SAN ANTONIO — The official start of summer doesn't kick off until Wednesday, but 100-degree heat has taken hold of San Antonio.
In fact, San Antonio remains Excessive Heat Warning until 9 p.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. Heat-index levels, which take into account humidity levels, have it feeling between 105 and 120 degrees most days this week.
The afternoons are most dangerous; that's when temperatures are at their highest and when residents should be exercise extreme caution when outdoors.
There's no sizeable chance at storms this week as the high-pressure pattern takes hold and puts a scorcher on the city. San Antonians want to have sunscreen and make sure to check those AC filters.
Here's how to stay prepared during the heat:
- Take frequent breaks if you work outdoors, and watch out for coworkers.
- Drink plenty of water. Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing.
- Check on family and friends who do not have AC.
- Check on your animals, and provide fresh water for them often.
- Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest parts of the day.
What to look for in heat-related illnesses:
- Heat exhaustion - Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, or fainting.
- Heat stroke - Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees). Red, hot or dry skin with no sweat, rapid or strong pulse, confusion or unconsciousness.
It's especially important, too, that pets or children aren't left unattended in vehicles this week. When it's 80 degrees outside, it takes just 10 minutes for temperatures inside cars to reach 99 degrees, according to the NWS. After 30 minutes, temps inside the car will hit 114.
Hydration is also incredibly important, especially when working or exercising outside during near-100-degree weather. Here's how much you should be drinking during South Texas summers:
What about utilities?
CPS Energy's website can be used to determine where your thermostats should be set on any given day. Tuesday is a Green Day, meaning utility users can save money by setting their thermostat to 78 degrees in the summer while utilizing fans to create more cooling air.
Officials with San Antonio Water System, meanwhile, say that while they don't anticipate heat-related infrastructure issues on individual properties, water main breaks do become more common as the ground dries and soil shifts. Residents can report any main breaks by calling SAWS at 210-704-7297.
In the meantime, SAWS officials also say residents should still be adhering to State 2 water restrictions, which helps keep bills manageable.
