Heat in Panola, Texas

An upper-level ridge of high pressure extending from the Southern Plains across the Gulf Coast region that began in late July, maintained its presence into early August. Afternoon temperatures rose into the middle and upper 90s during the first few days of the month. Deep southerly moisture pooling in advance of a weak frontal boundary resulted in very minimal mixing of dew points, with attendant heat indices ranging from 105-109 degrees across the lower half of East Texas through August 3rd.