Forget your weekend long run dreams, Austin. Today is a prime example of why you check more than just the current temperature before lacing up.
- That "clear" weather might sound appealing, but it's a trap. We're officially stepping into a "significant and dangerous" heat wave today, with temperatures expected to climb well above normal, even after dark. Austin-Travis County EMS is already swamped with heat-related illness calls, and it's only July.
- Good news for your lungs: The AQI is sitting pretty at 40. Bad news for literally everything else: that doesn't mean you won't melt.
- Your favorite routes are still a minefield. Construction and "emergency repairs" are causing ongoing headaches and detours on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. Hope you enjoy unexpected road running, because you'll be seeing plenty of it.
Weather & Air Quality
Look, the sky's clear and the AQI is good (40, dominant pollutant Ozone/Other). Your lungs are probably fine, assuming you don't spontaneously combust from the heat. Pollen's moderate, so if you're sensitive, pop an antihistamine and prepare for the usual Austin sniffles. But let's be real, that's the least of your worries.
| Pollen Type | Level |
|---|---|
| Overall Pollen | Moderate |
Heat Dome Alert: Today Kicks It Off
Alright, listen up. That heat we've all been dreading? It's here. A "long-lasting heat dome" is setting up shop over much of the U.S., including our beloved Central Texas, and it's expected to bring "record to near-record heat" from today through Monday. We're talking 8-14°C warmer than normal, even overnight. If you're out there between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m., expect heat index values that feel like 105-118°F. Seriously, nobody's immune, not even us "native Texans" who think we're tough. EMS has already seen 52 heat-related calls this month. Stay hydrated, wear light clothes, and for the love of all that is holy, take breaks in the shade. Your body will thank you, and so will our already stretched first responders.
Trail & Road Hazards
Austin's always under construction, and today is no different. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail is a patchwork of detours. You'll find sections narrowed on the north shore near the Confluence due to Austin Water emergency repairs, and the lattice bridge connecting Waterloo Greenway to the Waller Creek Boat House is fully closed. Starting Monday, get ready for another detour near the Barton Creek pedestrian bridge for "necessary tree work," rerouting you onto actual roads like Barton Springs Rd.
If you're anywhere near the I-35 corridor, expect chaos. The I-35 Capital Express Central Project means permanent closures of the northbound Riverside Drive exit and Holly Street entrance/exit. More importantly for us pedestrians and cyclists, the east-side I-35 pedestrian crossing is closed for about a year to build the new Lady Bird Lake Bridge. Your options are now South Congress or the shiny new Wishbone Pedestrian Bridge at Pleasant Valley. South Austin drivers, beware: I-35 mainlanes between Slaughter Lane and SH 71 are closed nightly tonight (Friday) and tomorrow night (Saturday) from 11 p.m. to 9 a.m. for elevated managed lanes work. That might not impact your morning run, but it'll definitely make getting to the good trails a pain in the ass.
Brush Fire in Travis County
On Wednesday, there was a brush fire in southeast Travis County on Moore Road. While the AQI is currently good, remember that Austin has a "high risk of fires" during the summer, and smoke can travel. Keep an eye out for any localized smoke, especially if you're out towards that area.
Splash Pad Blues
Planning on cooling off at a splash pad in Buda City Park? Don't bother. They're closed due to mechanical failure. Find another way to beat the heat, because those aren't reopening anytime soon.
Data grounded with KVUE News from July 10, 2026.