News Summary
Houston is preparing for an extreme heat wave this weekend, with temperatures expected to reach between 95-100°F. The humidity coupled with high temperatures is raising health concerns, especially for vulnerable groups. Hazy skies from Saharan dust will also affect air quality. Residents are urged to check on those at risk for heat-related illnesses. A shift in weather patterns is anticipated towards the end of the weekend, bringing potential relief with cloud cover and cooler temperatures next week. Overall, the area may experience its first 100-degree day of the year.
Houston is bracing for extreme heat this weekend, with temperatures expected to soar between 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit inland and near 90 degrees along the coast. The heat index could feel as high as 105 degrees, posing significant health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.
The Houston area will also see the arrival of Saharan dust, which is expected to lead to hazy skies starting Friday afternoon. This weather phenomenon can create stunning sunrises and sunsets, although it may affect air quality ratings, potentially classifying them as “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” Despite this, no major changes in overall air quality are anticipated.
A large area of high pressure is responsible for the intense heat, directing severe storms away from Houston and toward West Texas and Oklahoma. This high-pressure system will remain dominant through Sunday. However, a low-pressure system is projected to enter the area from the west starting on Sunday, which could lead to a shift in weather patterns with increased cloud cover, intermittent downpours, and a cooling trend that may bring temperatures back into the 80s.
On Sunday, the temperature in Houston may peak at 98 degrees, only one degree shy of the historic record of 99 degrees set in 1980. Morning lows are anticipated to hover around 80 degrees. This extreme heat event has been classified as “extreme heat risk,” indicating it is a rare occurrence that can pose dangerous conditions, especially since overnight temperatures are expected to provide insufficient relief.
Residents are reminded to check on neighbors and loved ones, particularly those who may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The combination of high temperatures and elevated humidity levels increases the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
As the weekend progresses, heat advisories may become necessary, particularly for Sunday when the heat index could pose serious health risks. Additionally, the Saharan dust is expected to linger for 24-36 hours before dissipating late Saturday, contributing to the haziness that will be a visual hallmark of the weekend.
Looking ahead, after this weekend’s extreme heat, temperatures in Houston are forecasted to drop back into the upper 80s next week, with the possibility of more widespread rain. There is a slight chance of an isolated downpour on Friday, though the likelihood remains under 20%. Overall, the Gulf and Caribbean regions are currently free from significant weather disruptions, while the eastern Pacific Ocean is anticipated to be quite active over the next couple of weeks.
Recent weather patterns in West Texas have shown improved drought conditions due to heavy rains, while much of Southeast Texas has emerged from drought, with the exception of Columbus.
Residents of Houston may experience their first 100-degree day of the year during this heat wave, making June 8 potentially one of the earliest occurrences of such high temperatures in recorded history. Following this weekend, a return to typical early summer weather patterns is expected next week, with daily temperatures settling back into the 90s and overnight lows around the 70s.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 26 Houston
- Wikipedia: Heat Wave
- KPRC 2 Weather
- Google Search: Houston Weather
- Houston Chronicle
- Google Scholar: Heat Advisories
- KHOU Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- KXAN Weather
- Google News: Texas Weather
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
