Heat — Inland Kenedy County, Texas

2024-05-27 · Inland Kenedy County, Texas

Event narrative

The Texas Mesonet site at Sarita recorded heat index values between 111 and 114F+ from 120 through 330 PM CDT on May 27th. By proxy with the Mesonet site at the Texas AgriScience Center near the northeast Hidalgo/northwest Willacy line, which had more than four hours of 111F+ but just 1.5 hours between 116 and 119, it is inferred that the majority of inland Kenedy County fell into the dangerous (111-115F), rather than excessive (116F+) heat category.

Wider weather episode

A slightly stronger sub-tropical ridge/heat dome centered over central and southern Mexico returned northward towards the Rio Grande Valley and Deep South Texas. At five thousand feet above ground, the temperature soared anywhere from 78 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, which translated into another short-lived but intense heat wave over the region with surface temperatures rising into the upper 90s to mid 100s from May 26-30. The combination of heat and dewpoint temperatures well into the 70s to around 80, heat indices ranged between a sweltering 111F-126F across parts of Deep South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley. The hottest temperatures were once again located from the mid-lower Rio Grande Valley northward along I-69E and I-69C; several hours with values of 116 or higher - considered Excessive Heat - were noted each day in many parts of the region.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1189322. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.