Extreme heat wave, drought persist across South Plains and Texas

Brandi D. Addison, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
·3 min read
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The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning across Texas this week with predicted highs ranging from 102 degrees in Houston to 112 degrees in Dallas-Fort Worth, while temperature highs in the South Plains are expected to fall somewhere in between.

Most major areas around the state -- with the exception of Corpus Christi and Beaumont regions -- will experience similar temperatures above the century mark.

On the High Plains and Rolling Plains, local forecasts predict a high of around 111 degrees in Aspermont on Tuesday afternoon. Lubbock will peak at around 106 degrees -- which would surpass the current record-high on this date, of 105 degrees, set in 2018 -- and 107 degrees in Amarillo.

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In this Lubbock A-J file photo, swimmers try to beat the heat in the water at the Seahorse Pool in central Lubbock.
In this Lubbock A-J file photo, swimmers try to beat the heat in the water at the Seahorse Pool in central Lubbock.

Along with blazing temperatures, dry conditions are expected to persist through the end of the week, further deepening the region's drought. So far this year, Lubbock has recorded 4.79 inches of precipitation. That's 5.48 inches below the year-to-date average of 10.27 inches, according to data from the National Weather Service in Lubbock.

The weather service in Lubbock shared a message on social media that it's essential to recognize the dangers of heatwaves.

"Tornadoes and other types of hazards caused by severe (thunder)storms get a lot of (attention) for causing injuries and death each year, but it's extreme heat that kills far more people every year," reads the weather service message.

The local NWS office also warns there will be elevated fire weather conditions with breezy southwesterly winds on Tuesday.

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With ongoing conservation requests from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the City of Lubbock recommends residents implement energy-saving efforts to reduce the risk of power outages. Among their suggestions: Closing blinds and adjusting thermostats a few degrees warmer when leaving the home; using fans to cool rooms; regularly cleaning air filters; and choosing to use major appliances outside of the critical times - from around 2 to 8 p.m. - when power demand will be higher.

The City of Lubbock also provided a few tips "for staying safe in this heat."

- Stay hydrated- Try to avoid being outside in peak temps- Take breaks from the heat- Dress accordingly- Know when you need to get out of the sun- Check in on elderly neighbors

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Extreme heat wave, drought persist across South Plains and Texas