A powerful ridge of high pressure has locked itself over Southeast Texas, and forecasters say it is not moving anytime soon. The result: a prolonged stretch of dangerous heat that will test residents, outdoor workers, and anyone without reliable air conditioning.
High temperatures this week will range from the upper 80s near the coast to the mid-90s inland. But the real danger is not the thermometer — it is the humidity. Heat index values are expected to soar between 100 and 107 degrees Fahrenheit through at least early next week, with the worst conditions arriving this weekend.
Overnight temperatures will offer little relief. Inland areas will stay in the upper 70s to low 80s, while coastal neighborhoods could see even warmer nights — making it difficult for the body to recover from daytime heat exposure.
Heat safety — what you need to do now
- Drink water consistently — do not wait until you feel thirsty
- Stay in air-conditioned spaces during peak afternoon hours
- Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle
- Wear loose, light-colored clothing if going outside
- Check on elderly neighbors and anyone without reliable cooling
- Limit strenuous outdoor activity between noon and 6 p.m.
Rain chances remain extremely slim — below 10 percent through Tuesday. A slight uptick in storm activity may arrive by Wednesday heading into the Fourth of July weekend, but forecasters are not banking on it bringing significant relief.
Residents may also notice hazy or milky skies over the coming days. A combination of high-altitude smoke from western wildfires and Saharan dust drifting into the region is expected to affect air quality at times. For most people the effect is visual — vivid sunrises and sunsets — but those with asthma, allergies, or respiratory conditions should limit prolonged outdoor exposure when skies look especially hazy.
On the tropical weather front, there is no current threat. No development is expected in the Atlantic, Caribbean, or Gulf of Mexico over the next seven days.
The bottom line: this is a serious, multi-day heat event. Protect yourself and check on vulnerable people around you.
Houston 7-day forecast at a glance
- Thu 93° Feels 103°
- Fri 93° Feels 103°
- Sat 94° Feels 105°
- Sun 94° Feels 106°
- Mon 95° Feels 105°
- Tue 95° Low 77°
- Wed 94° Storm risk
