Excessive Heat and Heat in Texas, June 18 to 22, 2023

Name: Excessive Heat and Heat in Texas, June 18 to 22, 2023
Start: 2023-06-18T11:52
End: 2023-06-22T18:15
Location: Texas

June 18 to 22, 2023 · NWS BRO · 54 events in 12 counties and zones

The combination of hot to very hot temperatures and high humidity combined to lead to continued excessive heat criteria across much of the Rio Grande Valley and Deep South Texas in mid to late June as a stubborn mid-level area of high pressure (La Canicula, or heat dome) refused to let up. Local hospitals noted an increase in heat-related emergency room visits during June 2023 when compared with…

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 54 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

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The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 54

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS BRO wrote it up.

Local hospitals noted an increase in heat-related emergency room visits during June 2023 when compared with the same period a year earlier, which was also hot but not at the level of 2023. Percentage increases ranged from 11 to 18 percent more visits during the month of June. There was little data on direct casualties (injuries or fatalities) from the excessive heat in mid to late June, though there was one indirect death on June 25th in Cameron County.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Brownsville, TX wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jun 18, 11:36 AM CST, 16 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jun 18, 11:36 AM CST, 16 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion...UPDATED
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
1236 PM CDT Sun Jun 18 2023

...New AVIATION...

.SHORT TERM...
(Now through Monday)
Issued at 316 AM CDT Sun Jun 18 2023

The center of the strong 500mb ridge will remained anchored over
Deep South Texas today into tonight before shifting westward on
Monday. The strong subsidence will continue to provide hot and dry
weather across the region through the short term. Models continue to
suggest that drier air aloft will mix down to the surface today.
With the slightly drier in place, ambient temperatures will climb
into the triple digits just about for all inland locations (all but
the immediate coastline). Excessive heat indices (“feels like”
temperatures) will still be a major issue east of the I-69C corridor
with high dewpoint temperatures in the mid to upper 70s through the
afternoon. Locations west of the I-69C corridor, ambient air
temperatures spiking between 106-113 degrees will be the main issue.

An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect for inland Kenedy, inland
Willacy, inland Cameron, all of Brooks, all of Hidalgo, and all of
Starr Counties from 12 PM to 7 PM CDT today. Meanwhile, a Heat
Advisory is in effect for Zapata, Jim Hogg, and bayside areas of
coastal Cameron, Willacy, and Kenedy Counties from 12 PM to 7 PM CDT
Sunday.

Breezy southerly winds will develop later this morning into the
afternoon as an area of low pressure strenghtens across the Plains.
A few locations, mainly the lower to middle Rio Grande Valley, may
approach the low-end Wind Advisory criteria (sustained 30+ mph or
frequent gusts of 40+ mph for more than 2 hours) for a few hours
during the afternoon. However, confidence remains low at this time,
but will need monitor the latest trends in the winds through the
day.

Rip and longshore currents along the lower Texas coast are elevated.
There is a high risk of rip currents through Monday.

&&

.LONG TERM...
(Monday Night through Saturday)
Issued at 316 AM CDT Sun Jun 18 2023

The hope of a change in the weather pattern discussed 24 hours ago
is beginning to fade. Dominant 500 mb high pressure discussed
above will continue to be the weather feature of note over the BRO
CWFA during the long term portion of the forecast. Closed mid-
level low pressure over the Mid-Atlantic region will drop south
into the Florida Panhandle before retreating north into the Great
Lakes and weakening. Although this low will act to nudge the mid-
level ridge slightly west, it will not be enough to produce any
significant decreases in temperature or increased chances of rain.
As a result, well above normal daytime highs are forecast, and the
risk of a daily Heat Advisory for portions or all of Deep South
Texas and the Rio Grande Valley is high. However, at this time, it
appears that heat indices will remain just below the threshold for
Excessive Heat Warnings.

&&

.AVIATION...
(18Z TAFS)
Issued at 1232 PM CDT Sun Jun 18 2023

VFR conditions are generally expected to prevail through the TAF
period. Brief MVFR ceilings are possible late this evening through
tonight with drier air potentially clearing skies more tonight
than previous nights. Southerly winds remain breezy to windy
through Monday morning.

