Texas wakes up under the weight of mid‑August heat today, and the atmosphere isn’t offering much relief. A Heat Advisory goes into effect from 1 PM to 8 PM, signaling another day where the combination of temperature and humidity will push heat index values toward 106° in many communities. Actual temperatures will climb between 98° and 102°, but the air will feel even hotter.

Meteorologists continue to stress the basics: drink plenty of water, limit outdoor activity during peak heating, and take breaks in the shade. And as always, never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, even for a moment.

A Stubborn Pattern Overhead

The hot, dry weather isn’t just a Texas story, it’s part of a broader national pattern. The Weather Prediction Center notes that a sprawling mid‑level ridge over the Four Corners is sliding eastward, reinforcing a dome of high pressure that stretches from the Central Plains to the Southeast . Under this ridge, the atmosphere becomes stagnant, trapping heat and suppressing meaningful changes in the forecast.

KNCT Meteorologist Bill Hecke describes it plainly: “We kick off our Tuesday with partly cloudy skies and morning temperatures generally in the 70s. A Heat Advisory goes into effect at 1 PM and continues through 8 PM for most of North Texas, where heat index values could climb as high as 108°. Central Texas won’t be far behind, with index numbers ranging from 103° to 106°.”

By afternoon, skies trend clear to partly cloudy with highs in the upper 90s, and a light south wind at 5–15 mph, occasionally gusting to 20 mph. But the ridge overhead isn’t budging. “It’s almost a stagnant atmosphere,” Hecke says. “We just don’t see a big shift in the dome of high pressure that we are currently under.”

Fire Weather Concerns Rising

The heat is only part of the story. Breezy winds and low afternoon humidity will elevate the wildfire threat across portions of the state through the rest of the week—especially Thursday and Friday. Dry grasses and triple‑digit temperatures create a landscape primed for rapid fire spread.

South‑Central Texas: Triple Digits and Storm Chances

In the Austin and San Antonio regions, high temperatures will surge toward 103°, with isolated afternoon or evening storms possible in eastern counties. Coastal Plains and the I‑35 corridor may see stray to isolated showers early this evening before settling into a mostly cloudy night with lows in the 70s.

The heat doesn’t let up heading into next week. Daily highs near or above 100° will continue, with heat index values climbing between 105° and 110° in many locations.

National Weather Picture

Beyond Texas, the WPC highlights several national hazards:

• Severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across the Midwest, Ohio Valley, and central Appalachians, including a flash‑flood threat where 2–4 inches of rain may fall over already saturated ground.
• Cooling trend across the Intermountain West and Northern Plains as a front pushes in, dropping temperatures by 10–20 degrees west of the Continental Divide.
• Daily severe weather chances over the Northern High Plains near a stationary front and weak low‑pressure wave.

Stay Weather‑Aware

Texas remains locked in a dangerous heat pattern, and safety is the priority. Hydrate, rest, protect your skin, and check on neighbors who may be vulnerable. KNCT will continue to provide updates at the bottom of every hour, and you can find on‑demand forecasts anytime at myKNCT.com/weather.