Relentless & Dangerous Heat Wave Hits High Point Tuesday

SAN ANGELO – The string of 100 degree days will continue for at least the next week and Tuesday may be the hottest day so far.  

According to weather experts with the National Weather Service in San Angelo, the high temperature Tuesday afternoon will come close to 107 degrees at the NWS office at San Angelo Regional Airport and 110 degrees in downtown San Angelo.  

The NWS has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for all of West Central Texas as the Lone Star State sees temps above 100 degrees almost statewide. 

An Excessive Heat Warning means that dangerous hot weather is occurring; expect heat indices to hover between 105 and 108 degrees for several hours.  The Excessive Heat Warning is in effect from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday.  

There is a dangerous, substantial increase in the conditions which will lead to heat related illnesses.  

Everyone working or participating in outdoor activities Tuesday afternoon is at risk.  Experts recommend anyone outside know and recognize the symptoms of heat related illnesses in themselves and others. 

Drink plenty of fluids and take frequent breaks in the shade or better still, stay in an air-conditioned room.  

This is a deadly heat wave.  Any pet or person left inside a closed vehicle is in peril.  Never, ever leave a child or pet in a closed vehicle even for a few minutes.  

A heat wave is a period of abnormally hot weather generally lasting more than two days. Heat waves can occur with or without high humidity. They have potential to cover a large area, exposing a high number of people to hazardous heat. Heat can be very taxing on the body; check out the heat related illnesses that can occur.

Extreme heat also impacts our infrastructure - from transportation to utilities to clean water and agriculture. High heat can deteriorate and buckle pavement, warp or buckle railway tracks, and exceed certain types of aircraft operational limits.

Electricity usage increases as air conditioning and refrigeration units in homes and offices work harder to keep indoors cooler. Transmission capacity across electric lines is reduced during high temperatures, further straining the electrical grid.

Water resources are also strained as conventional power plants require large quantities of water for cooling and crops may need increased water consumption, and people increase water consumption to stay hydrated and cool. Heat can have lasting impacts as crops may be damaged, reducing production which leads to short supply and or increased cost to the farmers and consumers.

Make sure outdoor pets have plenty of shade and fresh water or bring them inside.  

This excessive heat wave is expected to last at least seven more days.  Heat Advisories and Excessive Heat Warnings are expected daily. 

This is a serious and dangerous weather situation.