Austin encourages residents to prepare for a severe heat wave and take precautions against heat-related illnesses and power grid strain.

An earlier than usual heat wave has hit Austin, with forecasts predicting triple-digit temperatures starting May 13, according to the National Weather Service.

Dozens of cities are expected to meet or surpass record high temperatures for this time of year as part of a heat wave that will hit huge swaths of the country.

Austin's oppressive summer heat is back. The earlier-than-usual wave of triple-digit temperatures prompted the city to open up cooling centers this week.

Meals on Wheels Central Texas says they serve 3,000 older adults a meal each week, and also offer critical wellness checks.

Temperatures of up to 110 degrees are triggering a heat advisory in Austin, San Antonio, Eagle Pass and Dell Rio starting on Tuesday, May 13.

As the Earth warms, Austin has been experiencing hotter temperatures earlier in the year. A heat wave this week could break the record for hottest day recorded in the month of May.