Here we go. Whoever was wanting it to be Summer already got their wish down on the Southern Plains. Texas is heating up in a serious way as a strong ridge noses into the picture.
That ridge means that most active weather will get shunted north of the area. With little to no meaningful airmass to adjust the thermometer, it will start climbing. Places like Austin, TX may not dip below the century mark before Sunday!
Don't like it to be this hot this early? I might have some bad news for you...long range forecasters like keeping this sort of pattern around for the middle and end of May. Does this mean it's going to stay this hot? Not necessarily - these temperatures outlooks are more confidence-based on below or above average. Not to what degree. It's usually 86 in Austin for the record.
How do you stay safe in this kind of heat? You have to remind yourself how early it is in the season for it. Your body is not adjusted to it coming out of Winter. The first big hot stretch of the year can always feel worse on the body and mind. Drink water early and often and don't push yourself too hard!