Valley warned of dangerous heat this weekend, next week

Dangerous heat is moving into the Rio Grande Valley this weekend and into next week, according to an advisory from the National Weather Service Brownsville-RGV station, which predicted that the hottest feeling days will be Monday and subsequent days.

The station’s meteorologists are also forecasting a very low but “non-zero” chance of strong to severe storms for the Rio Grande plains and Upper Valley Saturday evening. If it does happen, damaging winds and large hail would be the main threats, they said.

The weekend and next week will see highs in the triple digits for most of the Valley and heat indexes (feels-like temperatures) exceeding 110 degrees, according to the advisory.

Heat advisories and excessive heat warnings will be issued, and heat indexes could hit 116 or higher, meteorologists said.

The extreme heat is compliments of a potent ridge of high pressure building over the Valley this weekend combined with above-average temperatures and elevated relative humidity thanks to recent heavy rainfall, NWS said.

Maximum afternoon heat indexes of 112 to 115 degrees will start Monday with little reprieve overnight, as heat indexes are not expected to fall below 80 or 90 degrees and could be even higher than 90 degrees Monday night, meteorologists said.

The advisory forecasts heat indexes between 107 and 110 degrees Saturday, 110-116 Sunday, 112-116 Monday through Wednesday, and between 113-118 degrees Thursday.

Heat exhaustion is likely to occur in people unprepared for those kinds of temperature, while heat stroke is possible for those exposed to extreme heat for several hours without adequate protection and poses a severe risk to life and health, NWS warned.

“Heat stroke is likely, and death possible, to persons exposed to feels-like temperatures of 116 or higher,” meteorologists said.

NWS reminded parents to take extra care and “look before you lock” while out and about with small children and pets. Residents should stay hydrated at all times and take frequent breaks in the shade if working outdoors. It is recommended to wear loose-fitting clothing, reserve strenuous exercise for the early morning hours and less strenuous exercise for sunset and the hour following sunset.

Elderly residents who do not have air conditioning should be moved to air-conditioned facilities immediately, and pets should be brought indoors to cooler locations “until the heat is manageable,” NWS said.

“Heat (indexes) exceeding 110 degrees may have a life-threatening impact on border operations,” the advisory warned.

“Border Patrol, law enforcement and people being monitored must be hydrated and remain in shaded areas as long as possible during this heat wave,” meteorologists said.

“Cooling centers should be considered due to the persistence and duration of the heat, both day and night. Overnight heat index values at or above 90 can amplify the effects of heat-related illnesses without proper precautions and protection.”