Excessive heat warning issued for much of Austin metro for Sunday, Monday

AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- The peak of an early-season heat wave is hitting the Austin area this weekend, with much of the area now under an Excessive Heat Warning.

The warning - which includes Travis, Hays, Caldwell, and Bastrop Counties but not Williamson County - goes into effect at 11 a.m. Sunday morning and will continue until 8 p.m. Monday.

Heat index values could reach up to 116 degrees inside the warning area. The forecast for the city of Austin calls for a high around 100 Sunday, and near 100 for Monday afternoon.

Among the best ways to beat the heat is to stay indoors in air conditioning. If you have to be outside, make sure to drink plenty of water, take breaks out of the heat, and never leave kids or pets in a parked vehicle.