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Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Austin opens cooling centers ahead of Texas heat wave this week. See map, hours
Texas is bracing for a relentless and potentially historic heat wave this week, with dangerously high temperatures expected statewide, especially in Central and South Texas, where highs will surpass 100 degrees. The National Weather Service warns that the early-season heat wave, fueled by a strong high-pressure system, will bring hazardous conditions from Tuesday through the weekend, with temperatures climbing up to 20 degrees above normal. Cities like Encinal and Cotulla are forecast to see extreme highs reaching 113 degrees. Maps from the weather service also show the heat moving eastward, and by Friday, May 16, highs in the 80s and 90s could reach New York. This sudden spike in heat follows weeks of stormy and cooler-than-average weather in late April and early May — conditions that align with the Farmers' Almanac's seasonal outlook. In anticipation of the sweltering temperatures hitting Central Texas, Austin's Homeless Strategy Office alerted over 3,500 people via its text messaging system Monday morning. The alerts warned residents to take precautions and provided information about the city's cooling centers. "These facilities are meant to serve as a temporary reprieve from the heat during normal operating hours," the news release from the City of Austin states. "Service animals, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, are allowed in City facilities." Here's where you can find cooling centers throughout Austin. Austin's cooling centers include Austin Public Library branches and recreation centers. Check the above map for information regarding extended hours and temporary closures. You can also visit The Dougherty Arts Center, which typically operates as a cooling center, is unavailable all summer for construction and repairs. Asian American Resource Center: 8401 Cameron RdMonday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Austin Nature & Science Center: 2389 Stratford DrMonday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 12-5 p.m. Austin Recreation Center: 1301 Shoal Creek BlvdMonday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Sunday 12-4 p.m. Conley-Guerrero Senior Activity Center: 808 Nile StMonday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Delores Duffie Recreation Center: 1182 N Pleasant Valley RdMonday-Thursday 1-9 p.m., Friday 1-6 p.m. Dittmar Recreation Center: 1009 W Dittmar RdMain Rec Center: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-6 Monday-Friday 12-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.- 4p.m. Dottie Jordan Recreation Center: 2803 Loyola LnMonday-Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center: 5801 Ainez DrMonday-Friday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 12-4 p.m. George Washington Carver Museum: 1165 Angelina StMonday-Wednesday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Givens Recreation Center: 3811 E 12th St #1936Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 12-4 p.m. Gustavo "Gus" L. Garcia Recreation Center: 1201 E Rundberg LnMonday-Friday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m. Hancock Recreation Center: 811 E 41st StMonday-Friday 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Lamar Senior Activity Center: 2874 Shoal Crest AveMonday/Wednesday: 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Tuesday/Thursday 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Lorraine "Grandma" Camacho Activity Center: 35 Robert T Martinez Jr StMonday-Friday 1-6 p.m. McBeth Recreation Center: 2401 Columbus DrMonday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Montopolis Recreation and Community Center: 1200 Montopolis DrMonday-Friday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Northwest Recreation Center: 2913 Northland DrMonday-Thursday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Pan Am Recreation Center: 2100 E 43rd StMonday-Thursday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center: 2608 Gonzales StMonday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Pickfair Community Center: 10904 Pickfair DrMonday-Friday 2-6 p.m. Rodolfo "Rudy" Mendez Recreation Center: 2407 Canterbury StMonday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. South Austin Recreation Center: 1100 Cumberland RdMonday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m. South Austin Senior Activity Center: 3911 Menchaca RdMonday, Thursday, Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Wednesday 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Turner Roberts Recreation Center: 7201 Colony Loop DrMonday-Friday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m. Austin Central Library, Austin Public Library: 710 W Cesar Chavez StMonday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 12-5 p.m. Carver Branch, Austin Public Library: 1161 Angelina StMonday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Cepeda Branch, Austin Public Library: 651 N Pleasant Valley RdMonday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Hampton Branch at Oak Hill, Austin Public Library: 5125 Convict Hill RdMonday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Howson Branch, Austin Public Library: 2500 Exposition BlvdMonday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. John Gillum Branch, Austin Public Library: 2505 Steck AveMonday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Milwood Branch, Austin Public Library: 12500 Amherst DrMonday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Old Quarry Branch, Austin Public Library: 7051 Village Center DrMonday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Pleasant Hill Branch, Austin Public Library: 211 E William Cannon DrMonday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Ruiz Branch, Austin Public Library: 1600 Grove BlvdMonday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 12-5 p.m. Southeast Branch, Austin Public Library: 5804 Nuckols Crossing RdMonday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Spicewood Springs Branch, Austin Public Library: 8637 Spicewood Springs