As the central U.S. reels from the devastating impact of violent storms and tornadoes that claimed at least nine lives across Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, the southern states are now facing the additional threat of extreme heat and critical fire weather conditions over the Memorial Day weekend.
Summerlike temperatures are expected to blanket the southern Plains and the Gulf Coast, with highs soaring 10 to 20 degrees above average. Heat alerts have been issued for 7 million people across southern Texas, including the cities of Austin, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Brownsville, where temperatures could climb as high as 100-115 degrees.
Nearly two dozen record highs are threatened on Saturday, with temperatures reaching into the 90s and 100s in various cities across Texas, Florida, and Louisiana. On Sunday, more than 20 record highs are at risk in locations such as Corpus Christi, Miami, Orlando, Baton Rouge, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.
In addition to the oppressive heat, 4 million people are under alerts for critical fire weather conditions across the high and southern Plains from Colorado to Texas. The dangerous combination of dry vegetation, strong winds, and low relative humidity creates a high risk for the rapid spread of newly formed fires.
As the affected regions grapple with the aftermath of the deadly storms and brace for the impending heat and fire risks, residents are urged to take necessary precautions to stay safe and protect themselves from the harsh weather conditions.
