Houston had triple-digit temperatures throughout this month, with only a single exception on August 3 when the high reached 99 degrees.
These sweltering conditions starkly contrast with the historical average high of 94 degrees for the city, which is located near the northwest Gulf Coast.
The Texas city has also seen a notable decrease in nights when temperatures dipped below 80 degrees, a departure from the historical average low temperature in the mid-70s.
“The same type of weather system that has been responsible for relentless heat in Texas and the South-Central states, as well as the interior Southwest much of this summer will regroup and set up shop farther north starting late this week,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty said.
Understanding the Heat Dome
The concept of a heat dome involves a zone of high atmospheric pressure extending from the Earth’s surface to the level at which jets fly.
Once established, this phenomenon can trigger a self-perpetuating cycle of escalating heat and dryness that is challenging to break.
