New Dashboard Illustrates Rise in Emergency Room Visits for Heat-Related Illness During Periods of High Temperatures

AUSTIN, Texas - Austin Public Health has published a new dashboard that tracks emergency room visits for heat-related illness over the course of the summer. These data highlight the dangers of extreme heat and the importance of taking steps to stay safe during hot weather.  

“Heat-related illness is a persistent public health concern in Austin and Travis County, particularly during our hottest months,” said Ana Urueta, Emergency Management Manager for Austin Public Health. “This dashboard gives our community a clearer picture of how heat is affecting people locally and reinforces the importance of taking steps to prevent heat-related illness.” 

The Heat-Related Illness Morbidity and Mortality Dashboard tracks heat-related illness ER visits across the Austin Metro area from May 1 through Oct. 31. These instances include heat stroke, heat exposure, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, fainting and dehydration. ER visits are shown alongside the maximum temperature and heat index for each date. 

While heat-related illness visits in 2026 are higher than they were during the milder summer of 2025, current levels remain within the range Austin and Travis County have experienced in other recent years. The continued number of heat-related illness visits underscores the serious health risks extreme heat poses to our community each summer. 

The data are also displayed by day and time of reported visits and by patient demographics. Historical data dating back to 2021 are also available in the dashboard. 

Know Signs of Heat-Related Illness 

Symptoms of heat-related illness include:

• Muscle cramping
• Unusually heavy sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Weakness
• Nausea

Infants, children, older adults, outdoor workers, athletes, and people with chronic medical conditions have a higher risk for heat-related illness. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical care. 

The City of Austin and Travis County are providing resources to help keep the community cool during the summer.  

• All Austin Public Library and Austin Parks facilities can serve as a Cooling Center during normal operating hours. Click here to find a map of City of Austin cooling centers.
• Travis County Community Centers are available to be used as a cooling center during normal business hours. Click here to find a map of Travis County cooling centers.

The City is collecting data about its Cooling Centers. Please complete the survey below to provide feedback on your awareness and use of Cooling Centers during extreme heat. 

View the cooling centers survey here.