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As Houston remains under an extreme heat warning Wednesday, the city activated more than 100 cooling centers and is reminding residents that heat safety precautions can help save lives.
Houston Chronicle meteorologist Justin Ballard said temperatures are expected to peak Wednesday afternoon at between 100 and 104 degrees across much of Southeast Texas.
If Houston reaches 103 degrees, it would mark the city's hottest day since September 2023. Heat index values could climb as high as 115 degrees, prompting an extreme heat warning for much of the region. Wednesday's forecast also puts Houston within striking distance of the daily record high of 101 degrees, set in 2023.
HEAT WARNING: Extreme heat warning issued Wednesday for Southeast Texas
Where to find cooling centers in Houston
The city of Houston activated 112 cooling centers, according to a news release. A full map of cooling centers is available here.
How to prepare for extreme heat in Houston
The Houston Office of Emergency Management encourages people to learn how to recognize signs of heat illness, including heavy sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, muscle cramping and nausea.
It also advises people to ensure their air conditioning units are working, cover windows, add insulation to keep heat out and avoid relying on fans as the only cooling device.
How to stay safe during extreme heat in Houston
The Houston Health Department says never leave infants, children, older adults or pets unattended in a parked vehicle, even if a window is cracked open.
Heatstroke in a parked car is the second-leading cause of vehicle-related deaths for children younger than 15, according to the Texas Health and Human Services.
The city also advises people never to leave a pet in a parked vehicle. If you see a pet alone in a hot car, the city recommends alerting store management or calling BARC, local animal control or the police department.
The department also recommends carrying a water bottle, drinking more water and avoiding beverages with caffeine, alcohol or high sugar concentrations.
For those who must spend time outdoors, the department recommends doing strenuous work in the early morning or evening, taking frequent breaks, wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and wearing a hat and sunscreen.
Who is most at risk in the Houston heat?
People 65 and older, infants and young children, pregnant people, people working or exercising outdoors, and those with asthma or heart disease are at greater risk during a heat wave, the office said.
For those at high risk, the office recommends having a plan for refrigerated medications and electronic medical devices, obtaining batteries and alternative power sources in case of an outage, storing medications properly and developing an emergency plan.
How to help someone experiencing heat illness
If someone is experiencing symptoms, move the person to a cooler place, place a cool, wet cloth on the back of their neck, encourage them to drink water and take a cool shower. The person should not return to strenuous activity for several hours, according to the office.
If someone is showing signs of heat stroke - including nausea, vomiting, confusion, lack of sweating or a headache - the office says to immediately call 911.
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