Heat advisory continues as triple-digit heat in Houston begins to ease

HOUSTON – More than 20 school districts went back to school Wednesday, and those students will be welcomed back with yet another heat advisory.

The National Weather Service extended the heat advisory for all of Southeast Texas until 7 p.m.

The good news is that storms are back in the forecast and several towns will get a break from our heat wave. Storms will develop mainly after 2 p.m. Expect them to become more widespread during the evening commute and continue Wednesday night as a cold front moves into Southeast Texas.

Sadly, this front will not bring in cool weather but it will end the heat wave of six-plus days in the triple digits.

Afternoon temperatures will return to the mid-90s for the end of the week into the weekend and isolated late day showers will stay in the forecast.

Energy conservation

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas said that the stretch of triple-digit temperatures has resulted in record amounts of energy consumption. People have been asked to conserve electricity during the hottest time of the day, mainly between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Here are some things you can do to help reduce electricity use, according to ERCOT:

• Turn thermostat up 2 to 3 degrees during the peak hours of 3 to 7 p.m.
• Set programmable thermostats to higher temperatures when no one is home.
• Use fans to feel 4 to 6 degrees cooler.
• Limit use of large appliances (i.e., dishwasher, washer, dryer, etc.) to morning or after 7 p.m.
• If you cook indoors from 3 to 7 p.m., use a microwave or slow cooker. 
• Close blinds and drapes during late afternoon.  
• Schedule pool pumps to run in the early morning or overnight hours; shut off between 4 and 6 p.m.