Texas heat wave shatters records as triple-digit temperatures grip the region
A heat wave is sweeping across parts of Texas this week, pushing temperatures well above normal. The scorching conditions arrive as a high-pressure system lingers over the region. Several cities have already recorded record-breaking heat by Thursday afternoon.
The surge in temperatures comes from a sprawling area of high pressure. Normally, this part of Texas sees highs in the mid- to upper 70s at this time of year. Instead, readings have soared into the triple digits.
Laredo shattered its daily record on Thursday, hitting 100 degrees by 4 p.m. Nearby Zapata and Cotulla reached 103 degrees, while Falfurrias climbed to 100 degrees. Houston, meanwhile, stayed slightly milder but still warm, with sunny skies and breezy conditions pushing highs into the mid-80s.
The heat will ease slightly in Laredo by Friday, though temperatures remain above average. Forecasters predict highs near 90 degrees. The timing coincides with the start of Houston's rodeo World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, set to begin on Thursday.
The heat wave has already set new records in some cities. While temperatures may dip slightly in the coming days, they will stay higher than usual for this season. Residents and visitors are advised to stay hydrated as the warm spell continues.
