5 things to know amid heat wave

Austin could have its hottest week of the year, according to the National Weather Service, which is expecting triple-digit temperatures — as high as 104 — through at least Sunday. Here are five things to keep in mind:

1. Record heat possible: Temperatures could reach a sizzling 101 Tuesday and 102 Wednesday, and they could come close to matching the record highs of 105 Thursday and 104 Friday. Before Monday, the year had seen 14 days of triple-digit temperatures, but none since July 3.

2. Sahara dust remains: The weather service says the haziness from African dust carried by ocean winds into Texas will linger into Tuesday, and a ridge of high pressure will nudge southward and fend off any chance of moisture.

3. Watch out for kids, pets: Never leave young children or pets in locked vehicles, even with the windows cracked open. Interior vehicle temperatures can rise to lethal levels in minutes.

4. Stay hydrated: Try to limit outdoor activities to cooler times of the day, such as around dawn or dusk. If you must be outside, take frequent breaks in air-conditioned areas and drink plenty of water.

5. Lake is lowering: Lake Travis will be thirsty this week, too. The Lower Colorado River Authority reported that the lake was 68 percent full and its elevation was 658.8 feet above mean sea level, about 8.5 feet lower than the historical July average.

AMANDA VOISARD / AMERICAN-STATESMAN Luis Luna, 9, hikes an Austin greenbelt trail Monday seeking water to cool off in. He and his family began at Twin Falls, but it was dry, so they kept hiking toward Sculpture Falls.

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