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Early-Season Heat Wave Baking West Texas
June 1, 2018 at 08:26 AM EDT
UPDATED By WeatherBug Sr. Meteorologist, James West
The season’s first major heat wave is baking western Texas, with triple-digit record-breaking high temperatures the norm through the beginning of the weekend.
The hot weather is the result of a large high-pressure area and a very dry airmass settling across western Texas and eastern New Mexico. This is keeping clouds away, allowing the strong late-May sunshine to bake the drought-stricken landscape.
Midland International Airport tied the daily record high temperature on Thursday, with a high of 106 degrees. Other cities with record temperatures on Thursday included El Paso (102 degrees, tied with 2014), Houston/Hobby Airport (94 degrees, tied with 1998), and Dalhart (90 degrees, tied with 1971).
On Wednesday, the mercury reached 110 in Midland, Texas, setting a daily temperature record and tying Death Valley, Calif., for the hottest spot in the nation. Lubbock also broke a daily temperature record Wednesday with a high of 106 degrees. May was a hot month for the Lone Star State. In fact, it was the second warmest on record for Dallas after experiencing one of the coolest Aprils on record.
Similar 105 to 110-degree readings are likely today throughout West Texas from the Rio Grande northeastward towards Fort Worth into central Oklahoma. There will be places around Midland and Odessa that will see temperatures climb into the 110 to 115 range today. Heat Advisories have been posted throughout southwestern and western Texas, extending into central and eastern Oklahoma. This includes Abilene, Lubbock, Midland, and San Angelo, Texas, as well as Oklahoma City, Stillwater, and McAlester, Okla.
A weak cold front dipping across the high Plains Saturday will bring strong thunderstorms that will finally break the heat, returning temperatures to more seasonal 90s on Sunday.
Remember, hot weather can cause dehydration, so drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. Reduce outdoor activities during the hottest time of the day and wear light clothing.
Finally, always remember to “LOOK before you LOCK” and check the back seat for infants in car seats and never leave pets in cars.
The hot weather is the result of a large high-pressure area and a very dry airmass settling across western Texas and eastern New Mexico. This is keeping clouds away, allowing the strong late-May sunshine to bake the drought-stricken landscape.
Midland International Airport tied the daily record high temperature on Thursday, with a high of 106 degrees. Other cities with record temperatures on Thursday included El Paso (102 degrees, tied with 2014), Houston/Hobby Airport (94 degrees, tied with 1998), and Dalhart (90 degrees, tied with 1971).
On Wednesday, the mercury reached 110 in Midland, Texas, setting a daily temperature record and tying Death Valley, Calif., for the hottest spot in the nation. Lubbock also broke a daily temperature record Wednesday with a high of 106 degrees. May was a hot month for the Lone Star State. In fact, it was the second warmest on record for Dallas after experiencing one of the coolest Aprils on record.
Similar 105 to 110-degree readings are likely today throughout West Texas from the Rio Grande northeastward towards Fort Worth into central Oklahoma. There will be places around Midland and Odessa that will see temperatures climb into the 110 to 115 range today. Heat Advisories have been posted throughout southwestern and western Texas, extending into central and eastern Oklahoma. This includes Abilene, Lubbock, Midland, and San Angelo, Texas, as well as Oklahoma City, Stillwater, and McAlester, Okla.
A weak cold front dipping across the high Plains Saturday will bring strong thunderstorms that will finally break the heat, returning temperatures to more seasonal 90s on Sunday.
Remember, hot weather can cause dehydration, so drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. Reduce outdoor activities during the hottest time of the day and wear light clothing.
Finally, always remember to “LOOK before you LOCK” and check the back seat for infants in car seats and never leave pets in cars.