Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Record-Breaking Early Heat Wave Scorches Central and South Texas

Triple-digit temperatures and extreme heat warnings persist, with no significant relief expected in the coming week.

Commuters file under the shade Tuesday while waiting for bus in downtown Houston. Houston temperatures reached a high of 95, shattering the city’s 118-year-old daily heat record for May 13.
This NOAA weather satellite image taken Wednesday shows partly cloudy skies across Texas. Despite the clouds, many cities in the state reported triple-digit temperatures.
The outlook for May 20-24 from the National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center shows that above-average temperatures are expected for South Texas next week.
Shown are the expected low and high temperatures on Thursday across South Texas, according to the National Blend of Models.

Overview

  • Central and South Texas are experiencing an unprecedented early-season heat wave, with temperatures exceeding 100°F across many areas.
  • The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories and extreme heat warnings, with some regions forecast to reach highs of 111°F and heat index values above 110°F.
  • Houston, San Antonio, and Austin have already broken multiple daily high temperature records, with forecasts indicating continued record-breaking heat through the weekend.
  • Humidity is exacerbating the heat, making conditions feel significantly hotter and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses, prompting officials to urge precautions such as hydration and avoiding outdoor activities.
  • Historical data suggests that early-season heat waves like this one often precede hotter-than-average summers, with long-term forecasts predicting above-average temperatures into next week.