Excessive Heat — Inland Kenedy County, Texas

2024-06-05 · Inland Kenedy County, Texas

Event narrative

The Texas Mesonet site at Sarita recorded heat index values between 116 and 121F between 210 PM and 320 PM CST. Kleberg County Airport (KIKG) in Kingsville recorded peak heat indices between 111-117F for 3 hours (from 12:55-2:55 PM) but reached 116F or higher from 130 PM CDT until 330 PM CDT. By proxy, other sites across Inland Kenedy County recorded peak heat indices between 116-121F for up to least 3 hours between the time of 1 and 4 PM CDT. Note that time shown is for the duration of Excessive Heat (116F or higher).

Wider weather episode

A strong subtropical atmospheric ridge, or heat dome, remained anchored over the region, creating up to six days of dangerous heat conditions at the start of June. At five thousand feet above ground, the temperature soared anywhere from 78 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, which translated into a continuation of what was a short-lived, but intense heat wave over the region with actual temperatures rising into the upper 90s to mid 100s from June 1-6. The combination of heat and dewpoint temperatures well into the 70s to around 80, and heat index values ranged between a sweltering 111F-1xxF 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. The hottest feeling day was June 5th, from Brooks/Hidalgo County to Cameron, Willacy, and Kenedy County.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1191291. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.