Temperatures in Houston will sizzle during Memorial Day weekend

Temperatures are warming across Texas, with the hottest temperatures of the year arriving in time for the three-day Memorial Day weekend.

The powerful “heat dome” above Mexico – a massive and powerful system of high atmospheric pressure that drives up temperatures there – continues to influence weather patterns along the U.S. Gulf Coast and Plains from South. We may see some atmospheric disturbances move across the northern edge of the high pressure system, but most forecasts keep storm chances rare.

HEAT ALERTS EXPLAINED: Houston is bracing for intense heat this week. What is a heat advisory? What do heat alerts mean?

The intensification of heat is due to the level of humidity in the air, indicated by dew points, or the temperatures at which the air is saturated with water vapor. Typically, Houston can expect oppressive, heavy, sticky air if the dew point is at least 65 degrees. This week, dew points range from 72 to 77 degrees.

Thursday in Houston will start with a thick layer of clouds, but by the afternoon the skies will clear up a bit and be joined by breezy southerly winds. Temperatures will climb into the 90s, but with dew points in the 70s, the humidity will push our apparent, or “felt,” temperature closer to the upper 90s.

A weak frontal boundary will blanket the state with a low air pressure system across North Texas on Friday. We are too far away to see rain, but we will feel the effects in the form of higher humidity and breezy south to southeast winds.

The big problem will be the scorching heat of the weekend. Temperatures will be 5 degrees or more above our 30-year climate normal of 88 degrees.

High temperatures forecast will be in the low to mid 90s, but as the old saying goes, “it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.” Our heat index temperatures will easily exceed triple digits Saturday and Sunday.

NO HEAT OR HUMIDITY? : Why the dew point makes Houston summers so unbearable

Why is that? Humidity, or the level of water vapor in the air, can make our perception of heat seem much warmer than the actual temperature. This is because the body cools itself through the evaporation of sweat from our skin. But such evaporation is not as effective when there is already too much moisture in the air.

The heat index takes this into account, which is why the actual air temperature on Saturday might be 94 degrees, but a high humidity level (for example, a dew point of 73 degrees) can cause the impression that it is more like 103.

This weekend we will approach some record temperatures. Friday’s record is 95 degrees, set in 1955; and Saturday, it is also 95 degrees, but recorded in 2011. It will be difficult to match or exceed the record temperatures on Sunday and Monday, since they are 98 degrees compared to 2011 and 1928, respectively.

However, our morning low temperatures will be well above normal and will match or exceed our warmest minimum temperatures.

• May 24 (Friday) record minimum: 78 degrees established in 2011.
• May 25 (Saturday) record minimum: 79 degrees established in 2011.
• May 26 (Sunday) record minimum: 79 degrees established in 1996.

The National Weather Service reports that the city of Houston typically experiences its first 95-degree day around June 13, and many of us may not be acclimated to the level of heat that has arrived so early in the year. Forecasters say it’s crucial to follow heat safety guidelines.

HEALTH HEAT: Houston’s extreme heat is already making an appearance. Here’s why his early arrival is so dangerous

According to the HeatRisk online map, a collaboration between the weather service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Houston is at major heat risk. This level of heat can be dangerous for those who are outdoors or in a heat-sensitive group, such as young children and the elderly. For those without air conditioning, living spaces can become deadly in the afternoons and evenings, as fans and open windows won’t be as effective.

“Forecast heat index values ​​continue to indicate the likelihood of a widespread heat advisory with values ​​ranging from 107 to 112,” the weather service said in a forecast bulletin Wednesday.

With this excessive heat, it is important to take precautions and stay safe. If you’re traveling to the beach or going on a road trip this weekend, always remember to “look before you lock.” Check your children and pets before locking your vehicle doors, as leaving them in your vehicle, even for a brief period, could be deadly.