RdMonday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 12-5 p.m. St. John Branch, Austin Public Library: 7500 Blessing AveMonday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Terrazas Branch, Austin Public Library: 1105 E Cesar Chavez StMonday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Twin Oaks Branch, Austin Public Library: 1800 S 5th StMonday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. University Hills Branch, Austin Public Library: 4721 Loyola LnMonday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Willie Mae Kirk Branch, Austin Public Library: 3101 Oak Springs DrMonday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Windsor Park Branch, Austin Public Library: 5833 Westminster DrMonday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Yarborough Branch, Austin Public Library: 2200 Hancock DrMonday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin opens cooling centers amid Texas heat wave: See map, hours
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Austin weather: City preparing for triple-digit heat this week
The Brief Central Texas is expected to get triple-digit temperatures this week The City of Austin is preparing for this incoming heat wave May 14 could be the hottest May afternoon ever in Austin AUSTIN, Texas - With triple-digit temperatures expected this week, Austinites and city departments are preparing for the heat. The backstory "Each day we're going to be breaking record highs starting on Tuesday, May 13, and that stretch could last all the way through the weekend. If we hit 103 or 104 on Wednesday, that'll be the hottest May afternoon ever for Austin," Zack Shields, FOX 7 meteorologist said. He says this level of heat this early in the year comes from a combination of drought and wind. "The ground is very dry, even though we've had some recent rains, then you factor in a huge dome of high pressure that's going to be pushing down on us," he said. "The wind coming in from the Southwest, that's a down-sloping wind. It compresses the air, heats it up even more to record levels." Why you should care The Austin Fire Department says they expect to see a spike in heat-related calls. "We're preparing for the hot summer once again," Division Chief Mark Bridges said. First responders recommend you stay hydrated and try to avoid strenuous activity in the afternoon. Also, know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. "If you're out, and you're not feeling right, you start sweating profusely, your pulse rate gets high, cool and clammy skin, that means you need to stop what you're doing, hydrate and get out of the heat," Bridges said. Signs of heat stroke include no sweating, hot skin, and loss of consciousness. If you see that, call 911. Big picture view The Homeless Strategy Office has notified the more than 3,500 people who have signed up for its text alert system, warning them of the heat and informing them where they can cool off. Branches of Austin Public Library and Park and Recreation's rec centers can be used as cooling centers during operating hours. Service animals are allowed. For a list of cooling centers, click here. With the heat, also beware of wildfire danger. If you're grilling, be careful. Don't have chains dragging from vehicles. "The hotter it gets and the longer it stays that way, the increased risk of wildfire comes about again, so we want to encourage everyone to just be responsible," Bridges said. Bridges also recommends getting your AC checked before the high temperatures arrive. AFD also has a free Structural Ignition Zone Evaluation program, where firefighters can evaluate your property to reduce your wildfire risk. Local perspective Some Austinites are ready for the heat. "Absolutely, can't wait, going on the lake paddleboarding all week," John Turman said. Others are making some changes to their routine, like Ethan Fitzpatrick and his dog. "That's why we're out here early right now. We already got the 89-degree heat coming in today, so we're trying to become a morning person out here and sort of transition," Fitzpatrick said. The Source Information from interviews conducted by FOX 7 Austin's Angela Shen
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Vocal Texas calls on city of Austin to provide better resources, affordable housing for homeless
The Brief A nonprofit is calling on the city to provide better resources and affordable housing for the homeless. Vocal Texas has started a petition and so far has collected hundreds of signatures. The organization plans to present their petition to the city by May. AUSTIN, Texas - Vocal Texas is calling on the city of Austin to provide better resources and affordable housing for the homeless. The nonprofit has started a petition and so far has collected hundreds of signatures. What we know Vocal Texas was joined by a group of homeless individuals at a rally in downtown Austin. Those gathered were "vocal" about their concern about affordable housing in Austin and the many roadblocks those seeking shelter face. What they're saying " I came to stay with a family member that didn't work out, went to the streets and was looking for resources in the city. I heard it was a great city, and ran into so many roadblocks along the way ", said Maurika Smith. Smith is currently homeless with a master's degree and says being homeless is a difficult cycle to get out of. "People think, oh, being homeless, oh you should be, okay, you don't have any bills, you don' have anything to worry about, you can go work. You know, I have all my limbs, they all work, I should be able to go find a job. I have degrees. Well, it's not that easy. You need stability. And what provides stability? Having a home," said Smith. Dig deeper This month, the City of Austin's Homeless Strategy Office announced a collaboration with the nonprofit organization Housing Connector to match those in need with vacant homes. This comes after the city received nearly $2 million in funding last year. City of Austin prioritizing funding for homeless response Proposed Texas law would crack down on cities not enforcing state homeless camping ban Marshalling Yard temporary shelter funded through September 2025 A portion of those funds are