Dry hot conditions are expected through the 4th.  A ridge of high pressure will dominate our weather pattern this weekend so expect afternoon high above the 100 degree mark with lots of sunshine. A weak front moves south Sunday and brings a chance for showers/t-storms to Central Texas through Tuesday.

Low lake levels due to our exceptional drought may cause a few headaches this holiday weekend. So go prepared!! Only one ramp is usable on Lake Travis and Lake Buchanan. Here’s the latest information from the LCRA.

Lake Travis update:

Currently, Mansfield Dam Recreation Area, located off Ranch Road 620 about five miles south of FM 2222, has the only public boat ramp available for boaters to use on Lake Travis over the Fourth of July weekend. It is usable until the lake level drops below 640 feet above mean sea level.

Since the beginning of the water recreation season, 11 of the 12 Lake Travis public boat ramps have become unusable as the lake level has fallen below the concrete ramps. Many boaters still have access to the lake through private marinas and docks.

Travis County Parks, which operates the LCRA-owned parks around Lake Travis, wants boaters who are planning to visit Lake Travis over the holiday weekend to be aware of the conditions and plan accordingly. Additionally, two of the four lanes used to simultaneously launch multiple boats at Mansfield Dam are unusable, reducing the ramp’s launch capacity by half.

Boaters planning to use the only open public boat ramp on the lake need to have patience for long lines and to anticipate that the park will be closed to vehicles when parking spaces are filled there and at the nearby Mansfield Dam Overlook Park, which is used for overflow trailer parking. Staff regularly closes the park on holiday weekends as early as noon when the parking areas are full. Drivers on RR 620 need to be aware of potential traffic issues as the park fills up and the line of vehicles backs up onto RR 620.

Without significant rainfall to replenish water released for downstream uses and lost to evaporation, Lake Travis will continue to drop more than two feet a week. The average elevation for Lake Travis in July is 669.28 feet above mean sea level. On July 1 at noon, its elevation was 643.26 feet.

”Our region remains in the grips of a two-year drought, with some of the lowest rainfall totals since the drought of the ’50s,” said LCRA meteorologist Bob Rose. “Rainfall looks to stay below normal through July, with drought conditions growing worse.”

Lake Travis has been lower during past droughts.

• Oct. 15, 2000: 640.24
• Oct. 7, 1985: 636.58
• November 1963: 615.02
• Aug. 14, 1951 (the lake’s all-time low elevation): 614.18

Lake Buchanan update:

Currently, White Bluff Park, located off FM 2341 about 12 miles north of State Highway 29, has the only public boat ramp available for boaters to use over the Fourth of July weekend.

Since the beginning of the water recreation season, three of the four Lake Buchanan boat ramps have become unusable as the lake level has fallen below the concrete ramps. Currently, White Bluff Park boat ramp, operated by Burnet County, is the only public boat ramp available for boaters to use over the holiday weekend. It is usable until the lake level drops below 998 feet above mean sea level. Many boaters still have access to the lake through private marinas and docks.

Without significant rainfall, Lake Buchanan is dropping more than half a foot a week as a result of irrigation releases, increased municipal water use and evaporation. The average elevation for Lake Buchanan in July is 1,013.86 feet above mean sea level. On July 1 at noon, its elevation was 1,000.61 feet.

“Weather conditions are expected to be hot and generally dry through the Fourth of July weekend,” said LCRA meteorologist Bob Rose. “A few scattered showers may develop next Sunday when a weak cold front moves into the area, but otherwise, the weather will be very summer-like. Because of the hot, sunny weather, folks planning on being outside should drink plenty of water, use sunscreen and try to limit their time in direct sunshine.”

Lake Buchanan has been lower during past droughts:

• January 2007: 997.95
• Oct. 13, 2000: 994.73
• Oct. 7, 1984: 987.97
• September 1964: 986.63
• Sept. 9, 1952 (the lake’s all-time low elevation): 983.70

A guide to ramps on the Highland Lakes

Under normal conditions, getting a boat into LCRA water isn’t a problem. Back it down the ramp and get it afloat. The problem is when conditions are abnormal such as in a drought, when water levels are low, or during a flood, when they are too high.

Below are the minimum water levels for launching boats from LCRA ramps on the Highland Lakes. Lakes are often closed to recreational boaters during severe floods.

The Highland Lakes can greatly fluctuate during the year. So make sure you check the latest lake level data (see box at right) and the information below when planning a boat trip.

Public boat ramps on the Highland Lakes
Minimum lake level indicates the lowest lake elevation that the ramps are usable.

Click here for Josh Hinkle’s story on the Highland Lakes.

We received this message from our friend Bob Rose at the LCRA tonight:

Not sure if you’re interested in this factoid about the level of Lake Travis.  We’re certainly not proud of this, but it’s a measure of the exceptional drought that has been in place.  Last night, the level of Lake Travis passed the lowest level measured during the drought of 2006-2007.  That level was 643.55.  Today’s level at 3:30 pm is 643.14 This now places the current level of Lake Travis in 5th place for lowest level since the lake was created. 

1.  614.18  Aug 14, 1951

2.  615.02  Nov. 1963

3.  636.58  Oct, 1984

4.  640.24  Oct. 2000

5.  643. 14  Today  (and dropping)

6.  643.55  Dec. 2006

Georgetown Sunset sent in by Randy Heisch.

