Houston under heat advisory with heat index expected to exceed 108

Although this week’s forecast could be considered the textbook definition of “summer in Houston,” the daytime heat index values ​​— or “feels like” temperatures that take into account the effect of humidity on the body – will exceed 108 degrees and trigger heat alerts for most of the Southeast. Texas Tuesday.

The week will feature daily highs in the mid-90s and only isolated storm chances, which is the epitome of summer weather in Houston. Last summer we experienced seemingly endless days without a drop of rain, but this week’s pattern might bring you some relief from the heat if you’re lucky. Otherwise, prepare for dangerous heat levels.

The National Weather Service office that oversees the Houston and Galveston metro areas issues heat advisories when widespread heat index values ​​reach 108 degrees or higher. Based on the weather service’s forecast Monday afternoon, heat alerts will likely be in effect for “some or all of the area” throughout this week.

Daytime temperatures through the end of the week will peak in the mid to possibly upper 90s. Whether you see a high of 94 degrees or 97 degrees will ultimately depend on how cloudy the sky is. If you find yourself under a few more clouds, high temperatures could get closer to the late June average, which is around 93 degrees. For those who stay out in the sun most of the day, highs should likely peak in the upper 90s.

The summer heat wouldn’t be complete without these magnificent, imposing and puffy cumulus clouds which take shape in the late morning.

WHY HEAT INDEX IS IMPORTANT: Houston’s heat can be dangerous, but why is the heat index important? Click here to find out more.

Around 2 or 3 p.m., these cumulus clouds will likely have evolved into cumulonimbus clouds capable of briefly producing heavy rain and lightning. Although the risk of a few storms exists each day this week (much of the region has a 20-30% chance each afternoon), most of us will see rain-free skies. But if you find yourself in a downpour, it can help alleviate the heat.

We could see a more organized approach to thunderstorm risk from the north Wednesday into Thursday. Models have moved away from this outcome recently, so don’t hold your breath as more widespread rain could detract from this week’s warmth. If you’re trying to keep plants alive, you can’t afford to miss a day to water them.

Our afternoon high temperatures won’t be the only warm aspect of the forecast.

Overnight lows in Southeast Texas will only fall into the upper 70s and into the 80s closer to the coast. Based on data from 1991 to 2020 collected at Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston’s official climate observation site, average nighttime low temperatures peaked at 76 degrees in July and August.

Although the low temperatures forecast for this week are only a few degrees above normal for late June, it is worth noting that the number of nights at 77 degrees or higher has increased over time.

Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, compiled by the nonprofit Climate Central, shows that summer nighttime lows in the United States are warming faster than daytime highs. The average low temperature has increased nearly 6 degrees in the Houston area since 1970. Sweltering nights like the ones that await us this week limit the body’s ability to effectively cool down and recover from hot summer days.

As summer heat intensifies in the days, weeks and months ahead, don’t hesitate to reach out to those you may know in heat-vulnerable populations. Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.