How Houston’s summer heat is worsening air quality

Houston finds itself under the influence of high atmospheric pressure this weekend. That means temperatures will be quite warm, peaking in the mid-90s, but with humidity that will make the air feel more like 105 degrees.

As a ridge of high pressure will drive overall weather conditions, both days this weekend will be sunny and dry. If you plan to go grilling or go for a swim in the pool, just be sure to apply and reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.

HEAT DOME AND HURRICANES: How does a thermal dome, responsible for hot, dry days, affect hurricane season?

Friday, however, will be a day of action for ozone in Houston, according to state air quality monitors with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. On these days, the amount of ground-level ozone can pose health risks to people with asthma or other respiratory illnesses.

A mixture of industrial and mechanical emissions with sunlight can produce ground-level ozone. That’s why during Ozone Action Days, the public is encouraged to carpool and avoid using gasoline engines or refueling at the gas station during the day.

“Light winds, warm temperatures, sufficient afternoon sunshine, and/or high incoming background levels could be enough for ozone to reach the mid to upper end of the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” range » on the north and west sides of the Dallas-Fort area. Worth and Houston areas,” according to the TCEQ air quality forecast for Friday.

Smoke from agricultural fires in Mexico and Central America will also contribute to urban haze in South Texas, according to forecasts.

What is this mist?: Why is it smoky in Houston? How South of the Border Fires Are Making Texas Skies So Hazy

Summer conditions in Texas can significantly influence air quality and ozone levels due to increased heat, increased sunlight, and often stagnant winds. The photochemical reactions that result in higher ozone concentrations are more intense in summer, thanks to days in Houston that enjoy 13 to 14 hours of sunlight.

Ozone also becomes more likely in summer with increased emissions from power plants straining to meet electricity demand as air conditioning use increases. Houston’s sprawling cityscape, coupled with highways clogged with idling vehicles, contribute to higher levels of ozone and other pollutants.

HOW HOT IS IT? : You can see the predicted temperature for your home or workplace using our interactive maps.

Wind is one of the most important factors when talking about ozone concentrations. Stagnation of warm air traps pollutants near the ground, worsening air quality problems. Since summer is Houston’s least windy season, pollutants cannot mix with the cleaner air in surrounding areas.

MONITOR AIR QUALITY: You can see the current state of air quality in Texas by clicking here.

Temperature inversions are another aspect of summer weather that can worsen air quality. Typically, the atmosphere cools as one ascends, but a temperature inversion occurs when temperatures warm. Not only can these inversions prevent clouds from growing in depth and height and turning into storms, but they can also worsen Houston’s air quality because they act like a lid that traps pollutants.

The anticyclone responsible for the hot and dry weekend ahead undergoes some subtle changes early next week.

These changes will allow a cold front to approach from the north Monday through Tuesday, bringing not only slightly cooler weather but also storms. Current forecasts keep severe weather and flooding away from Southeast Texas, but the situation appears unstable at least until the middle of next week.

High temperatures drop from the mid 90s this weekend to the upper 80s and lower 90s early next week.