The past few months we’ve heard a lot from Houstonians utterly cofounded over the recent heat. For many of us, it’s unimaginable that we as kids played all summer long outside in such brutal heat. It turns out our suspicions are true: this August was the single hottest month ever recorded in Houston history.
Following a record-breaking July – the third-hottest month ever in Houston – August 2023 came out on top as the single hottest month recorded in the history of the city.
As reported by ABC13, August’s average high was 102.7 degrees – .7 degrees higher than the previous record set in 2011. The organization also stated that there was a mere .01″ in the official rain gauge of Houston.
All-Time Record Heat in Houston: At 2:54 PM, Houston officially tied its hottest day on record, reaching 109 degrees. This has happened on two other occurrences in 2000 and 2011. Records date back all the way to 1889. #houwx #txwx pic.twitter.com/6GDEYIwWZu
— NWS Houston (@NWSHouston) August 24, 2023
This past Thursday, August 24, Houston matched it’s highest ever recorded temperature in which a staggering air temperature of 109 degrees was recorded at 3:53 pm at Bush Intercontinental Airport. Considering the humidity, the “feels like” temperature was set at 117 degrees, according to Houston Chronicle.
The upside is that relief may be on the way. Presently, forecasters are expecting as high as a 40% chance of rain this Labor Day Weekend – with Monday having the best chances. Even if it does rain, however, it will do little to alleviate the ongoing draught. According to ABC13, that would require a minimum of 7 inches of rain and at least 13 inches of rain to completely recover.
Following the weekend, in which temperatures are expected to make a small dip, the heat wave will return albeit at a lesser scale.
So try to stay cool out there, Houston. For inspiration on how to do so, take a look at our roundup of our favorite waterparks, places to swim in and around Houston, and lazy rivers in Texas.