Houstonians started their work week under scorching conditions Monday, as temperatures hit 78°F early in the morning but felt more like 86°F due to high humidity. By the afternoon, the heat index soared to between 104°F and 106°F, prompting warnings to stay hydrated and limit time outdoors.
Afternoon highs peaked in the mid-90s, and forecast models indicated the oppressive heat would stick around through the week. Highs between 96°F and 98°F were expected to continue daily through Friday, with little relief from humidity. Heat index values were projected to remain locked between 103°F and 106°F each afternoon.
A strong area of high pressure kept skies mostly clear and rain-free through Thursday, amplifying the heat. However, changes were on the horizon. A disturbance that had previously brought heavy rain to Louisiana was making its way back toward the Gulf of Mexico. By Friday and Saturday, the system was expected to push closer to Houston and Southeast Texas.
Although its position near land limited its potential to strengthen into a tropical system, forecasters noted a 40% chance of thunderstorms developing by the end of the week. If the disturbance shifted over open water, it could gain more strength — a possibility meteorologists said they would continue to monitor closely.
Until then, residents were urged to take precautions during the sweltering afternoons, with muggy overnight lows sticking in the upper 70s to around 80°F throughout the week.