CLIMATE REPORT…PRELIMINARY…

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AUSTIN/SAN ANTONIO, TX

827 AM CDT WED JUL 1 2009

……………………………..

…THE AUSTIN CAMP MABRY CLIMATE SUMMARY FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE 2009…

CLIMATE NORMAL PERIOD 1971 TO 2000

CLIMATE RECORD PERIOD 1898 TO 2009

WEATHER         OBSERVED          NORMAL  DEPART  LAST YEAR`S

                 VALUE   DATE(S)  VALUE   FROM    VALUE  DATE(S)

                                          NORMAL

……………………………………………………….

TEMPERATURE (F)

HIGHEST           106   06/29                        103  06/18

                        06/25

LOWEST             61   06/05                         68  06/22

AVG. MAXIMUM     99.1              90.9     8.2     99.4

AVG. MINIMUM     74.1              71.1     3.0     75.4

MEAN             86.6              81.0     5.6     87.4

DAYS MAX >= 90     30                                 30

DAYS MAX <= 32      0                                  0

DAYS MIN <= 32      0                                  0

DAYS MIN <= 0       0                                  0

PRECIPITATION (INCHES)

TOTALS           1.35              3.81   -2.46     0.74

DAILY AVG.       0.05              0.13   -0.08     0.02

DAYS >= .01         3                                  3

DAYS >= .10         2                                  2

DAYS >= .50         1                                  0

DAYS >= 1.00        0                                  0

GREATEST

 24 HR. TOTAL    0.90   06/11 TO 06/11

                        06/10 TO 06/11

                        06/11 TO 06/11

SNOWFALL (INCHES)

TOTALS              T               0.0     0.0      0.0

SINCE 7/1         0.1

DEGREE_DAYS

HEATING TOTAL       0                 0       0        0

 SINCE 7/1       1217              1648    -431     1331

COOLING TOTAL     654               495     159      681

 SINCE 1/1       1423              1049     374     1457

………………………………………………………..

WIND (MPH)

AVERAGE WIND SPEED              5.8

HIGHEST WIND SPEED/DIRECTION    18/150    DATE  06/18

HIGHEST GUST SPEED/DIRECTION    30/300    DATE  06/25

SKY COVER

POSSIBLE SUNSHINE (PERCENT)   65

NUMBER OF DAYS FAIR           20

NUMBER OF DAYS PC              9

NUMBER OF DAYS CLOUDY          1

AVERAGE RH (PERCENT)     56

WEATHER CONDITIONS. NUMBER OF DAYS WITH

THUNDERSTORM              6     MIXED PRECIP               0

HEAVY RAIN                1     RAIN                       2

LIGHT RAIN                6     FREEZING RAIN              0

LT FREEZING RAIN          0     HAIL                       1

HEAVY SNOW                0     SNOW                       0

LIGHT SNOW                0     SLEET                      0

FOG                       3     FOG W/VIS <= 1/4 MILE      0

HAZE                      0

-  INDICATES NEGATIVE NUMBERS.

R  INDICATES RECORD WAS SET OR TIED.

MM INDICATES DATA IS MISSING.

T  INDICATES TRACE AMOUNT.

PRESSURE DATA:

HIGHEST SLP 30.02 ON THE  5TH

LOWEST  SLP 29.65 ON THE 29TH

REMARKS:

6/11 1/4 INCH HAIL OBSERVED 900-905PM.

6/23 NEW RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE OF 103. OLD RECORD WAS 102 IN 1990.

6/24 NEW RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE OF 105. OLD RECORD WAS 101 IN 1994.

6/25 NEW RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE OF 106. OLD RECORD WAS 102 IN 1984.

6/25 TIED RECORD HIGHEST MIN TEMPERATURE OF 79 FROM 1984.

6/26 NEW RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE OF 105. OLD RECORD WAS 102 IN 1984.

6/27 TIED RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE OF 105 FROM 1980.

6/29 NEW RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURE OF 106. OLD RECORD WAS 102 IN 1956.

MOST CONSECUTIVE DAYS 100 DEGREES OR HIGHER HAS INCREASED FROM 8 IN 1925 TO 10.

THE MONTHLY AVERAGE TEMPERATURE OF 86.6 IS THE 2ND WARMEST ON RECORD.

THE HIGHEST AVERAGE MAXIMUMS OF 99.1 IS THE 2ND WARMEST ON RECORD.

THE HIGHEST AVERAGE MINIMUMS OF 74.1 IS THE 6TH WARMEST ON RECORD.

PRELIMINARY LOCAL CLIMATOLOGICAL DATA (WS FORM: F-6)

