Houston is baking under a sunny sky today with a high near 103°F and heat index values as high as 113°F, and the National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning from 11 AM to 8 PM CT — so run your errands early, hydrate constantly, and check on elderly neighbors before the worst of it hits.
Today’s Setup
NWS Houston/Galveston meteorologists say a ridge of high pressure centered over North Texas and Oklahoma, combined with sinking air on the outer edge of Tropical Storm Bertha, is driving today’s dangerous heat. Dew points in the 70s push heat index values up to 115°F away from the coast, per the Area Forecast Discussion, while areas closer to Galveston Bay stay a touch cooler in the mid-to-upper 90s. A weak boundary sliding in from the northeast late this afternoon could spark a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5 PM CT, continuing into tonight with lows near 84°F.
Best Window To Be Outside
If you’ve got yard work, dog walks, or a run planned, get it done before 10 AM CT — once the Extreme Heat Warning kicks in at 11 AM, conditions turn dangerous fast for anyone outdoors for extended periods. Early morning is also your window if you’re eyeing the EGO Power+ battery deal for cutting the grass around Memorial Park or your own yard before temps climb.
Rain, Wind, Fire, Or Heat Risk
Heat is the headline risk today, not storms — this is Extreme Heat Warning territory. Rain chances stay low, around 12% today and near 30% overnight, but any storm that fires up near Buffalo Bayou or the Energy Corridor could bring frequent lightning and gusty winds. Looking ahead, Tropical Storm Bertha is forecast to weaken as it approaches southeast Texas Thursday afternoon into Thursday night, per NWS Houston/Galveston. No major impacts are expected yet, but rain and temperature forecasts for the rest of the week remain subject to change depending on the storm’s track.
What To Wear Or Bring
Light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and constant water breaks are non-negotiable today. A Stanley tumbler 40oz packed with ice water will earn its keep on the patio or in the stands.
Gameday & Weekend Events
Thursday brings a packed sports slate right as Bertha’s outer bands arrive: the Houston Astros host the Miami Marlins at Daikin Park and Houston Dynamo FC face D.C. United at Shell Energy Stadium, both July 23. With a high near 96°F and rain chances climbing through the evening, tailgaters should watch the radar. Get tickets on SeatGeek or find tickets on StubHub, and gear up in a Houston Astros jersey or Houston Astros fitted cap.
Concert season is busy too: the Coral Reefer Band plays the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion July 24, Motionless In White brings The Sweat and Blood Tour there July 25 (grab a Motionless In White t-shirt), and Fuerza Regida hits Daikin Park July 26 — check out our Fuerza Regida concert guide and pick up a Fuerza Regida t-shirt, Fuerza Regida hoodie, or Fuerza Regida hat before the show.
Tonight’s Dinner
With heat like this, skip the stove. Try a cold Thai noodle salad, a build-your-own wrap bar, or smoothie bowls whipped up in a high-powered blender, then sip from an insulated tumbler 30oz to stay cool. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Thursday cools slightly to a high near 96°F as Bertha approaches, with rain chances rising to 40% Thursday night as the system’s outer bands move through southeast Texas. Keep an eye on updates from the National Weather Service, since Thursday’s rain and wind forecast could shift depending on Bertha’s exact track. Check the Houston weather forecast or browse outdoor gear deals before locking in your plans this week.
