Houston rolled out of bed Thursday, June 18, into a wall of thick fog and swampy air. KHOU had temperatures already hovering near 81°F with visibility cut to around 4 miles before sunrise, and dew points stuck in the upper 70s. In other words, the city never really cooled off overnight, and the heat will feel far worse than the raw temperature shows, with officials warning that the real-feel will soar well into the triple digits this afternoon.
Heat Advisory And Timing
The National Weather Service has a Heat Advisory in effect from 11 AM Thursday, June 18, through 10 PM Friday, June 19. Forecasters are calling for heat-index readings of roughly 107–114°F, according to the NWS Houston/Galveston. That combination of stifling humidity and warm nights means a higher risk of heat-related illness, especially for outdoor workers, older adults, and children.
What To Expect
Afternoon highs are expected to land near 92°F, but most days will feel much hotter, with the heat index jumping into the mid to upper 100s. Forecasts mention values as high as about 108–109°F Thursday and Friday. South winds should run around 5–10 mph with occasional gusts near 20 mph, offering only limited relief, and overnight lows will linger in the upper 70s to lower 80s. There is a slight chance of scattered storms late Friday into the weekend, although forecasters do not expect widespread, soaking rain before Saturday.
Where To Cool Off
The city and its partners have opened a network of staffed cooling centers for anyone who needs to escape the heat. A recent report highlighted a ribbon-cutting at the Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center, 6402 Market St., and noted that other staffed locations include Bayland Park Community Center, 6400 Bissonnet St., as part of a wider effort to launch 20 cooling centers across the city. Residents looking for a cool spot should call 3-1-1 or sign up for AlertHouston to confirm hours and eligibility before heading out.
Tips For Outdoor Plans
Try to keep heavy outdoor work or exercise limited to the early morning or later evening hours, drink plenty of water, and grab frequent shade breaks if you have to be outside. Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle, even for a short time, and consider checking in on neighbors who may not have air conditioning. If someone starts showing symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, move them to a cooler place immediately and call 911.
Morning Fog And Commute
Patches of fog and mist should gradually lift through midmorning, but reduced visibility could slow the early commute on Thursday. The rest of the day looks mostly dry, although sudden wind gusts near 20 mph could still jostle unsecured outdoor items and make the sticky air feel just a bit more chaotic.
