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A dense plume of\u00a0Saharan dust, seen here as purple and blue in this forecast model, will settle into Texas on Monday,\u00a0leading to high concentrations of particulate matter in the air, according to NASA data.<\/p>\n
Goddard Earth Observing System\/NASA\/WeatherBELL<\/p>\n
While Houston\u2019s summertime heat shows no sign of relenting<\/a>, a\u00a0dense plume of Saharan dust is expected to settle into South and Southeast Texas by Monday and linger in the skies over Houston through early Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service<\/a>.<\/p>\n Although the dust will result in hazy skies<\/a> and produce vibrant sunrises and sunsets this week, it also will reduce air quality significantly and could aggravate conditions for those with respiratory issues, such as asthma.<\/p>\n \u201cFine particulate concentrations are expected to increase across most regions, although the breezier winds could promote dispersion and somewhat mitigate the effects,\u201d the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality said <\/a>in its air quality forecast Sunday.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The PM2.5 air quality index, which measures concentrations of particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers, could reach the lower to middle of the \u201cunhealthy for sensitive groups\u201d range in parts of the Houston metro area, according to the TCEQ. Such particulates can be inhaled and can cause coughing, throat irritation or make breathing difficult for those with sensitive respiratory systems.<\/p>\n Heat index values will be in the triple digits by 3 p.m. Monday across Texas, according to the National Blend of Models, a composite weather forecast model.<\/p>\n National Blend of Models\/Pivotal Weather<\/p>\n Weather this week<\/p>\n As we head into the final days of June, Houston continues to wither under what the weather service describes as \u201ca moderate to major level of heat risk daily through early next week\u201d\u00a0\u2014 thanks in no small part to humidity-driven heat index values, or \u201cfeels like\u201d temperatures, anywhere from 103 to 107 degrees (or 39 to 42 degrees Celsius for our World Cup international visitors<\/a>) through Tuesday.<\/p>\n Although forecasters are highlighting the return of low to moderate rain chances near the middle of the coming week, don\u2019t count on it for any noticeable relief from the heat.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n High pressure and Saharan dust<\/p>\n High atmospheric pressure, which tends to suppress rain chances and heat up surface temperatures, will continue to be the dominant influence on Houston weather this week.<\/p>\n \u201cAt the surface, high pressure over the Gulf will\u00a0help maintain a persistent southerly (air) flow across the region,\u201d the weather service said in a forecast bulletin posted online<\/a> Sunday. \u201cThis will maintain warm and humid conditions over the next few days.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n