Howdy ladies and gentlemen! Summer officially begins at 9:42 p.m. this evening. And with it is coming a major heat wave across the East Coast and Midwest.
Take the information how you will -- if you want to grab a black cat and a broomstick or find a werewolf to dance with, it's up to to you -- but know that at 10:42 p.m. tonight, the summer solstice will occur. This is when the sun will be directly over the Tropic of Cancer, marking the start of summer for the northern hemisphere and the start of winter for the southern hemisphere.
It means that tonight is the longest day of the year, and it's a Friday, so also take that as you will. After tonight, daylight will gradually decrease until at the point of the winter solstice, we'll have 3 hours and 46 minutes less daylight than we will today.
As the warm season kicks off, know that the Climate Prediction Center says to expect above normal temperatures for the western, southern and northeastern United States. That's holding true as the East Coast is already sizzling under temperatures at or near 100 degrees.
Late last month, Audacy reported that global climate predictions covering the next five years indicate that more record-breaking and even “killer” heat should be expected. Last year also saw record-setting heat levels.
It is essential to prioritize heat safety by staying hydrated, taking frequent breaks, wearing light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, applying sunscreen, and wearing a hat. Please also ensure your pets have a cool place to stay and check your vehicle's back seat for pets and small children before exiting. Heat-related fatalities are a significant concern, and it is crucial to take heat seriously.
If you're thinking about hot spells, not that the weather in Texas is expected to remain relatively quiet over the next 7 to 10 days, due to a high-pressure system dominating the upper levels of the atmosphere. Notably, no heat advisories are currently in place across North Texas.....yet. A different story across the northern and central Plains, the Midwest, and the Ohio Valley, where they'll experience heat advisories and extreme heat watches are in place into next week.
Today through the weekend is expected to be quiet, with afternoon highs reaching the mid-90s and morning lows in the mid-to-upper 70s. Heat index values will approach 103 degrees, although this is below the threshold for heat advisories.
Next week's forecast appears uneventful, with plenty of sunshine, breezy conditions, and seasonable temperatures prevailing. Afternoon highs will reach the mid-90s, while morning lows will remain in the mid-to-upper 70s.
Parts of Texas can expect welcome rain, particularly in far West Texas, due to the leftover moisture from Hurricane Erick. Additionally, an area of showers and storms will develop along the seabreeze front in southeast Texas, potentially reaching as far north as Austin and College Station.
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