The Tropical Storm Arthur ceased to be a tropical cyclone after making landfall on the Texas coast, but the National Weather Service maintains a heat advisory for Southeast Texas with heat indices up to 114 degrees.
Arthur weakened on Wednesday night after forming near the Texas coast and making landfall along the upper Texas shoreline.
Although tropical storm warnings were canceled for Galveston and other coastal areas, the risk for Houston changed quickly: after several days of rain, the region now enters a heat advisory for Thursday and Friday.
The National Weather Service in Houston/Galveston reported that high temperatures will be between 90 and 95 degrees, but humidity will raise the heat index to between 107 and 114 degrees across much of Southeast Texas.
Arthur left rain, wind and coastal hazards
Arthur formed on Wednesday morning near the Texas coast and, a few hours later, lost organization as it moved inland.
The National Hurricane Center reported that Arthur ceased to be a tropical cyclone and was downgraded to a low post-tropical with maximum winds of 35 mph. The center of the system was located near the upper coast of Texas and was expected to dissipate between Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana.
Before weakening, Arthur brought tropical-storm-force winds, rough seas, and a coastal flooding risk in areas near Galveston, Bolivar Peninsula and other points along the coast.
The National Weather Service indicated that rough water and dangerous marine conditions would gradually diminish between Wednesday night and Thursday morning.
Galveston and Bolivar faced the greatest coastal risk
In Galveston County, authorities urged residents to stay alert to weather advisories and avoid driving on flooded streets.
Galveston County Judge Mark Henry warned since Tuesday that drivers should not attempt to cross water-covered streets. He also expressed concern for Bolivar Peninsula, an area that can experience flooding problems even without a tropical system, especially when high tides coincide with rainfall.
Although Arthur dissipated, local authorities recommended coastal-area residents to remove loose items that could end up in the street and block water flow.
Houston shifts from rain to extreme heat
After the rains associated with Arthur and this week’s tropical pattern, Houston will face intense heat conditions.
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for Southeast Texas from 11 a.m. Thursday to 10 p.m. Friday.
During that period, the heat index could reach between 107 and 114 degrees. The heat index measures how hot the air feels when heat and humidity are combined.
Meteorological authorities recommend limiting strenuous outdoor activities in the afternoon, drinking water frequently, wearing light-colored and breathable clothing, and staying in air-conditioned places when possible.
The National Weather Service also warned that fans might not be sufficient when heat and humidity are high.
Juneteenth and World Cup events will feel the heat
The heat arrives during a week with public events in Houston, including Juneteenth celebrations and World Cup-related activities.
Those planning to attend outdoor events should check the forecast before heading out, bring water, seek shade, and take frequent breaks.
Families should also watch for signs of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, excessive sweating, nausea, weakness, headaches or confusion.
Never leave children, older adults, pets or vulnerable people inside parked vehicles, even for a few minutes.
Some storms could return
Although the heaviest rain has passed, the forecast still includes the possibility of isolated downpours.
Local meteorologists indicated that storms could form north of Houston on Friday, while Saturday could bring rain and scattered storms in some areas.
Any storm that forms could bring heavy rainfall in short bursts, lightning and gusty winds. However, the dominant pattern for the weekend will be heat and humidity.
Summer officially begins in the early hours of Sunday, with high temperatures and a limited chance of isolated showers.
What families in Houston should do
Residents of Houston, Harris County, Galveston and Fort Bend should stay alert to National Weather Service advisories during Thursday and Friday.
To reduce heat-related risks, it is recommended:
- Drink water before feeling thirsty
- Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest hours
- Wear light-colored, breathable clothing
- Check on older adults, young children and people with medical conditions
- Stay indoors in air-conditioned environments when possible
- Do not leave people or pets inside vehicles
- Seek medical attention if severe heat stroke symptoms appear
People living near flood-prone areas should also avoid driving on streets with standing water and stay informed through official alerts.
Arthur is no longer a tropical storm, but the conditions that follow maintain two risks for the region: dangerous heat in the Houston area and enough humidity for isolated showers at the start of the weekend.