&&

.MARINE...
(Now through Monday)
Issued at 316 AM CDT Sun Jun 18 2023

Moderate to fresh southerly winds and moderate to occasionally
high seas will prevail through the short term. Light to moderate
winds early this morning are forecast to strengthen later this
morning into the afternoon. A Small Craft Advisory has been issued
for the Laguna Madre and the nearshore Gulf waters (0-20 nm out)
from 1 PM this afternoon until 11 PM this evening. Winds should
decrease late this evening and overnight but are forecast
strengthen again Monday afternoon. Small craft exercise caution to
low end small craft advisory conditions will prevail through the
rest of the period, especially for the Laguna Madre and near-shore
Gulf waters.

(Monday Night through Saturday)
An enhanced pressure gradient now appears likely to persist over
the western Gulf of Mexico through the period courtesy of thermal
low pressure over inland Mexico interacting with high pressure
over the Gulf of Mexico. Breezy winds and moderate seas along the
Lower Texas Coast are anticipated, and Small Craft Exercise
Caution is a strong possibility for the Laguna Madre and Gulf of
Mexico waters between 0 and 20 nautical miles offshore.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 316 AM CDT Sun Jun 18 2023

Today and Monday...Elevated fire weather conditions may develop this
afternoon as very hot temperatures and windy southerly winds ramp
up. Relative humidity values are expected to fall into the teens and
the 20 percent range across the Rio Grande Plains and Brush Country
this afternoon. Wind speeds won’t be quite as breezy in these
locations as they will be along the coast, but the hot, breezy, and
dry conditions will always have some sort of a threat for erratic
wildfire behavior. Soil moistures and somewhat moist fuels should
help suppress the threat some over the next two days. A Rangeland
Fire Danger Statement was issued this morning and an additional
Rangeland Fire Danger Statement may be needed on Monday. However,
as of now, it does not look like a Fire Weather Watches or Red
Flag Warnings will be needed.

&&

.CLIMATE...
Issued at 316 AM CDT Sun Jun 18 2023

All three Rio Grande Valley climate sites will have the potential of
breaking their daily highs today. The daily record for max
temperatures for today as follows: Brownsville 98 degrees (forecast
high 99), McAllen 103 degrees (forecast high 105), Harlingen 100
degrees (forecast high 102).

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
BROWNSVILLE             80  98  80  99 /   0   0   0   0
HARLINGEN               78 102  78 103 /   0   0   0   0
MCALLEN                 80 107  80 107 /   0   0   0   0
RIO GRANDE CITY         78 111  78 112 /   0   0   0   0
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND      81  90  81  91 /   0   0   0   0
BAYVIEW/PORT ISABEL     79  97  79  98 /   0   0   0   0

&&

.BRO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
TX...Heat Advisory until 7 PM CDT this evening for TXZ248-249-351-354-
     355.

     Excessive Heat Warning until 7 PM CDT this evening for
     TXZ250>255-353.

     High Rip Current Risk through Monday evening for TXZ451-454-455.

GM...Small Craft Advisory until 11 PM CDT this evening for GMZ130-132-
     135-150-155.

&&

SHORT TERM...63
LONG TERM....66
AVIATION...56-Hallman

Hazardous weather outlook, Jun 18, 3:50 AM CST, 8 hours 2 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
450 AM CDT Sun Jun 18 2023

TXZ248>255-351-353>355-451-454-455-191100-
Zapata-Jim Hogg-Brooks-Inland Kenedy-Starr-Southern Hidalgo-
Inland Willacy-Inland Cameron-Coastal Kenedy-Northern Hidalgo-
Coastal Willacy-Coastal Cameron-Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-
Cameron Island-
450 AM CDT Sun Jun 18 2023

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of Deep South
Texas.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

There is a High Risk of rip currents at the beaches of South Padre
Island and at Boca Chica Beach.

A Heat Advisory is in effect for Zapata and Jim Hogg counties,
and the coastal portions of Cameron, Willacy, and Kenedy counties
from 12 PM CDT to 7 PM CDT.

An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect for Starr, Hidalgo, and
Brooks counties, and the inland portions of Cameron, Willacy, and
Kenedy counties from 12 PM CDT to 7 PM CDT.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday

An elevated risk of rip currents is possible at the local beaches
through the period.

A Heat Advisory is possible for portions or all of Deep South
Texas and the Rio Grande Valley through the period.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Skywarn spotter activation will not be needed.

