It has been a brutally dry spring in Texas, with 82% of the Lone Star State experiencing drought. Needless to say, we could use LOTS of rain. But instead of healthy rains, we’ve just got big-time heat in the forecast for Mother’s Day weekend.
A high-pressure system settled over Texas Mother’s Day Weekend, bringing record-challenging heat for San Antonio and the majority of the state. In fact, San Antonio International Airport reached 101° Saturday afternoon. That’s a new record high, beating the old record of 100° set back in 1998. It also means that Saturday was our earliest 100-degree day in 13 years! (We hit 100° on May 8, 2009)
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It’s going to stay hot Mother’s Day. Here’s what you need to know:
SUNDAY, Mother’s Day
- Once again, we’ll have morning clouds, but it’ll quickly become sunny and hot with a forecast afternoon high of 98°.
- This would be just a few degrees shy of the record of 102° recorded in 1927.
- Sunday will be dangerously hot with higher humidity, resulting in heat index readings ranging from 101° to 106°.
High energy demand expected
Because this kind of heat wave is early for Texas, ERCOT is asking power plants to postpone planned outages as energy demand will be very high. With that being said, ERCOT is adamant that the power will stay on.
What does this mean for summer?
There is no correlation between an early 100-degree day and a very hot summer. However, because a La Niña weather pattern is ongoing this year, Texas is more likely than not to have a hotter, drier summer.
Heat Safety
Even though we are very used to the heat in South Central Texas, it’s important to remember that heat-related illness can affect anyone if you don’t take precaution. Here are some helpful tips to avoid heat stroke:
- Limit strenuous activity outdoors, especially during the peak heat of the day. (1 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
- Drink plenty of water.
- Check on those who don’t have air-conditioning.
- NEVER leave children or pets in a vehicle.
- Provide pets with plenty of water and shade. Better yet -- bring them inside.
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