Heat Advisory Vs. Heat Warning, What Do They Mean For East Texas?

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Living in East Texas in the summertime we can expect it to be hot and humid and for the most part, we're used to it. However, when there's an extended period of triple-digit high temperatures along with higher humidity, it makes for a very uncomfortable summer day. Even going to the pool somedays is nearly unbearable.

As we expect our temps to remain near or above the century mark with high humidity levels, meteorologists and the National Weather Service start using terms like high pressure, heat dome, heat advisory, excessive heat warning, and other phrases that are very foreign to us average people, so what do all these terms mean for East Texans?

What does 'High Pressure' mean?

When our local weather teams talk about high pressure, it is generally good weather that is dry. Air from a high-pressure system is forced down to the ground, heating and drying it out. (WDTV) So when you see high pressure, or the big blue H on the map, that usually indicates clear weather

What is a Heat Dome?

I've heard the term 'heat dome' a few times lately, according to NOAA, a heat dome is basically trapped hot ocean air over an area. It's like having a lid or cap on all the hot air.

What is the difference between Heat Advisory and Excessive Heat Warnings?

While I was watching the 5 o'clock news on KLTV yesterday, Meteorologist Katie Vossler did a fantastic job at describing what these heat advisories and excessive heat warnings mean.

• A heat advisory is issued within 12 hours of the onset of dangerous heat conditions.
• An excessive heat watch is issued when conditions are favorable for excessive heat in the next 24 to 72 hours.
• An excessive heat warning is issued within 12 to 24 hours before the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions.

Knowing the difference between Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke.

While being active outdoors we have to pay attention to our bodies so that we don't cook them from the inside out. With the combination of heat and humidity, it is challenging for our bodies to properly regulate our core body temperature. When we lose too much water and salt through perspiration, we can experience a heat-related illness. (University of Houston)

While our temperatures are expected to be at or above 100 for the next several days, it is important for us to stay hydrated, out of the heat of the day, and pay attention to what our bodies are telling us.

Remember Burn Bans are in effect too.

With the exception of the extreme northern counties in East Texas, there are burn bans in effect for all of our East Texas counties.  It is illegal to do any outdoor burning at this time.