GMZ130-132-135-150-155-170-175-191100-
Laguna Madre from the Port of Brownsville to the Arroyo Colorado-
Laguna Madre from the Arroyo Colorado To 5 NM north of Port
Mansfield TX-
Laguna Madre from 5 nm north of Port Mansfield to Baffin Bay TX-
Gulf waters from Port Mansfield to the Rio Grande out 20 nm-
Gulf waters from Baffin Bay to Port Mansfield out 20 nm-
Gulf waters from Port Mansfield to the Rio Grande extending from
20 to 60 nm-
Gulf waters from Baffin Bay to Port Mansfield extending from
20 to 60 nm-
450 AM CDT Sun Jun 18 2023

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of The Gulf of
Mexico and The Laguna Madre.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for the Laguna Madre and Gulf
of Mexico waters from 0 to 20 nautical miles offshore from 1 PM
CDT to 11 PM CDT.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday

Additional Small Craft Advisories are possible along the Lower
Texas Coast on Monday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Skywarn spotter activation will not be needed.

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

36 heat, 18 excessive heat. Local standard time, as filed.

Heat, Cameron

When: June 18, 11:52 AM CST to 3:52 PM CST
Where: Cameron forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.152, -97.453 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Harlingen-Valley International Airport ASOS reported a heat index of 111 by 12:52 PM CDT, with 111 or higher values persisting until approximately 4:52 PM CDT on June 18th. The Brownsville-South Padre International ASOS reported a heat index of 111 by 1:53 PM CDT, with 111 or higher values persisting until approximately 3:53 PM CDT.

Heat, Willacy

When: June 18, 11:52 AM CST to 5:55 PM CST
Where: Willacy forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.477, -97.592 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

By proxy with nearby ASOS, AWOS, and Texas Water Development Board Mesonet sites, it is realistic to interpolate heat index values between 111 and 115 degrees across inland Willacy County for six hours during the afternoon of June 18th. Slightly lower values are common here compared with locations in Kenedy/Brooks and Cameron, due to the populated areas being in a zone of slightly lower, but still dangerous, high temperatures.

Heat, Coastal Cameron

When: June 18, 12:30 PM CST to 2:30 PM CST
Where: Coastal Cameron forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.152, -97.453 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Cameron County Airport ASOS reported a heat index of 111 as early as 1:30 PM CDT, with 111 or higher values persisting until approximately 3:30 PM CDT on June 18th.

Heat, Coastal Willacy

When: June 18, 12:30 PM CST to 2:30 PM CST
Where: Coastal Willacy forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.477, -97.592 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

It can be assumed that, by proxy, Coastal Willacy County had at least two hours of heat index at or above 111 degrees. The Cameron County Airport ASOS reported a heat index of 111 as early as 1:30 PM CDT, with 111 or higher values persisting until approximately 3:30 PM CDT on June 18th. Peak values were listed at 113 degrees. Inland Willacy County, by proxy with the Texas Water Development Board site (TWB67) near Monte Alto, had around five hours with 111 degree or higher heat index values.

Heat, Zapata

When: June 18, 12:55 PM CST to 5:35 PM CST
Where: Zapata forecast zone
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 27.001, -99.169 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Zapata County Airport AWOS reported a heat index of 111 by 1:55 PM CDT, with 111 or higher values persisting until approximately 6:55 PM CDT on June 18th.

Heat, Starr

When: June 18, 1:20 PM CST to 6:40 PM CST
Where: Starr forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 26.562, -98.738 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Texas Mesonet site at Rancho Los Comitas (extreme northern Starr County) recorded heat index values of 111 to 115 generally between 2:20 PM and 7:40 PM CDT. The RAWS site at Falcon Lake, which runs hotter than most locations but is a proxy for locations along the Rio Grande in Starr, had actual temperatures of 110 and heat index between 111 and 119 between 12:11 and 7:11 PM CDT. The time provided is a blend of the two observations, and Starr County overall was likely between 111 and 115 during this window.

Heat, Coastal Kenedy

When: June 18, 1:50 PM CST to 6:50 PM CST
Where: Coastal Kenedy forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 26.928, -97.636 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

It can be assumed that, by proxy, Coastal Kenedy County had up to five hours of heat index at or above 111 degrees. The Cameron County Airport ASOS reported a heat index of 111 as early as 1:30 PM CDT, with 111 or higher values persisting until approximately 3:30 PM CDT on June 18th. The Texas Water Development Board mesonet site at Sarita (TW100, Sarita) had around five hours with 111 degree or higher heat index values, including around 1.5 hours of 116 or higher. Lower temperatures near the coast suggest slightly lower peak values, in the Heat vs. Excessive Heat criteria category.

