End in Sight for 90-Degree Temperatures in South Texas: A Historical Perspective

End in Sight for 90-Degree Temperatures in South Texas: A Historical Perspective

The long run of sweltering 90-degree days in South Texas, particularly in San Antonio, seems to continue longer than expected this year. With September end nearing, the city has already recorded 20 consecutive days of 90-degree heat, maintaining an unusual average high temperature of 95.6 degrees, which mirrors the July weather. However, the constant question running through everyone’s mind is – When will these persistent 90-degree temperatures come to an end? When will autumn finally be felt in South Texas? Let’s delve into historical records to find the answers.

Historical Records Indicate an Average Last 90-Degree Day on October 12

An analysis of the city’s weather records, dating back to 1885, revealed that the average last 90-degree day usually falls on October 12. However, since 2000, there’s been a late shift, leading the last scorching day until October 18. It implies that the heat could linger until mid-October before the region finally ushers in the anticipated fall temperatures.

This Sunday’s Forecast – Another Day of 90 Degrees

While the mornings are expected to be pleasantly cool, hovering around the mid-60s, the afternoons will see temperatures spiking up to the 90s. By 1 PM, the day could readily touch the 90-degree mark. The predicted afternoon high is a soaring 96 degrees, nearly a 10-degree departure from the average for late September. However, South Texans can take solace in the fact that it will be a dry heat, and the heat index values will not ascend beyond the actual air temperature.

Record-Breaking Temperatures on the Horizon

Early this week, predictably, temperatures may see a further rise. Though the mornings are projected to stay cool around the mid-60s to upper 60s, the sunny afternoons may bring temperatures up to a high of 97 degrees. This hike could potentially rewrite the record books for daily temperature highs. Currently, Monday’s record stands at 96 degrees and Tuesday’s at 97 degrees. Both are at the risk of either being tied or broken.

A Glimpse into Aspiring Temperatures

As we gear up for the latter half of the week, the atmospheric moisture is expected to increase, cooling down the high temperatures. By Thursday and Friday, the daily highs are likely to settle between 92 and 94 degrees. However, the humidity rise would also mean an increase in the daily low temperatures, which are anticipated to be between 69 and 71 degrees by the end of the week.

Is Rain on the Cards?

The chances of rain remain slim in South Texas for the week. Yet, a region in the western Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico is being monitored by the National Hurricane Center for potential tropical development over the next week. This tropical activity may potentially bring some moisture to South Texas by Friday, though it’s too early to say anything definitively about its progression at this juncture. Thus, the wait for rainfall continues while keeping a watchful eye on weather developments.