'Flash drought' possible as triple-digit heat wave begins in Houston
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The hottest and driest stretch of summer is upon us, and this will increase the risk of a rapid onset of drought conditions known as a "flash drought."
Temperatures Wednesday afternoon will climb to around 100 degrees, the first of 9 straight triple-digit days we are predicting to occur. Peak heat index values will range between 103 and 107 degrees in most places. There will be less moisture in the air, so the sea breeze is less likely to kick off any showers or thunderstorms like it did south of Houston on Tuesday.
A Heat Advisory begins at Noon Thursday and lasts until 7 p.m. Friday for all of Southeast Texas. Heat index values could make it feel like 106 to 110 degrees at times, increasing the threat for heat-related illness.
Are we going to be dealing with triple-digit heat all week?
Yep. High temperatures will likely hit 100 or higher every day left this week...and most of next week, too. Humidity levels will also increase by the weekend, pushing the heat index higher. A Heat Advisory may be issued by the National Weather Service later this week.
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 around 102 degrees both days, but we are seeing evidence those highs could get as hot as 105 degrees. 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 they are slim. We've got a 10% chance for rain on Friday and Saturday, and that's about the best we can do for this week. Next week we have a 20% chance of rain on Friday as the heat dome slides back to the west and moisture levels rise.
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 20% chance of rain in the forecast.
What's happening in the tropics?
Lala becomes a category 4 hurricane and expected to impact the northwestern Hawaiian islands. 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.
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