Excessive Heat — Willacy, Texas

2024-06-05 · Willacy, Texas

Event narrative

Edinburg International Airport recorded max heat indices between 111-117F for 7 hours, from 10:55 AM-5:55 PM CDT on June 5, 2024. Heat indices reached Excessive Heat Warning criteria with values between 116-117F over 4 hours, from 12:55-5:15 PM CDT. Harlingen/Valley International Airport (about 7 miles from the Willacy/Cameron line) recorded 116 to 118F heat index between 1153 and 353 PM CDT. By proxy, it's conceivable that sites across Willacy County recorded peak heat indices between 111-117F for at least 3 hours between the time of 10:55 AM-5:55 PM.

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 1191292. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.