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BS: Texas Doing a Bad Job at Looking After Its Residents, Again.

It's climate change y'all. Wake up! Austin faces 107-degree highs and a painful streak of 100-degree days. Stay safe. Here's a list of public relief options: pools, splash pads, and cooling centers. It's only going to get hotter, so adapt now!

Published August 19, 2024 at 12:09pm by Rachel Royster

As Extreme Heat Ravages Austin, the City Offers Some Relief to Its Most Vulnerable Residents

This week, Austin, Texas will swelter under oppressive heat with daily highs reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the hottest days so far this summer. While many will struggle to stay cool, the city is providing much-needed relief to its residents, especially those without access to air conditioning or other cooling resources.

A String of Dangerous Heat

According to the National Weather Service, Monday's high is predicted to be a scorching 104 degrees, with even higher temperatures on Tuesday (107) and Wednesday (106). The city will only slightly cool down towards the end of the week, with highs still remaining above 100 degrees. This string of extreme heat will mark 12 consecutive days of temperatures above 100 degrees, the longest stretch Austin has endured this year.

Heat Advisory and Precautions

The NWS has issued a heat advisory through 8 p.m. Monday, and residents can check online for any extensions:

It is crucial that all residents take necessary precautions to stay safe during this extreme heat wave. Austinites are urged to stay hydrated, minimize outdoor activities, and check on vulnerable neighbors, such as the elderly or those without access to cooling resources.

Cooling Centers: Offering a Breath of Fresh Air

The city of Austin has opened several cooling centers across the city, providing residents with a place to escape the oppressive heat. These centers are typically open during regular business hours and offer a respite from the outdoors. Here is a list of cooling centers across Austin:

Alamo Recreation Center (2100 Alamo St.)
Asian American Resource Center (8401 Cameron Road)
Austin Central Library, Austin Public Library (710 W Cesar Chavez St.)
Austin Nature & Science Center (2389 Stratford Drive)
... [For the full list, see below]

Public Pools and Splash Pads: A Momentary Escape from the Heat

Austin offers a wide range of public pools and splash pads for residents to cool off. There are 34 public pools, including regional, community, and neighborhood pools, as well as Barton Springs Pool. Six of these pools require an entry fee:

Bartholomew
Barton Springs
Deep Eddy
Springwoods
Northwest
Garrison

For those seeking a quick dip year-round, the following pools are open:

Bartholomew (1800 E 51st St.)
Barton Springs (2131 William Barton Drive)
Big Stacy (700 E Live Oak St.)
... [See below for the full list, including seasonal pools]

Austin also boasts 10 splash pads provided by the city's Parks and Recreation department, offering children and families a fun and refreshing break from the heat. These splash pads are open until October 31:

Bailey Splash Pad (1201 W 33rd St.)
Bartholomew Splash Pad (5201 Berkman Drive)
Chestnut Splash Pad (2205 E 16th St.)
... [See below for the full list]

Stay Safe, Austin!

As Austin endures this extreme heat, it is crucial that residents take advantage of the resources available to stay safe and healthy. Check on your neighbors, stay hydrated, and seek out cooling centers, pools, or splash pads near you. This heat wave is a reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its devastating impacts. Stay woke, Austin, and stay cool!