Texas Feels the Heat: Unusual Warmth Breaks Records

Record-Breaking Temperatures

Texas experienced some unusually warm weather this week, with temperatures soaring higher than usual for this time of year.

• Del Rio International Airport recorded a high of 84°F, breaking the previous record of 82°F set in 1989 and 2023.
• Austin tied its record high at both Camp Mabry and Austin Bergstrom, both reaching 84°F.

More Heat on the Horizon

The National Weather Service (NWS) predicted more record-breaking temperatures for Wednesday and Thursday.

Weather Alerts

• Dense Fog Advisory issued for the Coastal Plains until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, with visibilities dropping below a quarter mile.
• Drivers advised to slow down and use their low beams.

Houston Joins the Heat Wave

• IAH Airport recorded a high of 82°F, breaking the previous record of 80°F set in 1989.
• Hobby Airport also hit 82°F, surpassing its 1956 record of 80°F.

Extended Warm Spell

This warm spell isn't just a one-day event. A strong upper high has been sitting over the middle of the country since mid-December, bringing numerous days of record or near-record temperatures across the southern Plains, including much of Texas.

• Heat Wave Duration: Began early this week and is expected to continue through January 7.
• Cold Front: Expected to move in from the northwest on Friday, bringing cooler temperatures to areas away from the coast.
• Coastal Areas: Places like Houston and the lower Rio Grande Valley may still see highs in the 80s, with the lower Rio Grande Valley possibly reaching near 90°F.

Nationwide Unusual Warmth

This isn't the only place in the U.S. experiencing unusual warmth. Several climate sites across Nebraska also hit record highs over the weekend.

• Monitoring Stations: North Platte, Valentine, Broken Bow, and Imperial all surpassed their daily maximum temperatures for January 4.