Southeast Texas is locked in a dangerous summer heat pattern this week, and conditions are about to get more complicated. Afternoon highs will sit in the low to mid 90s through the weekend, but what people will actually feel outside is far worse — heat index values are expected to reach between 103 and 107 degrees each afternoon.
The heat is being driven by a strong ridge of high pressure sitting over Texas and the northern Gulf. That ridge is pushing most storm systems away from the area, keeping skies mostly sunny and rain chances extremely low through the coming days. There is little overnight relief — morning lows will only drop to the upper 70s and low 80s.
Starting late Sunday, a Saharan dust plume is forecast to drift into the region and linger into late Tuesday. Most residents will notice hazy skies and vivid sunrises and sunsets. However, anyone with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions should take precautions, as air quality may deteriorate during that period.
At Gulf-facing beaches, a high rip current risk is in effect through Tuesday. Even strong swimmers can be pulled away from shore quickly in these conditions. Authorities urge beachgoers to swim only near a lifeguard, stay away from jetties and piers, and stay out of the water entirely if conditions look rough.
Heat illness can develop quickly in these conditions. Residents are urged to drink water before feeling thirsty, stay in air conditioning as much as possible, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours. People should never leave children, elderly individuals, or pets in parked vehicles under any circumstances. Check on neighbors and anyone without reliable cooling access.
No tropical development is expected in the Gulf, Caribbean, or Atlantic over the next seven days.
Houston 7-day forecast
- Friday: Mostly sunny and hot. High 93. Low 77. Feels like 103.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny and hot. High 94. Low 79. Feels like 104.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, hot, with a 20 percent chance of an isolated storm. High 95. Low 79. Feels like 106.
- Monday: Hot and hazy. High 94. Low 78.
- Tuesday: Hot and hazy, with a 10 percent chance of an isolated storm. High 94. Low 77.
- Wednesday: 30 percent chance of isolated thunderstorms. High 94. Low 77.
- Thursday: 30 percent chance of isolated thunderstorms. High 93. Low 76.