                                          STATION:   AUSTIN CAMP MABRY

                                          MONTH:     JUNE

                                          YEAR:      2009

                                          LATITUDE:   30 17 N

                                          LONGITUDE:  97 42 W

  TEMPERATURE IN F:       :PCPN:    SNOW:  WIND      :SUNSHINE: SKY     :PK WND

================================================================================

1   2   3   4   5  6A  6B    7    8   9   10  11  12  13   14  15   16   17  18

                                     12Z  AVG MX 2MIN

DY MAX MIN AVG DEP HDD CDD  WTR  SNW DPTH SPD SPD DIR MIN PSBL S-S WX    SPD DR

================================================================================

 1  92  68  80   1   0  15 0.00  0.0    0  5.5 15 150 523   62   3        24 150

 2  96  72  84   5   0  19    T  0.0    0  3.9 16 140 327   39   5 3      29 140

 3  92  68  80   1   0  15 0.06  0.0    0  5.2 18 290 522   62   0 3      30 280

 4  90  67  79   0   0  14 0.00  0.0    0  6.1 16 360 721   86   1        23  10

 5  94  61  78  -1   0  13 0.00  0.0    0  2.2  7 100 841  100   0        13 120

 6  98  69  84   5   0  19 0.00  0.0    0  5.6 14 170 692   82   0        23 160

 7  96  69  83   3   0  18 0.00  0.0    0  6.9 15 160 547   65   2        23 150

 8  96  72  84   4   0  19 0.00  0.0    0  7.0 14 160 529   63   2        23 160

 9  97  72  85   5   0  20 0.00  0.0    0  5.6 13 170 550   65   3        22 170

10  99  77  88   8   0  23 0.00  0.0    0  8.2 14 170 439   52   4        24 180

11  98  71  85   5   0  20 0.90    T    0  7.1 17 330 313   37   8 135    30 330

12  97  71  84   3   0  19    T  0.0    0  7.1 14 170 581   69   3 3      22 180

13 100  76  88   7   0  23 0.00  0.0    0  6.9 13 150 623   74   2 1      24 150

14 100  76  88   7   0  23 0.00  0.0    0  7.5 15 160 618   73   3        28 150

15 101  76  89   8   0  24 0.00  0.0    0  8.1 17 140 573   68   4        28 150

16 101  77  89   8   0  24 0.00  0.0    0  8.4 15 160 523   62   4        26 160

17 100  78  89   8   0  24 0.00  0.0    0  8.8 15 160 491   58   4        25 140

18 100  78  89   8   0  24    T  0.0    0  8.5 18 150 407   48   6        29 140

19  97  78  88   6   0  23 0.00  0.0    0  7.6 15 150 150   18   4        25 160

20 102  78  90   8   0  25 0.00  0.0    0  8.4 16 150 500   59   4        26 160

21 101  77  89   7   0  24 0.00  0.0    0  6.7 14 160 486   57   4        24 150

22 101  76  89   7   0  24 0.00  0.0    0  5.4 14 160 537   64   2        21 160

23 103  75  89   7   0  24 0.00  0.0    0  3.7 12 140 651   77   0        20 160

24 105  77  91   9   0  26 0.00  0.0    0  2.4  9 120 601   73   2        16 110

25 106  79  93  11   0  28 0.00  0.0    0  3.5 10  10 575   68   1        30 300

26 105  78  92   9   0  27 0.00  0.0    0  3.3 12 150 694   82   1        20 150

27 105  79  92   9   0  27 0.00  0.0    0  4.2 13 160 699   83   1        22 150

28 103  78  91   8   0  26 0.00  0.0    0  3.8 10 120 769   91   0        17 190

29 106  77  92   9   0  27 0.00  0.0    0  4.4 14  30 575   68   1 3      23  30

30  91  72  82  -1   0  17 0.39  0.0    0  2.1 10  10 355   42   3 13     17 360

================================================================================

SM 2972 2222         0 654  1.35    T    174.1        16412     77

================================================================================

AV 99.1 74.1                               5.8 FASTST  547  65   3    MAX(MPH)

                                 MISC —->  # 18 290               # 30  280

================================================================================

NOTES:

# LAST OF SEVERAL OCCURRENCES

COLUMN 17 PEAK WIND IN M.P.H.

SYMBOLS USED IN COLUMN 16

1 = FOG OR MIST

2 = FOG REDUCING VISIBILITY

    TO 1/4 MILE OR LESS

3 = THUNDER

4 = ICE PELLETS

5 = HAIL

6 = FREEZING RAIN OR DRIZZLE

7 = DUSTSTORM OR SANDSTORM:

    VSBY 1/2 MILE OR LESS

8 = SMOKE OR HAZE

9 = BLOWING SNOW

X = TORNADO

   Today’s record-breaking highs of 106 degrees at Camp Mabry and 105 at ABIA are not only record breaking temperatures for the day, but also the 10th consecutive day of triple digit heat–a June record.  This is now the 16th day of the last 17 that temperatures have reached 100 or above.

Today’s big story–a rare late June cold front is moving into our area now and will result in increasing cloud cover and some scattered showers and thunderstorms through Wednesday, which should result in a temporary break from the heat wave. 

The high pressure ridge bringing our current heat wave will shift west through mid-week, but will return before the 4th of July holiday weekend, sending temperatures back up near 100.

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AUSTIN/SAN ANTONIO TX

THE MID TO LATE JUNE OF 2009 HEAT WAVE AND INTENSE LATE JUNE SUN
HAVE ADDED TO THE DRYNESS ACROSS SOUTH CENTRAL TEXAS…THAT HAS
PERSISTED SINCE SEPTEMBER 2007. THE CURRENT DRYNESS WAS BRIEFLY
INTERRUPTED BY A VERY WET PERIOD FROM JANUARY TO AUGUST 2007…
THAT WAS PRECEDED BY A DROUGHT FROM APRIL 2005 TO DECEMBER 2006.

