Tropical Storm Bertha slowly churns near Florida, Extreme Heat Warning issued for Southeast Texas

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Tropical Storm Bertha formed in the eastern Gulf Monday evening and is forecast to slowly push closer to Louisiana with a potential landfall there late Wednesday. Eventually the system could bring us some scattered tropical downpours late in the week, but at this time we don't expect anything significant.

Before we get a chance of rain, we have to make it through two really hot afternoons. The heat dome steering Bertha toward Louisiana is also pushing our highs to near 100 today and well over 100 tomorrow. A Heat Advisory is in effect for all of Southeast Texas until 8 p.m. today. A Heat Advisory is issued when the heat index is expected to top 108.

New this afternoon, the National Weather Service has also issued an Extreme Heat Warning for tomorrow as the air temperatures peaks near 105 degrees with a heat index near 115 degrees. This is not our typical summer heat, and all precautions should be taken to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke on Wednesday for those who have to be outside. Stay well hydrated, take frequent breaks in the shade if you have to work outside, and wear light colored clothing.

No rain is expected today, but there is a small chance for big storms late Wednesday after temperatures peak near 104 degrees in Houston..

When could we get rain from Tropical Storm Bertha?

A band of moisture swirling around Bertha's circulation could impact us Wednesday evening. After that, there is a chance of scattered tropical downpours Thursday and Friday from whatever remains of Bertha's moisture and circulation. At this time we are expecting an inch or less of rain, if you get any at all.

What should we expect for the weekend?

Any moisture from Tropical Storm Bertha will be moving out, so rain chances will dwindle from 30% Saturday to less than 20% Sunday as highs heat back into the upper 90s.

What else are you tracking in the tropics?

Our focus right now is on the Gulf and Bertha as there are no other tropical threats at this time. Visit our Tropical Update page for a more in-depth tropical weather discussion and forecast.

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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