also being used for the Housing Barrier Reduction Program, which offers financial support to those that earn less than $21,000 a year. In October, the Homeless Strategy Office reported that there are close to 6,600 homeless people in the City of Austin. What they're saying Vocal Texas co-director Paulette Soltani argues more needs to be done. "There was a recent study that came out. In the last month that highlighted that Austin was kind of leading the nation in developing affordable housing. And what folks here in our space talked about was that they aren't seeing any of those units," said Soltani. "A lot of people can't even get through the door to a housing application because criminal histories block them from even having that opportunity and so we're hoping to work with the city to ensure that there's an improvement," Soltani added. What's next Vocal Texas has created a petition aiming to bring the numbers of homeless persons in Austin down. "We have over 500 petition signatures right now of people who are unhoused, who are impacted by this criminal history issue and also by the lack of affordable housing. We'll be delivering that petition to our city leaders soon and continuing to push forward to find the policy solutions that we know the city can be responsible for," said Soltani. The organization plans to present their petition to the city by May. The Source Information in this report comes from reporting/interviews from FOX 7 Austin's Tan Radford.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Austin isn't fully prepared for extreme heat, city report says
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Heat is responsible for more deaths than any other form of extreme weather, but the city of Austin isn't fully prepared to combat it. The information was revealed after a new report was published by the city of Austin's Office of the City Auditor. While the city was found to have made 'significant efforts to build heat resilience,' lack of clear funding and coordination between city departments is holding the city back. These issues are directly impacting much of the city's unhoused population. Between 2018 and 2023, nearly two dozen people experiencing homelessness died as a result of heat exposure, according to Homeless Strategy Officer David Gray. On Thursday, March 27, the city announced a new effort to find solutions for heat. The city's Office of Climate Action and Resilience and Homeless Strategy Office were awarded a $70,000 grant by C40 Cities. The funds will be used for two projects. 'We're working really closely with an organization called Urban Alchemy. They help community members in downtown and in the area experiencing homelessness, and what we want to do is work with them to, one, try out some kind of intervention, like a misting tent or bottled water or something, and then ask people, like, is it working? What's not working?' said Marc Coudert with the Office of Climate Action and Resilience. The second part of the project includes surveying people experiencing homelessness to determine their needs and what they think works. 'Then on our side, we're working closely with Austin Public Health, Homeless Strategy Office and other departments, who can sort of use that information to better make decisions around heat mitigation and heat safety,' Coudert said. While these funds could help mitigate some of the issues the city is facing, they're just a drop in the bucket. One example given in the city auditor's report focused on an inventory of the city's trees. Tree canopies can help reduce heat and the phenomenon known as the Urban Heat Island effect. In 2024, the city council noted a need for this inventory. City staff determined that inventory would cost around $10 million. Those funds have not yet been provided, according to the report. The report uses a tool developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to determine a city's readiness. Cities are rated from levels one to five. Austin was ranked between a level three and a level four on the scale. This means the city has 'guidance or regulations' in place to improve a city's infrastructure and plans in place to expand natural resources. The city has several plans in place, including a Heat Resilience Playbook and the Climate Equity Plan, however, the report found these plans lack concrete steps for implementation or measurable targets. Without these, the report said, 'the City may not be able to effectively monitor or evaluate its extreme heat resilience-related efforts.' The report found some funds exist for programs, but funding isn't always directly tied to heat resilience efforts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Homeless encampment in East Austin shut down due to 'high wildfire risk'
The Brief A homeless encampment in East Austin was shut down after the city said it was located on "high wildfire-risk" land It was near the intersection of westbound Ben White Boulevard and Montopolis Drive AFD responded to 35 fire-related calls at the encampment in 2024 AUSTIN, Texas - A homeless encampment in East Austin was shut down after the city said it was located on "high-wildfire-risk" land. The backstory The City of Austin's Homeless Strategy Office (HSO) said it shut down 37 acres of land near the intersection of westbound Ben White Boulevard and Montopolis Drive. Thirty-two people at the homeless encampment were moved to the Northbridge and Southbridge shelters. To learn more about homelessness in Austin, click here. Dig deeper The Austin Fire Department responded to 35 fire-related calls at the encampment in 2024. The encampment also bordered several infrastructures in East Austin. Due to that, and the land posing an elevated fire risk, the city shut it down. What they're saying "Through the HEAL Initiative, we are not just addressing immediate needs—we are working towards long-term solutions that create a safer, more resilient future for everyone. By tackling wildfire risks, providing crucial support to those in need, and prioritizing the well-being of all individuals, we are fostering a community that stands together," said David Gray, Homeless Strategy Officer. The Source Information from the City of Austin
