A rare August cold front swept across Texas this week, from Dallas-Fort Worth to Houston, triggering rounds of severe storms and bringing a noticeable drop in temperatures across much of the state.
While other cities — like Amarillo and Lubbock — have seen temperatures drop 10 to 15 degrees as easterly winds moved through, Corpus Christi is experiencing only a modest change. Highs have dipped slightly, but humidity keeps the heat index — or “feels-like” temperature — near 105°F.
Farther south and east, the front stalled near Austin, producing only a small decrease in temperatures. Highs remain in the mid-90s, with heat index values climbing to 103 degrees. Rain chances are around 30% Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 27-28, but the cooler air has not fully reached the city.
San Antonio is seeing a similar pattern, with highs in the low 90s and humidity pushing the heat index to about 101 degrees. Rain chances have increased to 20%–30%, with scattered showers and thunderstorms expected, but the front’s cooling effects remain limited.
Labor Day forecast in South Texas
Temperatures are likely to remain in the low-90s through next week, with a 35% to 40% chance of precipitation on Sunday, Aug. 31, and Monday, Labor Day, Sept. 1.
An "excessive heat" advisory persists in the region, according to the National Weather Service.
Historically, daily highs in the region will not dip below 90 degrees until October.
National heat index map: How hot does your city feel?
The map below identifies areas where the heat index is forecasted to reach NWS-defined levels from "Caution" (80 degrees Fahrenheit) to "Extreme Danger" (above 125 degrees).
The heat index measures how hot it actually feels when factoring for humidity. Prolonged exposure to a heat index above 80 degrees can lead to fatigue, as previously reported by USA TODAY. As it gets hotter, the risk continues to increase − potentially resulting in heat stroke or even death. Older adults, children, and outdoor workers are generally at higher risk of heat-related incidents.
Search the heat index forecast in your area
Is your city getting hotter? It's possible! You can check the heat index forecast here to find out!
What’s the difference between temperature and heat index?
The temperature is the actual air reading — what a thermometer records in the shade. The heat index, on the other hand, represents what it feels like to the human body when both temperature and humidity are factored in, according to the National Weather Service.
When humidity is high, sweat doesn’t evaporate as easily, making it harder for your body to cool down. That’s why the heat index is often higher.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Labor Day weekend in Corpus Christi includes rain, 90-degree days
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