An early heat wave is set to push parts of South Texas into the triple digits this week. Cities like Laredo and McAllen could reach 100 degrees, setting potential records for March heat. Dry air and strong winds will increase fire risks.
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South Texas regions are expected to see temperatures in the triple digits weeks ahead of schedule, and the state of Texas is preparing for a heat wave unlike any in March.
On Wednesday, temperatures are forecast to reach 100 degrees in Laredo and certain areas of Webb and Zapata counties, which could potentially tie a 120-year-old record from 1904.
By Friday, the heat will have expanded over the Rio Grande Valley, and communities such as McAllen, Edinburg, Kingsville, and Hebbronville will be added to the list of those experiencing extreme heat. The temperature may reach 103 degrees in certain regions along the Rio Grande.
This unusually warm weather is attributed by meteorologists to very dry air, which heats up swiftly when the sky is clear, and compressional warming brought on by an approaching cold front from the Pacific. It is anticipated that the relative humidity levels in Laredo will decrease to between 5 and 10 percent, and the dry air, in conjunction with the gusty winds, will also cause a significant fire threat in sections of West Texas, San Antonio, and Laredo itself. Even though San Antonio will be experiencing temperatures in the 90s that are exceptionally warm, the risk of fire in the Rio Grande Valley will be marginally reduced since winds will be less.
An early heat wave highlights the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns, which presents difficulties for both the general public and emergency services teams.
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