AS OF JUNE 28…2009 A REVIEW OF RECORDS SINCE THE MID TO LATE 1800S
SHOWS THAT THE PAST 22 MONTHS HAS BEEN SOME OF THE DRIEST 22 MONTHS
FOR AUSTIN AND SAN ANTONIO.  A SIMILAR DRY PERIOD OCCURRED AROUND
100 YEARS AGO FROM 1909 TO 1912…IN ADDITION TO OTHER DRY PERIODS
IN THE 1890S…FROM DECEMBER 1916 THROUGH 1917 TO EARLY 1918…IN
THE 1920S…EARLY AND LATE 1930S TO EARLY 1940…LATE 1940S…
EARLY TO MID 1950S…EARLY 1960S…1970-1971…1980…1982…1984…
1988 TO 1989…1996…1999 TO EARLY 2000…AND APRIL 2005 TO
DECEMBER 2006.

THE 22 MONTH PERIOD FROM SEPTEMBER 2007 TO JUNE 28…2009 SO FAR
MAKES SEPTEMBER 2007 TO JUNE 2009 THE DRIEST 22 MONTH PERIOD SINCE
1885 AT SAN ANTONIO.  FROM 1885 TO JUNE 2009 THERE ARE 1,473
22 MULTI-MONTH PERIODS. THE PREVIOUS 22 MONTH PERIOD THAT WAS THIS
DRY AT SAN ANTONIO OCCURRED NEARLY 100 YEARS AGO FROM DECEMBER 1908
TO SEPTEMBER 1910.  THE DRIEST CONSECUTIVE 22 MULTI-MONTH PERIODS AT
SAN ANTONIO ARE LISTED BELOW…FROM 1885 TO JUNE 2009.  THE DATA FOR
2009 IS THROUGH JUNE 28TH.  WITH 2 DAYS STILL LEFT IN JUNE…THE
FINAL SEPTEMBER 2007 TO JUNE 2009 FIGURES COULD CHANGE.

DRIEST 22 MONTH PERIODS AT SAN ANTONIO…1885 TO JUNE 28…2009

1. 23.90 SEP. 2007 TO JUN. 28, 2009
2. 26.33 DEC. 1908 TO SEP. 1910
3. 27.61 JUL. 1954 TO APR. 1956
4. 27.81 APR. 1955 TO JAN. 1957
5. 28.07 JAN. 1909 TO OCT. 1910
6. 28.09 JUN. 1938 TO MAR. 1940
7. 28.38 NOV. 1908 TO AUG. 1910
8. 28.65 SEP. 1954 TO JUN. 1956
9. 28.66 OCT. 1954 TO JUL. 1956
10. 28.70 MAR. 1955 TO DEC. 1956

THE 22 MONTH PERIOD FROM SEPTEMBER 2007 TO JUNE 28…2009 SO FAR AT
AUSTIN MABRY MAKES SEPTEMBER 2007 TO JUNE 2009 THE 21ST DRIEST
22 MONTH PERIOD SINCE 1856.  FROM 1856 TO JUNE 2009 THERE ARE 1,821
22 MULTI-MONTH PERIODS.  THE DRIEST CONSECUTIVE 22 MULTI-MONTH
PERIODS AT AUSTIN ARE LISTED BELOW…FROM 1856 TO JUNE 2009.  THE
DATA FOR 2009 IS THROUGH JUNE 28TH.  WITH 2 DAYS STILL LEFT IN
JUNE…THE FINAL SEPTEMBER 2007 TO JUNE 2009 FIGURES COULD CHANGE.

DRIEST 22 MONTH PERIODS AT AUSTIN…1856 TO JUNE 28…2009

1.  30.26 NOV. 1916 TO AUG. 1918
2.  30.88 DEC. 1916 TO SEP. 1918
3.  31.36 OCT. 1916 TO JUL. 1918
4.  31.41 JUL. 1954 TO APR. 1956
5.  31.53 JUN. 1954 TO MAR. 1956
6.  31.55 JAN. 1954 TO OCT. 1955
7.  31.58 APR. 1955 TO JAN. 1957
8.  31.86 MAR. 1955 TO DEC. 1956
9.  31.94 FEB. 1954 TO NOV. 1955
10. 32.67 MAR. 1954 TO DEC. 1955
…
21. 33.82 SEP. 2007 TO JUN. 28, 2009
22. 33.97 MAY  1955 TO FEB. 1957

WITH ONLY 2 DAYS LEFT THIS JUNE…JUNE 2009 IS SO FAR THE
2ND WARMEST JUNE AT AUSTIN MABRY…THE 8TH WARMEST AT AUSTIN
BERGSTROM…A TIE WITH 1980 FOR THE 5TH WARMEST JUNE AT DEL RIO…
AND THE 4TH WARMEST JUNE AT SAN ANTONIO.  THE LIST BELOW SHOWS THE
WARMEST JUNES OF RECORD.  THE DATA FOR 2009 IS FOR JUNE 1ST TO
28TH…SO WITH STILL 2 DAYS LEFT THE FINAL FIGURES FOR JUNE 2009
COULD CHANGE.

