Posted: Mon, 29 Aug 2011 12:00 AM - 14,180 Readers

By: Isadora Vail

Record-breaking seems to be the theme this wretchedly and unusually hot August.

Today is expected to be the same.

Monday at Camp Mabry temperatures rose to 109 degrees, surpassing the 1924 record of 103. The 107 high recorded at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport also broke a record — 102 set in 1999.

The heat caused spikes in power usage, drew concerns about air quality and slowed commuter trains Monday.

Capital Metro slowed down the Metro Rail from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. However it did not affect rail times, transit agency officials said. The slow down was precautionary as temperatures around 110 degrees can cause "sunkinks," or curves in the rails, said spokesman Adam Shaivitz .

None has been found so far this summer, he said.

The heat has broken records this month on 19 days at Camp Mabry. The airport has seen 11 record-breaking days. The highs for today are expected to hover around 105.

Another record is expected this month. Energy usage has been at an all-time high for single family homes each month for May, June and July.

Three records already have been broken this month for peak usage, said Austin Energy spokesman Ed Clark.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Clean Air Force of Central Texas, a nonprofit group that coordinates air quality planning, issued a Level Orange warning for most of the weekend and Monday, meaning ozone levels are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. That warning has been lifted for the rest of the week.

Pets at the Austin Humane Society were also feeling the heat Sunday and Monday because of a broken air conditioner. The society offered free adoptions both days, and 104 dogs and cats were adopted.

Come Thursday, Central Texas could actually get a break from 100-degree days as the stubborn high pressure system stalled above Texas moves away. Some meteorologists say it could mean the end of triple-digit days for 2011.

A system out of the Gulf will bring a 40 percent chance for rain Thursday.

"We're extremely hopeful about this," said National Weather Service meteorologist Chris Morris. "We see this ridge (of high pressure) breaking down and Gulf moisture moving in. It's a welcome sight to see."

*  Story Contributed by: Isadora Vail