Houston Skies Turn Hazy This Week As Heat, Humidity Increases

Houston is experiencing its hottest week since late September of last year, as afternoon temperatures peak in the mid-90s. Thursday will be another hot day, but will it be this hot? Here’s what you can expect as the heat rises and hazy skies return to Southeast Texas.

It’s going to be particularly hot on Thursday, any way you slice it.

Uncertainty remains regarding the increase in heat index values ​​Thursday afternoon. Persistent mid- and upper-level clouds are expected to linger in the Southeast Texas sky after a group of thunderstorms approached the region late Wednesday. The tenacious nature of these clouds might be just enough to control humidity-related heat index values.

Afternoon temperatures will peak between 96 and 98 degrees, while heat index values, even if below the 108 degree threshold for the National Weather Service to issue heat advisories, will still be dangerous if you do not take appropriate precautions.

This weekend will bring even higher temperatures.

Highs in the upper 90s are expected Saturday and Sunday, with Sunday’s high dangerously approaching 100 degrees. If Houston avoids triple-digit heat this weekend, that may not be the case early next week: Model forecasts suggest at least a few places reach 100 degrees.

Daily heat index values ​​will range between 105 and 110 degrees, and likely higher early next week. With many Pride events happening this weekend, from Saturday’s parade to Sunday brunches, everyone needs to practice heat safety.

Storm chances are still part of the daily forecast through early next week, but storms will continue to be hit or miss at best.

If it’s summer in Houston, that means the return of foggy skies. The guilty? A wave of Saharan dust is expected to arrive in Southeast Texas Friday evening and Saturday. This relatively innocuous feature will set the stage for beautiful sunsets throughout the weekend, so plan to point your phone at the setting sun between now and Saturday.

Will Saharan dust be a problem for those planning to go out this weekend? Fortunately, unless you are sensitive to particle pollution, you should be minimally affected by this plume of dust. If you have asthma or other upper respiratory problems, consider reducing your activity or even reducing the duration of your outdoor activities.