AUSTIN MABRY 1854 TO 2009

1.  87.4  2008
2.  86.6  JUNE 1 TO 28…2009
3.  86.4  1998
4.  86.3  1925
5.  85.9  1881 AND 1990

AUSTIN BERGSTROM 1943 TO 2009

1.  86.8  1953              5.  84.9  1958 AND 1990
2.  86.5  1998              6.  84.6  1994
3.  85.4  1956 AND 2008     7.  84.5  1948…1960 AND 1980
4.  85.1  1954              8.  84.3  JUNE 1 TO 28…2009

DEL RIO 1906 TO 2009

1.  89.4  1953             
2.  89.1  1998             
4.  87.8  1990 AND 1996
5.  87.2  1980 AND JUNE 1 TO 28…2009
6.  87.1  2008

SAN ANTONIO 1885 TO 2009

1.  87.5  1990
2.  86.8  2008
3.  86.3  1998
4.  86.1  JUNE 1 TO 28…2009
5.  85.2  1934

OTHER RECORDS THAT ARE RARE EVENTS…FOR JUNE 2009 FROM JUNE 20TH TO
JUNE 28TH…AUSTIN MABRY AND AUSTIN BERGSTROM HAD 9 100 DEGREE DAYS
IN A ROW.  THIS BROKE THE OLD RECORD OF 6 IN A ROW DURING JUNE AT
AUSTIN BERGSTROM IN JUNE 1953…AND THE RECORD OF 8 IN A ROW AT
AUSTIN MABRY…IN JUNE 1925.  SAN ANTONIO HAS HAD 5 100 DEGREE DAYS
IN A ROW FROM JUNE 12 TO 16 AND AGAIN FROM JUNE 24 TO 28 IN 2009. 
THE JUNE RECORD AT SAN ANTONIO FOR 100 DEGREE DAYS IN A ROW WAS 11
IN JUNE 1990.

THE ALL TIME GREATEST NUMBER OF 100 DEGREE DAYS IN A ROW
AT AUSTIN…DEL RIO…AND SAN ANTONIO IS LISTED BELOW.

DEL RIO…………50 FROM JUNE 17 TO AUGUST 5…1980
AUSTIN BERGSTROM…23 FROM JULY 27 TO AUGUST 18…1951
AUSTIN MABRY…….21 FROM JULY 12 TO AUGUST 1…2001
SAN ANTONIO……..21 FROM JULY 24 TO AUGUST 13…1962

SO FAR JUNE HAS BEEN VERY DRY AT AUSTIN AND SAN ANTONIO…WITH ONLY
0.45 INCHES AT SAN ANTONIO…0.96 INCHES AT AUSTIN MABRY AND 0.66
INCHES AT AUSTIN BERGSTROM THROUGH JUNE 28TH.  DEL RIO HAS HAD 2.69
INCHES OF RAIN SO FAR.  THE FINAL FIGURES FOR JUNE 2009 COULD STILL
CHANGE WITH 2 DAYS LEFT TO GO IN THE MONTH.

 These pups know how to keep cool! Thanks to Rick McTague for sending in this pic of Bomber and Chadwick. You can email weather pictures to weather@kxan.com.

Keep the pool out for tomorrow too! The heat advisory for Central Texas has been extended again through Monday to account for temperatures near 100 and heat index values between 105-110. Even though our temps are not expected to be as hot as last week, more moisture ahead of a frontal boundary will make for the dangerous heat index values.

Heat Advisory

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AUSTIN/SAN ANTONIO TX
1043 AM CDT SUN JUN 28 2009

...A HEAT ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR PARTS OF SOUTH CENTRAL TEXAS
THROUGH 7 PM MONDAY...

.THE HEAT ADVISORY COVERS TWO AREAS...ONE GENERALLY ALONG AND
EAST OF AUSTIN AND SAN ANTONIO...AND ANOTHER AREA COVERING THE
RIO GRANDE PLAINS ALONG AND WEST OF BRACKETTVILLE TO CATARINA.
VERY HOT TEMPERATURES BETWEEN 100 AND 105 DEGREES COMBINED WITH
HEAT INDICES BETWEEN 105 TO 110 DEGREES WILL MAKE FOR OPPRESSIVE
HEAT THROUGH MONDAY. IN ADDITION EARLY MORNING LOWS WILL ONLY
BRIEFLY FALL INTO THE MID TO UPPER 70S TO NEAR 80.

TXZ173-183-191>194-202-205>209-217-218-221>225-228-290400-
/O.CON.KEWX.HT.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-090630T0000Z/
WILLIAMSON-VAL VERDE-HAYS-TRAVIS-BASTROP-LEE-KINNEY-BEXAR-COMAL-
GUADALUPE-CALDWELL-FAYETTE-MAVERICK-ZAVALA-WILSON-KARNES-GONZALES-
DE WITT-LAVACA-DIMMIT-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...GEORGETOWN...DEL RIO...SAN MARCOS...
AUSTIN...BASTROP...GIDDINGS...BRACKETTVILLE...SAN ANTONIO...
NEW BRAUNFELS...SEGUIN...LOCKHART...LA GRANGE...EAGLE PASS...
CRYSTAL CITY...FLORESVILLE...KARNES CITY...GONZALES...CUERO...
HALLETTSVILLE...CARRIZO SPRINGS
1043 AM CDT SUN JUN 28 2009

...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT MONDAY...

EXPECT HIGH TEMPERATURES TODAY AND MONDAY TO BE AROUND 100 TO 103
DEGREES...WITH AFTERNOON HEAT INDICES REACHING 105 PLUS IN SOME
LOCATIONS WITHIN THE ADVISORY AREA. EARLY MORNING LOW TEMPERATURES
WILL ONLY FALL INTO THE MID 70S TO AROUND 80...WITH MOST AREAS
FALLING BELOW 80 DEGREES FOR ONLY AN HOUR OR TWO.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A HEAT ADVISORY MEANS THAT A PERIOD OF HOT TEMPERATURES IS
EXPECTED. THE COMBINATION OF HOT TEMPERATURES AND HIGH HUMIDITY
WILL COMBINE TO CREATE A SITUATION IN WHICH HEAT ILLNESSES ARE
POSSIBLE. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS...STAY IN AN AIR-CONDITIONED
ROOM...STAY OUT OF THE SUN...AND CHECK UP ON RELATIVES AND
NEIGHBORS.

