Millions Told To Stay Out of Sun in Texas
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An early-season heat wave is gripping Texas, with temperatures forecast to surpass 100 degrees Fahrenheit across much of the state.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued heat advisories covering a vast portion of Central and South Texas, warning millions of residents to take precautions.
Why It Matters
Authorities are urging people to stay out of the sun, hydrate frequently, and check on vulnerable individuals such as older adults.
File photo: Residents cool off in the Liz Carpenter Splash Pad at Butler Park on July 16, 2023 in Austin, Texas.
File photo: Residents cool off in the Liz Carpenter Splash Pad at Butler Park on July 16, 2023 in Austin, Texas.
Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP via Getty Images
What To Know
The average first 100-degree-Fahrenheit day in cities such as Austin typically arrives in mid-July. Instead, meteorologists now predict some of the highest-ever May temperatures in recorded history, which could set hundreds of daily records throughout the state.
"This is the type of weather that we anticipate at the end of July, beginning of August—not May," FOX Weather meteorologist Britta Merwin said. "We're losing like two months of comfortable air."
The NWS said that parts of south-central Texas, including the cities of Austin and San Antonio, could see heat index values up to 109, with the service warning that hot temperatures and high humidity could lead to heat illnesses.
"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, check up on relatives and neighbors," the NWS advised.
Elsewhere in the state, heat index values up to 112 were forecast for inland Kleberg, Nueces, and San Patricio Counties on Wednesday. Up to 114 would be possible in Duval, Jim Wells, La Salle, Live Oak, McMullen, and Webb Counties.
The service added that a moderate risk of heat-related impacts on Tuesday would increase to a major to extreme risk on Wednesday.
"This kind of extreme heat in May is not just unusual—it's a clear signal of our changing climate," said Kristina Dahl, vice president of science at the nonprofit Climate Central.
"Temperatures this high, this early in the year, would have been extremely rare in the past. But, due to human-caused climate change, these dangerous heat waves are becoming more frequent, more intense, and more disruptive."
Map Shows Record Heat Hitting Texas
What People Are Saying
NWS San Angelo said on X, formerly Twitter, Monday: "It will feel more like summer Tuesday and Wednesday with highs exceeding 100 degrees. Please follow heat safety precautions."
NWS Corpus Christi said on X, Monday: "A HOT week coming up with some record high temperatures in the forecast! This will be a prolonged early-season heat wave that starts tomorrow and continues into at least early next week."
NWS Austin/San Antonio said on X, Tuesday: "Record highs today with most locations reaching triple digits. Potentially historic and unusually hot high temps continue with most areas reaching 100 or higher each afternoon, many records likely to be tied or broken."
What Happens Next
At the time of writing, the latest heat advisory was set to remain in effect until 9 p.m. Wednesday.
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