Climbing temperatures, high humidity bring dangerous heat to San Antonio

Visitors to San Pedro Springs pool on July 25, 2015, found that it is the perfect way to spend a hot San Antonio afternoon. Visitors to San Pedro Springs pool on July 25, 2015, found that it is the perfect way to spend a hot San Antonio afternoon. Photo: Kody Melton Buy photo Photo: Kody Melton Image 1 of / 78 Caption Close Climbing temperatures, high humidity bring dangerous heat to San Antonio 1 / 78 Back to Gallery

SAN ANTONIO — A heat wave is in store for the Alamo City this week, with temperatures soaring into the upper 90s. Combined with high humidity, the scorching temperatures are expected to push the heat index into dangerous territory, according to meteorologists with the National Weather Service.

Yesterday’s heat index ranged from 102 to 106 degrees in San Antonio and in parts of Austin. In Eagle Pass, the values were expected to peak at nearly 110 degrees, according to a weather advisory issued by the NWS.

The heat index measures how hot weather “feels” to the body based on the temperature and humidity. Anything above 100 degrees is considered dangerous and, with prolonged exposure, can likely lead to sunstroke, heat cramps or heat exhaustion.

The remainder of the week is expected to be just as hot as Sunday. Monday morning will be partly cloudy, but afternoon temperatures will soar into the high 90s. The heat index is expected to hit 105 degrees along Del Rio to San Antonio and Austin on Monday afternoon.

Midweek will be mostly sunny and hot, with highs in the mid to upper 90s. Evening temperatures in San Antonio and the surrounding Hill Country area will fall to the mid-70s on Wednesday night. Thursday will be partly cloudy, and there’s a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms as we dip into the weekend. On Saturday, the high will be near 98 degrees.

Nationwide, unusually hot summer days have become more common over the last few decades. More than 9,000 Americans have suffered heat-related deaths since 1979, according to reports from the Environmental Protection Agency. Data from the National Center for Environmental Health shows heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States—more than tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and lightning combined.

Most heat-related deaths are preventable through outreach and intervention. Meteorologists recommend people who plan to be outdoors this week in the San Antonio and surrounding Hill Country area take extra precautions by staying hydrated and limiting strenuous outdoor activities to the evening hours.