Hot weekend for Houston Pride events. Here’s how to stay safe

The first month of meteorological summer — the calendar months of June, July and August — is almost over, and it looks like the hottest weather is yet to come.

Houston has managed to avoid triple-digit heat so far this summer, but that could soon end early next week. Before we dive into the details of what could be Houston’s first 100-degree day, let’s talk about what you can expect if you plan to go to one of this weekend’s Pride events.

Pride Month may be coming to an end, but the festivities are still in full swing this weekend.

PREVIEW OF JULY 4: Wondering what the weather will be like during the 4th of July holiday? Click here.

The 46th annual Houston Pride Celebration Festival and Parade will take place Saturday in downtown Houston. The festival kicks off at 11 a.m. and the parade will depart at 7:30 p.m. This year’s Pride events, which will feature performances by K. Michelle and David Archuleta, among others, are shaping up to be hot.

Temperatures peak around 95 to 97 degrees, and heat index values ​​– those “feel” temperatures linked to humidity – should easily climb above 108 degrees. With little chance of a refreshing shower or thunderstorm, this means people who want to celebrate Pride all afternoon will need to be extremely careful about thermal safety.

By Sunday, temperatures are expected to climb even higher. Some areas could even briefly reach 100 degrees, but this is not expected to be widespread. The heat and humidity are accompanied by a minimal risk of thunderstorms, mainly in the afternoon and early evening.

Global forecast models indicate the first 100-degree day in Houston could occur Monday or Tuesday. Unlike last summer, which saw triple-digit heat in June, Houston has so far avoided 100-degree temperatures.

IS THIS HEAT EXTREME? : You can see how much higher than normal temperatures are this weekend with our interactive Heat Tracker.

The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center expects above-normal heat to hit much of the country through mid-July. So it seems that this stifling heat is coming at just the right time.

You can stay safe outdoors during extreme heat, but only if you follow a few common-sense practices.

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First, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol, including hard seltzers, as alcohol dehydrates the body. Also try to avoid caffeine and sugary drinks. If you have hydration packets that you add to your water, it couldn’t hurt to use them before heading to Pride events on Saturday.

Wear light, light-colored clothing. Heavy, dark, and tight clothing will only make the heat and humidity worse, and no one wants to be miserable at Pride.

Use sunscreen and remember to reapply at least every two hours. Wear large sun hats to protect your face from direct sunlight. Sunburn can set in very quickly, especially if you don’t spend much time outdoors.

Look for frequent breaks in the shade or in air conditioning if possible. Air conditioning can be hard to come by at outdoor events, but if you can find it, take advantage of it. If all else fails, gather up those Clack fans and start fanning yourself, your friends, or a stranger with a smile on your face.

Stay safe this weekend, my friends. If you see me there, please say hello!