HOUSTON – For every newcomer to Houston, this excessive heat may almost seem like a rite of passage. The truth is though, no matter how long you’ve lived in Texas and experienced a summer heatwave, you’re never truly prepared for it.
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Each day in Houston seems to be getting hotter and on Monday, our Meteorologist Justin Stapleton first told us about heat advisories extending well into the night.
Our Chief Meteorologist Anthony Yanez later learned that the heat advisory upgraded into a heat warning.
So what’s the difference?
The National Weather Service issues different heat-related alerts depending on how severe the conditions are forecasted. And if we’re under a heat warning, that means it’s time to act!
“Think of an excessive heat warning as serious as a severe thunderstorm warning,” Stapleton explained. “The conditions are active today that could severely impact your health if you don’t take precautions. You wouldn’t stand outside in a big lightning storm, so avoid the late afternoon hours outside if you can.”
Here’s a look at the alerts and a brief explanation behind them:
- Excessive Heat Warning—Take Action! An Excessive Heat Warning is issued within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions. The general rule of thumb for this Warning is when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 105° or higher for at least 2 days and night time air temperatures will not drop below 75°; however, these criteria vary across the country, especially for areas not used to extreme heat conditions. If you don’t take precautions immediately when conditions are extreme, you may become seriously ill or even die.
- Excessive Heat Watches—Be Prepared! Heat watches are issued when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 24 to 72 hours. A Watch is used when the risk of a heat wave has increased but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain.
- Heat Advisory—Take Action! A Heat Advisory is issued within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions. The general rule of thumb for this Advisory is when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 100° or higher for at least 2 days, and night time air temperatures will not drop below 75°; however, these criteria vary across the country, especially for areas that are not used to dangerous heat conditions. Take precautions to avoid heat illness. If you don’t take precautions, you may become seriously ill or even die.
- Excessive Heat Outlooks—Be Aware! The outlooks are issued when the potential exists for an excessive heat event in the next 3-7 days. An Outlook provides information to those who need considerable lead-time to prepare for the event.