Excessive Heat Warning Week Starts Saturday

SAN ANGELO – The next ten days could be the hottest of the summer for the Concho Valley and West Texas as a ridge of high pressure has created a stifling dome over the region helping temperatures to reach near 110 degrees with heat index values near 115.  

The National Weather Service office in San Angelo has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for the area from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday.  The high temperature is forecast at 107 on Saturday and will reach 109 to 111 by next weekend.  

Expect that Excessive Heat Warning to be extended or reissued daily for the next ten days.  

In addition to the sweltering heat, extreme wildfire danger exists across most of the region as well.  There are Wildfire Danger Statements in effect and Red Flag Warnings will be necessary with gusty winds during the same time period. 

Residents are again urged to take precautions while working or enjoying the outdoors.  Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, take frequent breaks in the shade and wear properly protective clothing and sunscreen.  

Take care of those outdoor children and pets too.  Make sure they have plenty of fresh water, ventilated  shade and access to plenty of food.  And never, ever lock one in a hot car in Texas. Not even Yankees or Californians do that.  And if you're going to chain a dog outside, make sure you are on the same chain with him.  It's only fair.  

Watch for the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke; both can be life-threatening.  

Traditionally in drought years the Concho Valley experiences some rain in the middle of August and again in early September around the Labor Day weekend.  Check back daily for further weather updates.