In Texas, Heat That Can Make You Faint

Cities throughout Texas have opened cooling stations in libraries and other public buildings, many of which have served as shelters for homeless residents. Relief agencies have also accelerated their service. In San Antonio, Pete Barrera, outreach coordinator for Haven for Hope, which works with people who are homeless, drove through the city’s downtown streets on Saturday in a pickup truck loaded with everything from cold water and snacks to food and clothing.

“People are hungry,” he said from his cellphone as he made the rounds. “They’re human beings and they need you. If I can help them, I’m going to help them.”

Texans generally seem to be adhering to agencies’ advice to drink plenty of water, limit outdoor activities, work early or late in the day and wear plenty of sunscreen. State Representative Trey Martinez Fischer, reached at his home in San Antonio last week, reported that he was getting up early and staying hydrated, but said he worried about the impact on tourism at San Antonio attractions such as the Alamo and the downtown River Walk.

“It’s 100 degrees in the shade,” the Democratic lawmaker said.

Law enforcement officers may be dealing their own added comfort challenges. Sgt. Edward Mora of the Hutto Police Department was wearing protective gear weighing more than 20 pounds as he drove through the community in his patrol SUV, awaiting normal police calls as well as being alert for any signs of heat-related problems. “You’re just looking to see how people are doing,” he said.

On Austin’s downtown row of nightclubs on Sixth Street, the temperature was 99 degrees at 7:45 on Saturday night but foot traffic was nevertheless respectably brisk, and compared with the daytime highs, some patrons regarded the latest reading as a welcome cooling off.

Many were wearing shorts and T-shirts, and several said they were following officials’ advice to stay hydrated, though perhaps with a bit of an adjustment. As Angelica Nunez, a real estate agent in Austin, entered a nightclub and restaurant with her husband, Joseph Nunez, she said they were “drinking a lot of water.” She added, “And beer, too.”

Anna Betts contributed reporting.