Houston’s Fourth of July is shaping up to be a hot one, with the National Weather Service issuing a heat advisory for Harris County from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Today. Actual temperatures are expected to climb into the mid to upper 90s, but humidity will push the heat index into a much more punishing range, with feels like temperatures forecast between 106 and 110 degrees across the region.
Northern parts of the metro area, including areas near Bush Intercontinental Airport and The Woodlands in Houston, are expected to see highs near 96 degrees, while downtown, Sugar Land and Pasadena should stay a few degrees cooler, generally in the low 90s. Regardless of the exact number on the thermometer, the humidity is expected to make the entire region feel considerably hotter than the actual air temperature suggests.
A few storms could sneak into the afternoon
While most of Southeast Texas is expected to stay dry, forecasters say a handful of isolated showers and thunderstorms may develop during the late afternoon and early evening, generally between 3 and 7 p.m. The setup lines up with peak afternoon heating combined with a typical sea breeze push, conditions that occasionally spark quick bursts of rain during Houston summers.
Meteorologists estimate only a 10% to 20% chance of rain across the region, and any storm that does form is expected to be brief, lasting 20 minutes or less. Forecasters have also noted that any stormy activity should clear out well before fireworks displays begin this evening, with rain chances dropping and temperatures easing into the mid-80s by around 9:30 p.m.
Staying safe in the heat
With a heat advisory in effect and outdoor holiday plans in full swing, health officials are urging residents to take precautions throughout the day. Recommendations include staying well hydrated, wearing lightweight and loose fitting clothing, and taking regular breaks in the shade or indoors. Anyone consuming alcohol during outdoor festivities is also encouraged to alternate with water, since alcohol can accelerate dehydration in already extreme heat. Residents are also encouraged to limit strenuous activity to the cooler parts of the day and stay alert for early signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
What comes after the holiday
The heat is expected to stick around well beyond Today. High pressure will continue to dominate the region into early next week, keeping afternoon temperatures in the mid-90s with only slightly elevated rain chances tied to a weak disturbance expected near the Rio Grande. Any additional rain during that stretch is not expected to bring flooding or severe weather concerns.
Rain chances are expected to drop further by the middle of the week in Houston, with drier conditions returning through the following weekend, even as temperatures hold steady in the mid-90s. Longer range forecast models are also hinting at the possibility of triple digit heat returning to the region by the middle of July.
A busy weekend beyond the backyard cookout
The holiday weather also plays a role for anyone attending Houston’s World Cup activities, with isolated storm chances This afternoon potentially affecting outdoor viewing areas, the FIFA Fan Festival, and the Canada versus Morocco match taking place at Houston Stadium. Anyone with outdoor plans extending into the evening is encouraged to keep an eye on radar conditions throughout the afternoon, just in case.