As Austin braces for a potentially scorching Independence Day, with forecasts predicting highs soaring near 101 degrees and heat index values reaching up to 106, residents prepare for a mixed bag of weather in the days to come. According to the National Weather Service, the sweltering heat will persist through Friday, with heat index values possibly hitting even higher marks. The evening cools slightly, dropping to a low of around 77 degrees as southern winds continue to breeze through at 5 to 10 mph.