A frontal boundary has moved into north Texas and stalled out this afternoon. A line of scattered t-storms from Del Rio to Abilene is moving west. They’ll diminish once we lose the daytime heating. The front will sink slightly further south overnight Sunday and into Monday and could become the catalyst for a few showers or storms to develop Monday afternoon with peak daytime heating (about a 20% chance). Storms that develop will diminish quickly after the sun sets. Rain totals should remain around or under a half inch. Wet weather could develop again on Tuesday as the front washes out. Temperatures will remain above our normal of 93 but not as hot as last week.

 More dangerous heat is expected this weekend. A heat advisory has been extended through Sunday for temperatures over 100 and heat index values nearing 110.

Heat Advisory

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE...CORRECTED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AUSTIN/SAN ANTONIO TX
1128 AM CDT SAT JUN 27 2009

...A HEAT ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR PARTS OF SOUTH CENTRAL TEXAS
THROUGH 7 PM SUNDAY...

.THE HEAT ADVISORY COVERS TWO AREAS...ONE GENERALLY ALONG AND
EAST OF AUSTIN AND SAN ANTONIO...AND ANOTHER AREA COVERING THE RIO
GRANDE PLAINS ALONG AND WEST OF BRACKETTVILLE TO CATARINA. VERY HOT
TEMPERATURES BETWEEN 100 AND 105 DEGREES COMBINED WITH HEAT INDICES
BETWEEN 105 TO 110 DEGREES WILL MAKE FOR OPPRESSIVE HEAT THE NEXT
FEW DAYS. IN ADDITION EARLY MORNING LOWS WILL ONLY BRIEFLY FALL
INTO THE MID TO UPPER 70S TO NEAR 80.

TXZ173-191>194-205>209-221>225-280915-
/O.CON.KEWX.HT.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-090629T0000Z/
WILLIAMSON-HAYS-TRAVIS-BASTROP-LEE-BEXAR-COMAL-GUADALUPE-CALDWELL-
FAYETTE-WILSON-KARNES-GONZALES-DE WITT-LAVACA-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...GEORGETOWN...SAN MARCOS...AUSTIN...
BASTROP...GIDDINGS...SAN ANTONIO...NEW BRAUNFELS...SEGUIN...
LOCKHART...LA GRANGE...FLORESVILLE...KARNES CITY...GONZALES...
CUERO...HALLETTSVILLE
1128 AM CDT SAT JUN 27 2009

...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT SUNDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN AUSTIN/SAN ANTONIO HAS ISSUED A
HEAT ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT SUNDAY.

EXPECT HIGH TEMPERATURES TODAY AND SUNDAY TO BE AROUND 100 TO 104
DEGREES...WITH AFTERNOON HEAT INDICES REACHING 105 TO 110 DEGREES
FOR MUCH OF THE ADVISORY AREA. EARLY MORNING LOW TEMPERATURES
WILL ONLY FALL INTO THE MID 70S TO AROUND 80...WITH MOST AREAS
FALLING BELOW 80 DEGREES FOR AN HOUR OR TWO.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A HEAT ADVISORY MEANS THAT A PERIOD OF HOT TEMPERATURES IS
EXPECTED. THE COMBINATION OF HOT TEMPERATURES AND HIGH HUMIDITY
WILL COMBINE TO CREATE A SITUATION IN WHICH HEAT ILLNESSES ARE
POSSIBLE. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS...STAY IN AN AIR-CONDITIONED
ROOM...STAY OUT OF THE SUN...AND CHECK UP ON RELATIVES AND
NEIGHBORS.

Dry soil helps the air near the surface heat quickly. So with high pressure keeping dry hot conditions in place, our current drought situation is just one more factor making the heat wave worse. Here’s the latest from the US Drought Monitor and a drought forecast that’s not banking on any improvement through September:

Latest Seasonal Assessment - Continued hot, dry weather will likely lead to an expansion of drought across eastern Texas during the latter part of June. Farther south, some moisture may benefit South Texas, but no significant relief is forecast for the historical drought covering south-central Texas. The odds for improvement increase in northern Texas, where prospects range from limited improvement to more significant improvement. The best chance for improvement extends from western Texas into New Mexico. Above-normal rains are forecast early in the period for this area, and the summer thunderstorm season that runs from July into September is expected to offer additional relief. Shower activity is forecast to bring some improvement to the Oklahoma Panhandle, while small drought areas in central Oklahoma are forecast to merge. In the West, unseasonable rains during the first half of June brought some drought relief, especially for Oregon and Idaho. Although above-normal rains are forecast for the latter part of June over the Northwest, amounts are expected to be less than observed earlier in the month, and the July-September period is typically not favorable for drought relief. As a consequence, drought should largely persist from California and Nevada into southern Oregon. The long-standing drought in northern Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota is forecast to improve, thanks in part to heavy rains forecast for the early stages of the forecast period. Drought in Hawaii is likely to continue to expand.

