HOUSTON, TX — Health and weather officials are urging Houston-area residents to take extreme caution this week as dangerous heat settles across Southeast Texas heading into the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Daytime highs will reach the mid-90s through the week, but the real danger is the heat index — the combination of heat and humidity that determines how hot it actually feels on your skin. Those values are expected to hit between 102 and 107 degrees Fahrenheit through at least Wednesday, conditions hot enough to cause heat stroke or heat exhaustion within minutes for anyone who is unprepared.
Outdoor workers, children, the elderly, and anyone with underlying health conditions are at the highest risk. Officials stress that heat-related illness can happen fast — and many victims do not realize how serious their condition is until it is too late.
What you must do right now
• Drink water consistently — do not wait until you feel thirsty
• Stay indoors or in air conditioning during peak afternoon hours
• Wear light, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing if going outside
• Never leave children, elderly adults, or pets in a parked vehicle
• Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members
Beach conditions are also raising concern. A high rip current risk remains in effect along Gulf-facing beaches through Tuesday morning. Rip currents are fast-moving channels of water that can pull even strong swimmers away from shore in seconds. If caught in one, do not fight it by swimming straight back — swim parallel to shore first, then angle back in.
Some morning haze from lingering Saharan dust may also affect air quality, particularly for people with asthma or respiratory conditions.
Rain chances remain very low today and Wednesday, but isolated to scattered thunderstorms are expected to increase Thursday through the holiday weekend — offering little relief from the heat.
Residents are advised to have a plan before heading outdoors this week. The heat is not letting up anytime soon.
7-day forecast
Tuesday High 94°F / Low 78°F — Mostly sunny, 20% rain
Wednesday High 95°F / Low 78°F — Mostly sunny, 20% rain
Thursday High 94°F / Low 78°F — Scattered storms, 40%
Friday High 96°F / Low 79°F — Isolated storms, 30%
Saturday High 96°F / Low 79°F — Afternoon storms, 30%
Sunday High 95°F / Low 78°F — Isolated storms, 20%
Monday High 94°F / Low 79°F — Scattered storms, 30%
