Heat index values between 105 and 110 degrees will bake The Woodlands through 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24, under a National Weather Service advisory that urges residents to stay indoors during peak afternoon hours.
The NWS Houston/Galveston office extended the advisory Saturday, Aug. 22, covering Montgomery County and much of south-central and southeast Texas. Actual high temperatures inland are forecast between 99 and 104 degrees, but humidity will push the feels-like reading well past the century mark, according to CW39 Houston. The hottest window runs from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
Overnight lows in the upper 70s to low 80s offer little relief.
"We're going to be stuck in a pattern with just some upper-level high pressure, which generally limits cloud cover and keeps the heat in place," NWS lead forecaster Brian Kyle told Houston Public Media on Aug. 19, ahead of the advisory's extension.
The pattern is not expected to break soon. High temperatures near or above 100 degrees are forecast through the end of August, and parts of Southeast Texas, including the Montgomery County area, are now classified as abnormally dry.
What residents should do
The NWS advisory lists specific precautions:
- Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don't feel thirsty.
- Stay in air-conditioned spaces during peak heat hours.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
- Limit yard work, running and other strenuous activity to early morning or after 6 p.m.
- Check on elderly neighbors, relatives who live alone and anyone with chronic health conditions.
The CDC warns that fans alone are not enough when indoor temperatures exceed 90 degrees. Above that threshold, a fan can actually raise body temperature.
Who is most at risk
Adults 65 and older, infants and young children, pregnant women, people with heart disease or chronic conditions, and outdoor workers face the highest danger, according to the CDC. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends outdoor workers take frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
Cooling resources
Residents who need access to air conditioning can dial 2-1-1 to locate nearby cooling centers through Texas 211.
The NWS stresses that heat stroke is a medical emergency requiring an immediate 911 call. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool, shaded location while waiting for paramedics.
The advisory expires at 7 p.m. Monday, but triple-digit heat index readings are likely to persist into next week.
