n Triple-digit heat index values represent a potential public health danger, according to the weather service.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n “We’ll monitor area\u00a0extent of the heat indices near or above 108 as we get closer in\u00a0time to evaluate a possible issuance of a heat advisory,” forecasters said in the bulletin. A heat advisory alerts the public that the level of humidity-boosted heat could increase the chances of heat-related illnesses.<\/p>\n We rely on the evaporation of sweat from our skin to cool down on hot days. But too much humidity makes that process less efficient because the air is already filled with water vapor. The heat index, which takes this into account, more accurately describes the heat your body is experiencing, at least better than what actual air temperatures would suggest.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n