The Heat Is On: How Austin’s Record Temperatures Are Reshaping the City
By Saanvi Ram and Sandeep Brijesh Pillai, JCamp 2024 — Austin
As the summer sun beats down, Austin resident Cesar Partilo finds himself trapped in a cycle of heat-related adjustments. On Sunday, August 4, with the temperature soaring to 110 degrees, he found himself particularly overwhelmed.
According to the National Weather Service, average summer temperatures in Austin have risen by about 15 degrees over the past 20 years. Each day, Partillo watches the temperature climb, forcing him to retreat indoors or seek refuge in shaded green spaces during the blistering peak hours. The simple act of stepping outside has become risky, turning everyday activities into exercises in endurance.
“I’ve had to stop going outside during the peak heat of the day entirely,” Partilo said, his voice reflecting the toll of constant vigilance “It’s just too hazardous to be out for any length of time.”
The extreme temperatures have forced many to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day and make significant adjustments to their daily activities to avoid heat-related health issues.
The impact on tourism has been equally stark.
Claire Thompson, a Chicago tourist, had her plans altered by the extreme heat.
“It’s like walking through an oven,” Thompson said. “The heat is so intense that the city feels like a ghost town. We’ve been darting from one patch of shade to another, with most places either closed or nearly deserted. We’ve had to stick to air-conditioned spots and revise our plans.”
Local businesses are also feeling the heat. An employee from Bloody Rose Boutique, located in Lamar Business Park, reported a noticeable drop in shoppers during the summer months. Many shops and cafes that typically thrive on the influx of tourists are facing reduced foot traffic and struggling to adapt to the extreme conditions. Some establishments have had to adjust their hours or close temporarily due to the unbearable heat, further impacting the local economy.
On the flip side, people are finding creative ways to enjoy outdoor experiences without actually being outside.
Venues like the rooftop garden at the Austin Public Library are becoming popular havens where individuals can soak up the ambiance of an outdoor space while staying cool and comfortable. These hybrid spaces — designed to mimic the feeling of being outside while offering indoor climate control — are attracting residents looking for a respite from the temperatures. The library’s garden, with its lush plants and open-air design, provides an escape from the heatwave.
“We came here hoping to escape the heat and humidity,” said Jack Pudget. “We usually enjoy taking walks and chilling in the greenery, but it’s way too hot for that right now. The difference between Virginia and Texas is wild.”
His cousin, Harrison Pudget, nodded in agreement.
“Yeah, I’m just really thankful for the indoor space we’ve got,” he said. “It’s a lifesaver.”
For many people, the immediate solution is practical: rely on air conditioners, fans, and other cooling methods to escape the oppressive temperatures. However, there are others who approach the situation from a spiritual or religious perspective.
Richard Garcia, a long time resident of Austin, sees the heat not just as a physical challenge but as a spiritual issue. He believes that the escalating heat is a sign of a larger, divine matter.
“The heat is intense, but I know that only God can keep me safe from it,” he said. “The root of this crisis, in my view, lies in the sin that humanity has embraced. I feel that this extreme weather is a sign of the approaching end times, and that human solutions are powerless against it. We need the Lord’s prayer and divine help to make it through.”
