Is the power still out? Houston is about to get hotter and heavier

Thanks to a high air pressure system that moved in on us Saturday, Southeast Texas can enjoy sunshine and clear skies after a series of grueling weather events that brought flooding and damaging winds .

But the same high pressure system that will give us blue skies will also push daytime high temperatures into the 90s through next week. Then the combination of heat and humidity will lead to heat index values, or “feel like” temperatures that account for the humidity, in the upper 90s to near 100 degrees, especially the along and south of Interstate 10.

With hundreds of thousands of people still without power, likely for days or even weeks, these Southeast Texas residents could be at risk for heat-related illnesses once this warm, rainless weather pattern begins this week-end.

FINALLY GET A BREAK: Weather conditions this week brought two bouts of severe weather and continued flooding to some areas.

If you’re stuck without air conditioning after Thursday night’s storms, high temperatures in the 90s should spark thermal safety concerns, as high humidity will push those temperatures closer to triple digits.

Extreme heat is a leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States, so remember to practice heat safety as temperatures climb next week. This means wearing light, light-colored clothing, taking frequent breaks in the shade or any air-conditioned shelter you can find, and drinking plenty of water.

BREAKDOWN PROBLEMS: Power outages in Houston will become a thermal safety issue as temperatures rise this weekend

The National Weather Service also recommends checking in with family, friends and neighbors, especially those who are medically vulnerable. If you use a generator, be sure to run it outside in a well-ventilated area.

Other ways to keep your home cool may include keeping windows and doors closed and closing your blinds and curtains.

While many of us experienced last year’s historic scorching summer, new people are moving to Houston all the time. Not only that, but many of us have not yet properly acclimatized to the extreme heat given how early the season is. After all, it’s still May. Not July.

Houston is known to see afternoon high temperatures reaching the 90s in May, especially in the second half of the month. This year, however, Houston took longer to reach 90 degrees than in recent years.

TRACK HEAT: You can use our interactive heat tracker to see how much warmer than normal next week’s forecast will be.

Houston’s official climate monitoring site, Bush Intercontinental Airport, recorded temperatures of 90 degrees as early as April of last year and continuing into 2022. On May 15, the airport finally broke the 90-degree mark with a maximum of 91.

As high pressure takes hold over Texas over the coming week, Bush Intercontinental will likely tack on for at least five more days with 90 degree temperatures. That number could start to rise, given early forecasts through Memorial Day.

High pressure aloft will keep the local outlook rain-free throughout the week.

Abundant sunshine is expected, so be sure to apply sunscreen if you plan to spend an extended period of time outdoors. Burns can occur quickly given the late spring sun angle and wall-to-wall sun forecast.