Houston residents are bracing for a scorcher this Memorial Day weekend, with the National Weather Service predicting heat index values to hit stifling conditions as high as 110°F. The city will see a temporary respite from the heat with increasing clouds expected tonight, maintaining a warm low around 79°F, according to the latest forecast by NWS. Gradual clearing on Sunday will pave the way for sunny skies and a high near 93°F, with a persistent south wind contributing to the dangerous heat levels.
But it's not just the heat Houstonians need to be wary of, venturing out for beach activities over the weekend poses risks as well. Strong winds and potential thunderstorms could create treacherous beach conditions. A Memorial Day that's mostly sunny will wane into a somewhat unsettled week, with chances of showers and thunderstorms forecasted starting Monday night, as per the National Weather Service.
The Storm Prediction Center has meanwhile placed a large swath of the Eastern U.S., including regions just north of Houston, under an enhanced risk of severe weather. The forecast discussion indicates the threat of large, long-lived organized clusters of storms, capable of unleashing damaging wind gusts on Sunday hailing from as far as eastern Missouri to northern Tennessee and parts of Kentucky. Houston area, while not in the center of the severe weather risk, should anticipate the possibility of a convective shuffle shaking up the atmosphere this weekend.
Officials are urging residents to take the risks seriously. When it comes to heat safety, locals are reminded to stay hydrated and to seek shade during peak sun hours. And if anyone is planning on hitting the beaches, "swim near a lifeguard & away from rocks, jetties & piers," a safety message echoed by the National Weather Service Houston on X. The combined threats of both heat and potentially dangerous storms underline the need for vigilance during this significant holiday weekend.
Hot weather & dangerous beach conditions are expected this Memorial Day weekend.
— NWS Houston (@NWSHouston) May 25, 2024
Heat index values (feel-like temperature) into the 105-110°+F. It is important to practice heat safety wherever you are!
If at the beach, swim near a lifeguard & away from rocks, jetties & piers. pic.twitter.com/stFnBC9ukY