 In the short term, Monday the upper level ridge shifts west. This could allow a frontal boundary to slip south and weak disturbances to bring minimal chances for showers and thunderstorms to Central Texas Monday and Tuesday. Temperatures though will remain hot, above our normal of 93 for this time of year.

  With the temperature in Austin climbing to 107 degrees–the second hottest June day on record–today is the third day in a row with record-breaking heat here in Central Texas, and very little relief is in our forecast.  Today is also the 12th day this month we have reached 100 or above, which also happens to be the average number of 100 degree days for an entire summer! 

While it is certain this month will be in the top four hottest Junes ever, it still won’t be as bad as last year, when by this date, we had reached 100 degrees 18 times, as June 2008 became the hottest on record–and that’s a record dating back over 150 years.

There is also a Level Orange Pollution Watch in effect today and tomorrow.  Details on that, and additional information regarding the Heat Advisory are located below.  Here are the Heat Advisory graphics from the National Weather Service:

 URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE…UPDATED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE AUSTIN/SAN ANTONIO TX

…A HEAT ADVISORY HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE PARTS OF SOUTH CENTRAL
TEXAS AND THE COASTAL PLAINS THROUGH 7 PM SATURDAY…

.THE HEAT ADVISORY IS GENERALLY ALONG AND EAST OF A LINE FROM
JUST SOUTH OF SAN ANTONIO TO JUST NORTH OF AUSTIN. VERY HOT
TEMPERATURES BETWEEN 100 AND 105 DEGREES COMBINED WITH HEAT
INDICIES BETWEEN 105 TO 110 DEGREES WILL MAKE FOR OPPRESSIVE HEAT
FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS. IN ADDITION EARLY MORNING LOWS WILL
ONLY BRIEFLY DIP INTO THE UPPER 70S TO NEAR 80.

WILLIAMSON-HAYS-TRAVIS-BASTROP-LEE-BEXAR-COMAL-GUADALUPE-CALDWELL-
FAYETTE-ATASCOSA-WILSON-KARNES-GONZALES-DE WITT-LAVACA-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF…GEORGETOWN…SAN MARCOS…AUSTIN…
BASTROP…GIDDINGS…SAN ANTONIO…NEW BRAUNFELS…SEGUIN…
LOCKHART…LA GRANGE…PLEASANTON…FLORESVILLE…KARNES CITY…
GONZALES…CUERO…HALLETTSVILLE

VERY HOT TEMPERATURES BETWEEN 100 AND 105 DEGREES COMBINED WITH
HEAT INDICIES BETWEEN 105 TO 110 DEGREES WILL MAKE FOR OPPRESSIVE
HEAT FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS. IN ADDITION…EARLY MORNING LOW
ONLY BRIEFLY DIP INTO THE UPPER 70S TO NEAR 80 DEGREES. THIS
COMBINATION WILL MAKE IT DANGEROUS FOR ELDERLY WITHOUT AIR
CONDITIONING AND FOR PERSONS WORKING IN THE OUTDOORS FOR EXTENDED
PERIODS OF TIME.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A HEAT ADVISORY MEANS THAT A PERIOD OF HOT TEMPERATURES IS
EXPECTED. THE COMBINATION OF HOT TEMPERATURES AND HIGH HUMIDITY
WILL COMBINE TO CREATE A SITUATION IN WHICH HEAT ILLNESSES ARE
POSSIBLE. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS…STAY IN AN AIR-CONDITIONED
ROOM…STAY OUT OF THE SUN…AND CHECK UP ON RELATIVES AND
NEIGHBORS.

Central Texas is Under a Level Orange Pollution Watch

Conditions are forecast to be favorable for high ozone levels on Friday. The Ozone Watch is valid for the next day so that citizens, businesses and industry can plan ahead to take steps to reduce the pollutants that contribute to ozone formation.

The area affected by this Ozone WATCH encompasses the Central Texas region of Hays, Travis, Williamson, Caldwell and Bastrop Counties.

Individuals with chronic lung disease, such as asthma and emphysema, as well as the elderly and young children, are particularly sensitive to ground-level ozone and should attempt to avoid exposure by minimizing exertion outdoors. For more information on ground-level ozone, please visit www.cleanairforce.org and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

You can reduce air pollution emissions by simply doing the following:

WHAT IS AN OZONE WATCH?
You will be notified by email a day in advance, generally by 2 p.m., when there is an Ozone Watch which occurs when conditions are forecast to be favorable for high ozone levels the following day in Central Texas. The Ozone Watch is valid for the next day so that citizens, businesses and industry can plan ahead to take steps to reduce the pollutants that contribute to ozone formation. Proactive steps include telecommuting, carpooling, combining errands into one trip, and refueling after 6 p.m. Please visit www.cleanairforce.org and www.cleanairpartnerstx.org for more information on examples of proactive measures.

WHAT IS AN OZONE WARNING?
An Ozone Warning means that high levels of ozone are currently being measured at one or more monitoring sites in the Central Texas area. You will be notified by email approximately 20-30 minutes after the hour when the high ozone was measured and the warnings continue in effect as long as high ozone levels are measured.

Deanna Altenhoff Executive Director CLEAN AIR Force of Central Texas 301 Congress Avenue, Suite 650 Austin, Texas 78701 deanna@cleanairforce.org (512) 225-7776

  This heat wave is really becoming dangerous, not only for humans, but for your pets too.  I just read a heart-breaking story of seven show dogs in Iowa that were left in a van and perished due to the heat.  Please keep in mind the following from healthypet.com: 

Heatstroke
You’ve heard of it, you knew it affected people, and you were even vaguely aware that it could affect your pet. But how does it happen? And most important, how can you help your pet avoid it? Heatstroke is a deadly disease that can kill your beloved companion, even with emergency treatment. The best way to avoid this terrible situation is prevention, and it’s all up to you.

