Texas Prepares for a Punishing Heat Wave
Millions of people across Texas were bracing on Thursday for a spell of punishing heat that officials said would likely last for days, break records and raise the risk of wildfires and heat-related illnesses.
More than 33 million people in Texas, as well as Florida and Louisiana, were under heat advisories early Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. Many of those affected were in southern and eastern Texas, and some of the advisories were scheduled to remain in effect through Friday night.
Parts of Texas, including the Dallas-Fort Worth area, were expected to see heat index readings of 105 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit on Thursday or Friday, the Weather Service said in one advisory. An index of up to 119 degrees was possible in some southern countries, the agency said early Thursday. The heat index measures how hot it feels outside, accounting for temperature and humidity.
Later this week or early next week, the heat index in South Texas and the western Gulf Coast could rise as high as 120 degrees, the agency said in a forecast. Some daily high temperature records may fall, it added, and the weather could pose health risks for people who spend extended time outdoors or without air conditioning.
Source: The New York Times
