Houston has caught a fever, but some relief expected late next week

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- It's official: Houston caught a fever Thursday afternoon with a high of 100 at Bush Airport and a heat index of 108. With similar weather expected Friday, all of Southeast Texas remains under a Heat Advisory until 7 p.m. Friday. Heat index values will peak between 105 to 110 degrees in the late afternoon, increasing the threat for heat-related illness.

Temperatures Friday afternoon will climb into the low 100s. During the peak heat of the day, there is a 10% chance of a stray storm popping up over or near Houston.

How hot will it get this weekend?

Unfortunately, it looks like this weekend could bring the hottest weather of the entire heat wave. For now we have high temperatures peaking at 102 Saturday and 103 Sunday. The heat index could also be dangerously high in the afternoon with it feeling like 110 degrees outside at times.

Is there any rain in the forecast?

Yes, but the chances are slim. We've got a 10% chance for Friday, and it climbs to 20% late Saturday. Because it will be so hot, if a thunderstorms develops, it could produce wind gusts over 50 mph and possibly turn severe. Next week we have a 30% chance of rain on Thursday and Friday as the heat dome slides back to the west and moisture levels rise. If we gain confidence that the heat dome will slide fairly far to our west, then our rain chances will go higher.

What should I know about the potential for a flash drought?

First, it's important to understand what a flash drought is. This is what we call it when a drought suddenly develops over 1 or 2 weeks of hot, dry weather instead of the usual 1 or 2 months it takes a more typical drought to develop. This means if you want to keep drought-sensitive vegetation alive, you will need to provide the water. You might also consider providing low amounts of water to your home's foundation to help stabilize the soil moisture and prevent movement in the ground that supports your foundation. This is especially important if your soil is mostly composed of clay.

Are there any signs that this hot, dry pattern will break any time soon?

We see a glimmer of hope that the pattern could budge some toward the end of next week, which is why we have an "optimistic" high of "just" 99 and a 30% chance of rain in the forecast by Thursday. This change will be caused by a weak front that could bring more widespread rainfall. For now we are keeping our expectations low until we gain more confidence on the pattern change.

What's happening in the tropics?

A new tropical system in the Central Pacific could threaten Hawaii with more rain, wind, and rough surf this weekend. Meanwhile in the Atlantic, we are watching some tropical waves and Saharan dust emerging from Africa. For a more in-depth discussion on what's happening in the tropics, visit our Daily Tropical Update page.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:
Southeast Texas
Houston
Harris County
Galveston County
Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties
Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties
Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

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