The weather service typically issues a heat advisory when heat index values, or humidity-driven “feels like” temperatures, reach or exceed 108 degrees. The heat advisory is intended to alert the public about the health dangers linked to excessive humidity in extreme heat, such as an increased risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
“Hot temperatures and high humidity will increase the risk for heat-related illnesses to occur, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities,” the weather service said in its announcement of the heat advisory.
Southeast Texas counties under the heat advisory include Harris, Montgomery, Grimes, Jackson, Matagorda, Brazoria, Galveston, Fort Bend, Trinity, Madison, Walker, San Jacinto, Polk, Burleson, Wharton and Brazos.
The heat advisory area includes the communities of Houston, Lake Jackson, Bay City, Prairie View, Sealy, Waller, Pasadena, Baytown, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Eagle Lake, Trinity, Texas City, Huntsville, Missouri City, Columbus, Pearland, Cleveland, Galveston, Crockett, Surfside Beach, El Campo, Brenham, Palacios, Winnie, Bryan, Anahuac, Rosenberg, Liberty, Navasota, League City, College Station, Freeport and Conroe.
“Ridging (of high air pressure) over the Rockies will build southeastward into the southern Plains and across much of Texas,” the weather service said in a forecast bulletin Tuesday. “This ridge will provide ample subsidence, which will keep rain chances very low and raise our temperatures.”
Forecasters added that “Wednesday looks to be even hotter with the ridge center positioned over Oklahoma and northern Texas.”