A Texas heat wave could kill young children and pets left in cars within minutes if precautionary measures aren't taken, National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists have warned.
The advisory was issued for the Brownsville and Corpus Cristi regions, warning that the heat index could reach 114 degrees and 115 degrees respectively.
"Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes," said the NWS heat alert.
"Right now, we are just under a dome of high pressure, and we have westerly-southwesterly flow, so it's keeping that heat trapped for us," NWS meteorologist Amber McGinnis told Newsweek. "We are getting a cold front on Friday, so we will cool down after that."
Unseasonably hot temperatures are scorching Texas this week, pushing into the 100s. The most widespread impacts were felt on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) HeatRisk index, but the highest temperatures hit a small portion of southern Texas on Thursday, causing "extreme" impacts that could prove fatal.
Other Southern states, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Florida, also are expecting hot weather. Temperatures will remain high in Texas through Thursday, after which an approaching cold front is expected to provide some relief.
Typically for this time of year, temperatures in the Brownsville region are around 89 degrees.
McGinnis urged everyone to stay in doors to stay cool, but if one has to work outside, she advised them to take regular breaks, drink lots of water and stay in the shade.
The warning also had suggestions for people, such as wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing and limiting exercise or any strenuous activities to early morning or evening hours.
"Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events," the advisory said. "Death is possible to unprepared people and pets.
A larger number of people are under "moderate" risk, and even more face a "minor" risk. Although the heat will begin to recede on Thursday, NWS HeatRisk shows heat worsening in the southern tip of Texas, where "extreme" impacts will be felt.
"This level of rare and/or long-duration extreme heat with little to no overnight relief affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. Impacts likely in most health systems, heat-sensitive industries and infrastructure," NWS HeatRisk said.
By Friday, all extreme and major impacts will diminish in Texas, and the state will continue to cool through the weekend.
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Anna Skinner is a Newsweek senior reporter based in Indianapolis. Her focus is reporting on the climate, environment and weather ... Read more
