Looking ahead, new projections from the CoLab suggest heat impacts will be intensifying through the 2000s with summer highs rising by as much as 10 degrees by the end of the century.
The outlook for Austin's summer temperatures has risen since a similar analysis was completed in 2014. Average summer highs are now expected to surpass 101 degrees by 2100 given more moderate emissions or 105 degrees with higher emissions.
Austin isn't alone in reaching higher heat levels. In every year since 2000, Texas has been hotter than it was during a comparison period of 1971-2000, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The new CoLab data also shows higher heat indices, more heatwaves, longer heatwaves and more hot spells are all expected in Austin—especially with more emissions.
Hot spells are recorded when two or more straight days are 102.5 degrees or hotter. Heatwaves are recorded over three-plus consecutive days with "excessively hot conditions," or minimums above 78 degrees and maximums above 102.5 degrees. Both types of events could double or triple in Austin by the end of the century, according to the CoLab.
Alongside those increases, researchers said the number of colder days will likely drop. Projections for other weather events such as rainy or windy days show less change.
