Limited relief to come to sweltering south-central US early this week

By Kristina Pydynowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

July 22, 2018, 4:45:08 PM EDT

The intense record heat baking the south-central United States is expected to get trimmed back early this week, but a sweep of refreshing air is not on the horizon.

Monday will mark another day of record-challenging heat in Dallas, Midland, Houston, San Antonio, El Paso and Laredo, Texas, as well as Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Residents will once again have to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against heat-related illnesses and contend with poor air quality.

Some relief is finally expected north of I-20 on Monday--a trend that can continue farther to the south on Tuesday.

"After several days of extreme heat in the south-central U.S., some moderation is expected early in the new week as the core of the heat shifts to the Southwest," AccuWeather Meteorologist Max Vido said.

The greatest degree of cooling is anticipated in the Texas Panhandle, where triple-digit heat will be replaced by highs in the 80s and lower 90s by Tuesday.

"The heat in northern Texas, including around Dallas, will relax on Tuesday," Vido said.

Tuesday may end a streak of four consecutive days of records highs in Dallas. Saturday's record high of 109 F was the city's highest recorded temperature since August 3, 2011.

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Waco, Texas, has never registered a high of 110 degrees in July prior to this year, but that may happen by Tuesday. The July record high of 106 F is also in jeopardy in Austin early this week.

While the heat will not be as extreme north of I-10 come Tuesday, residents should not stop practicing heat precautions.

"Afternoon highs near 100 degrees are still expected in northern Texas the remainder of the week," Vido said. "That is about 5 degrees above normal during what is typically the hottest time of the year."

"The nights may stay warm as well with lows in Dallas struggling to drop below 80s," he said.

Any drop in temperatures will be less noticeable farther south in Houston, Laredo and Brownsville this week.

Temperatures will continue to approach or exceed the century mark in these cities through the week with dangerously higher AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures.

"The extended period of heat across Texas will put vulnerable populations at risk, especially young children and the elderly," Vido said.

Be sure to drink plenty of water, wear light-colored clothing and avoid strenuous activities during the midday and afternoon hours (the hottest times of the day). Never leave children or pets in a sealed vehicle without air conditioning even for a short period of time.

As of July 21, there has been 27 child hot car fatalities in the United States, according to KidsandCars.org. This includes a 3 year old that was left in a hot vehicle in Houston on July 19.

"Higher-than-normal energy demand is expected to continue for the region," Vido said.

Away from the Texas Panhandle, thunderstorm activity is expected to be limited during the week. That may cause the drought to further worsen.

The U.S. Drought Monitor reported on Thursday that 66 percent of the area from Texas and Oklahoma to the lower Mississippi River Valley was abnormally dry or in the midst of a drought.

Residents are urged to continue water conservation practices.

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