Cyclists are seen taking a water break during an evening ride in San Antonio in June 2023. A dangerous round of early season extreme heat is set to hit parts of Texas this week, foreshadowing an abnormally hot summer across much of the United States. Record-breaking temperatures are expected in central and southwest Texas, including in Austin and San Antonio, with highs reaching levels typically seen in mid-summer rather than early-to-mid May. Over 6 million people in Texas are under heat advisories from the National Weather Service on Tuesday and Wednesday, with meteorologists dubbing this early-season heat wave as “potentially historic.”
In Austin, Wednesday’s forecasted high of 107 degrees would mark the hottest May day on record. Tuesday’s high of 104 degrees would also break records as the earliest date to reach triple-digits in the city. San Antonio is expected to experience temperatures reaching at least 103 degrees for three consecutive days starting Tuesday, a rare occurrence for May. Del Rio is forecasted to hit a high of 110 degrees on Wednesday, marking the earliest occurrence of such temperatures and tying for the 12th-hottest day on record.
Millions in central Texas, including the Austin metro area, are at a “major” heat risk on Wednesday according to the National Weather Service, with southern Texas near the Mexico border facing a risk of “extreme” heat. San Antonio and parts of the greater Houston area are also at risk of “major” heat on Thursday. The unprecedented heat poses a significant health risk, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly and young children.
The unseasonably high temperatures could strain Texas’ power grid with record demand. Human-caused climate change is exacerbating extreme heat events in the US and globally, including in Texas. Climate change has significantly increased the likelihood of extreme temperatures, with San Antonio’s forecasted high on Wednesday becoming five times more probable due to fossil fuel emissions.
Heat-related illnesses are a major concern during heat waves, which are deadlier than tornadoes and hurricanes combined in the US. It is crucial for residents to stay cool, hydrated, and take precautions to protect themselves during this intense heat wave.
An early heat wave signals the start of what is expected to be a hot summer across the United States. CNN Weather forecasts warmer-than-normal temperatures for the entire country during the upcoming summer months. The Climate Prediction Center’s latest outlook suggests above-average temperatures from June to August, covering the Lower 48, Alaska, and Hawaii.
The West and parts of the South and Northeast are likely to experience a sizzling summer, mirroring last year’s predictions which saw record warmth in the West and Southwest, and the fourth-warmest summer in the Northeast. However, this summer also brings concerns of below-average precipitation in the West, Midwest, and much of the Plains.
In contrast, the East and Southeast could see wetter conditions, possibly influenced by an active hurricane season. This pattern of dryness and heat can create a cycle where increased temperatures lead to drier conditions, potentially exacerbating droughts. Conversely, wetter regions may experience a humid summer due to the combination of increased precipitation and heat.
CNN Meteorologist Brandon Miller provided insights for this report. Stay informed with the latest news and newsletters by signing up at CNN.com.