Sun + humidity = heatstroke (and other factors that kill)
Everyone knows that the inside of a car on a hot summer’s day can be lethal. But Fido needs you to know more than that to keep him safe in the deadly sun. Days above 90 degrees, especially with high humidity, are inherently dangerous for your pet. Humidity interferes with animals’ ability to rid themselves of excess body heat. When we overheat we sweat, and when the sweat dries it takes excess heat with it. Our four-legged friends only perspire around their paws, which is not enough to cool the body. To rid themselves of excess heat, animals pant. Air moves through the nasal passages, which picks up excess heat from the body. As it is expelled through the mouth, the extra heat leaves along with it. Although this is a very efficient way to control body heat, it is severely limited in areas of high humidity or when the animal is in close quarters. The shape of an animal’s nasal passages can contribute to an animal’s tendency to overheat. Brachiocephalic (pug-nosed) dogs are more prone to heatstroke because their nasal passages are smaller and it’s more difficult for them to circulate sufficient air for cooling. Overweight dogs are also more prone to overheating because their extra layers of fat act as insulation, which traps heat in their bodies and restricts their breathing capabilities. Age can also be a factor in an animal’s tendency to overheat–very young animals may not have a fully developed temperature regulating system, and older pets’ organ systems may not be functioning at 100 percent, leaving them prone to heat-related damage.

Cracking the windows doesn’t cut it
So where are the danger zones? The most obvious is your car: It can become a death trap even on a mild sunny day–and can insidiously raise the car’s temperature to well above 120 degrees! Never, ever leave your pet inside the car. If Fido can’t come with you when you get out of the car, leave him at home. What are some other dangerous situations for your pets? Leaving animals outdoors without shelter is just as dangerous as leaving them inside a hot car. Be sure they are not left in a cage in the hot sun, on a chain in the backyard, or outdoors in a run without sufficient shade or air circulation.

Their lives are in your hands
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you suspect your pet has heatstroke, you must act quickly and calmly. Have someone call a veterinarian immediately. In the meantime, lower the animal’s body temperature by applying towels soaked in cool water to the hairless areas of the body. Often the pet will respond after only a few minutes of cooling, only to falter again with his temperature soaring back up or falling to well below what is normal. With this in mind, remember that it is imperative to get the animal to a veterinarian immediately. Once your pet is in the veterinarian’s care, treatment may include further cooling techniques, intravenous fluid therapy to counter shock, or medication to prevent or reverse brain damage. Even with emergency treatment, heatstroke can be fatal. The best cure is prevention, and Fido and Fluffy are relying on you to keep them out of harm’s way. Summer does not have to be fraught with peril–with ample precaution, both you and your furry friends can enjoy those long, hot, dog-days of summer.

Signs of Heatstroke

•  Panting
•  Staring
•  Anxious expression
•  Refusal to obey commands
•  Warm, dry skin
•  High fever
•  Rapid heartbeat
•  Vomiting
•  Collapse

Precautions to take if your pet lives outdoors

•  Ensure adequate shelter from sun/midday heat
•  Outdoor kennels should be well-ventilated and in the shade
•  Provide plenty of fresh water in a bowl that cannot be tipped over
•  Avoid excessive exercise on hot days
•  Talk with your local veterinarian to determine if your long-haired Fido needs a summer haircut

                                              Central Texas is Under a Level Orange Ozone Watch

Conditions are forecast to be favorable for high ozone levels on Thursday. The Ozone Watch is valid for the next day so that citizens, businesses and industry can plan ahead to take steps to reduce the pollutants that contribute to ozone formation.

The area affected by this Ozone WATCH encompasses the Central Texas region of Hays, Travis, Williamson, Caldwell and Bastrop Counties.

Individuals with chronic lung disease, such as asthma and emphysema, as well as the elderly and young children, are particularly sensitive to ground-level ozone and should attempt to avoid exposure by minimizing exertion outdoors. For more information on ground-level ozone, please visit www.cleanairforce.org and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

You can reduce air pollution emissions by simply doing the following:

WHAT IS AN OZONE WATCH?
You will be notified by email a day in advance, generally by 2 p.m., when there is an Ozone Watch which occurs when conditions are forecast to be favorable for high ozone levels the following day in Central Texas. The Ozone Watch is valid for the next day so that citizens, businesses and industry can plan ahead to take steps to reduce the pollutants that contribute to ozone formation. Proactive steps include telecommuting, carpooling, combining errands into one trip, and refueling after 6 p.m. Please visit www.cleanairforce.org and www.cleanairpartnerstx.org for more information on examples of proactive measures.

WHAT IS AN OZONE WARNING?
An Ozone Warning means that high levels of ozone are currently being measured at one or more monitoring sites in the Central Texas area. You will be notified by email approximately 20-30 minutes after the hour when the high ozone was measured and the warnings continue in effect as long as high ozone levels are measured.

Deanna Altenhoff Executive Director CLEAN AIR Force of Central Texas 301 Congress Avenue, Suite 650 Austin, Texas 78701 deanna@cleanairforce.org (512) 225-7776