Austin sizzled past a 61-year-old record Thursday.

The high temperature in town reached 97 degrees, which easily beat the previous high for Aug. 31 of 91 set in 1951, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Brad Adams.

“That definitely crushes the old high,” he said.

At the airport, a high of 99 was reported, but that’s not the official NWS weather station, according to Adams.

Though temperatures neared 100, the heat may not have been quite as stifling as the hot streak around the Fourth of July, because Adams said dew points are considerably lower than in July.

After two-straight days in the 90s, Austin is expected to just stick to the 80s today with a high of 89. The Labor Day weekend should be pleasant, with mostly sunny weather and highs in the mid to upper 80s. There is a slight chance of thunderstorms on Monday.

Adams said the Climate Prediction Center still calls for the Austin area to be abnormally dry and warm through the next few months as El Niño conditions could lead to a mild fall and winter.

Austin could use some rain, as Adams said the Austin area is still in a moderate drought. To the north, drought conditions have faded, but Adams said there are more serious drought conditions to the south.