A stubborn ridge of high pressure continues to concentrate heat across the state pushing afternoon high temperatures again above the 100 degree mark. Humidities will rise today forcing heat index values up which is why the Heat Advisory has been issued and will be in effect from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday.
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.
Afternoon high temperatures Monday will reach near 110 degrees in San Angelo therefore an Excessive Heat Warning will be in effect from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
A line of thunderstorms developed early Friday morning across the Permian basin and moved across the Concho Valley dumping some much needed moderate rainfall ahead of a weekend heat wave expected to shatter high temperature records next week.
Sizzling hot temperatures up close to 110 degrees will bake the area beginning Monday as the drought intensifies early this year. Mathis field has recorded only 2.77 inches of rain this year which is 5.45 inches below normal.
The best chances for rain in West Central Texas over the next 24 hours will be in the Abilene area Wednesday night and then around I-10 and Sonora on Thursday with little or no rain expected in the San Angelo area.