News Summary
February 3rd brought an unprecedented heatwave to Texas, with temperatures soaring into the 90s. Cities like San Antonio and Lubbock recorded record-breaking highs, causing many to swap winter clothing for summer attire. The heat wave is expected to continue, leaving residents wondering about the early onset of summer temperatures. Amarillo also broke its February record while Southeast Texas faces fog and humidity. This unusual warmth raises questions about more record-breaking days ahead in Texas.
Record-Breaking Heat Hits Texas
February is typically a time when Texans find themselves bundled up in cozy sweaters and sipping hot cocoa. However, this year, it seems like Mother Nature had other plans! On Monday, February 3, a sudden heat wave swept across the Lone Star State, bringing with it record-breaking temperatures that left everyone scratching their heads. Can you believe it? Temperatures soared into the 90s in some areas!
Sunny San Antonio Sizzles
Let’s take a closer look at the star players in this unexpected weather show. In San Antonio, the mercury climbed to a balmy 85 degrees, tying the daily record for this day in February. Not far behind, Lubbock made headlines as it hit a scorching 91 degrees, marking the earliest they’ve ever recorded such a high temperature. Talk about turning up the heat!
Meanwhile, cities like Dallas, Houston, and Austin also joined the temperature party, with highs in the 80s. Some spots tied or even broke their daily heat records, leaving locals reaching for their iced tea and flip-flops instead of their winter attire.
A Continuing Heat Wave
The good news for sun-seekers is that the heat wave isn’t going away anytime soon! San Antonio is expected to bask in these warm temperatures through the weekend and into the following week. That’s right—don’t put away your summer clothes just yet!
Potential for Early 100-Degree Days
Now, if you’re in San Antonio, note that the average date for the first 100-degree day is June 26. But history shows that early heat waves happen more often as you head further south in Texas. In fact, the city hit a steamy 100 degrees on February 21, 1996, which is the earliest on record.
The same pattern seems to be playing out in Austin, where the average date for the first 100-degree day is June 27. But hold on—a record was set back on May 4, 1984, showing that early summer isn’t out of the question for this area either. Killeen, in 2023, even experienced a 100-degree day on February 26, sending shivers of excitement through local meteorologists.
Laredo typically sees that first 100-degree day by April 10 and has recorded such high temperatures six times in February. That’s quite impressive! Over in Houston, folks might have to wait until July for their first 100-degree day, with no recorded high reaching that temperature in February through May.
Interestingly, Houston’s earliest date for a 100-degree day is June 2, established in 2011. And in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the average first 100-degree day falls into late June, though an astonishing record was set as early as March 9, 1911.
Exceptional February Warmth
And it doesn’t stop there—Amarillo reached a remarkable 89 degrees on February 3, breaking a record from 1934 and tying the warmest temperature ever noted for this month since records began in 1892. Now that’s a February to remember!
Fog and Humidity Join the Party
As if the heat wasn’t enough, patches of sea fog and muggy conditions are creeping into Southeast Texas, courtesy of a persistent southerly flow from the Gulf of Mexico. Houston is set to enjoy six consecutive days of highs in the 80s—gosh, they could be tying a historic record for early February warmth!
On the coast, Galveston can expect cooler temperatures around 70 degrees due to clouds and fog rolling in. So, while some areas will be basking in the sunshine, beachgoers may want to keep their jackets handy.
The Bottom Line
In a nutshell, February is turning out to be far from typical this year in Texas. With record-breaking temperatures already making waves, who knows what the next few weeks will bring? Stay cool, Texas!
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Additional Resources
- KXAN Weather Forecast
- Wikipedia: Texas
- San Antonio Express-News
- Google Search: Texas weather
- ABC 7 Amarillo
- Google Scholar: Texas climate
- CBS News Texas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas weather
- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
- Google News: Texas heat wave