Excessive Heat, Southern Hidalgo County

When: June 18, 1:53 PM CST to 5:15 PM CST
Where: Southern Hidalgo County forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.397, -98.181 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The McAllen-Miller International Airport ASOS station (KMFE) recorded heat indices reaching or exceeding 116 degrees between 2:53PM CDT and 6:15PM CDT the afternoon of June 18th. The highest heat index was recorded at 4:53PM CDT of 123 degrees. The South Texas International Airport AWOS station (KEBG) recorded a max heat index of 123 degrees at 4:35PM CDT.

Excessive Heat, Northern Hidalgo County

When: June 18, 1:53 PM CST to 5:15 PM CST
Where: Northern Hidalgo County forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.397, -98.181 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

It is reasonable to infer that Northern Hidalgo County reached Excessive Heat criteria due to readings at the McAllen-Miller International Airport, South Texas International Airport, and Brooks County Airport, all of which reached criteria on June 18th.

Heat, Jim Hogg

When: June 18, 1:55 PM CST to 7:35 PM CST
Where: Jim Hogg forecast zone
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 27.043, -98.697 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Jim Hogg County Airport AWOS reported a heat index of 111 by 2:55 PM CDT, with 111 or higher values persisting until approximately 8:35 PM CDT on June 18th.

Excessive Heat, Brooks

When: June 18, 3:35 PM CST to 5:55 PM CST
Where: Brooks forecast zone
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 27.032, -98.219 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Brooks County Airport (KBKS) recorded heat indices reaching or exceeding 116 degrees between 4:15PM CDT and 7:35PM CDT the afternoon of June 18th. The highest was recorded at 6:35PM CDT of 119 degrees.

Excessive Heat, Inland Kenedy County

When: June 18, 4:30 PM CST to 5:20 PM CST
Where: Inland Kenedy County forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 26.928, -97.636 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Texas Waterboard Mesonet site in Sarita (TW100) in northern Kenedy County recorded heat indices reaching or exceeding 116 degrees between 5:30PM CDT and 6:20PM CDT the afternoon of June 18th. The highest heat index was recorded at 5:30PM CDT of 122 degrees.

Heat, Coastal Cameron

When: June 19, 11:53 AM CST to 3:53 PM CST
Where: Coastal Cameron forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.152, -97.453 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Cameron County Airport ASOS reported a heat index of 111 by 12:53 PM CDT, with 111 or higher values persisting until approximately 4:53 PM CDT on June 19th.

Heat, Starr

When: June 19, 12:11 PM CST to 6:11 PM CST
Where: Starr forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 26.562, -98.738 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Texas Mesonet site at Rancho Los Comitas (extreme northern Starr County) recorded heat index values of 111 to 115 generally between 6:10 PM and 6:50 PM CDT on June 19th. The RAWS site at Falcon Lake, which runs hotter than most locations but is a proxy for locations along the Rio Grande in Starr, had actual temperatures of 110 and heat index between 111 and 119 between 12:11 and 7:11 PM CDT. The time provided is a blend of the two observations, and Starr County overall was likely between 111 and 115 during this window.

Heat, Coastal Willacy

When: June 19, 12:30 PM CST to 2:30 PM CST
Where: Coastal Willacy forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.477, -97.592 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

It can be assumed that, by proxy, Coastal Willacy County had at least two hours of heat index at or above 111 degrees. The Cameron County Airport ASOS reported a heat index of 111 as early as 12:30 PM CDT, with 111 or higher values persisting until approximately 5:30 PM CDT on June 19th. Peak values were listed at 115 degrees at 453 PM. Inland Willacy County, by proxy with the Texas Water Development Board site (TWB67) near Monte Alto, had around four hours with 111 degree or higher heat index values.

Heat, Cameron

When: June 19, 12:52 PM CST to 4:53 PM CST
Where: Cameron forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.152, -97.453 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Harlingen-Valley International Airport ASOS reported a heat index of 111 by 1:52 PM CDT, with 111 or higher values persisting until approximately 2:52 PM CDT on June 19th. The Brownsville-South Padre International ASOS reported a heat index of 111 by 1:53 PM CDT, with 111 or higher values persisting until approximately 5:53 PM CDT.

Heat, Willacy

When: June 19, 12:52 PM CST to 4:53 PM CST
Where: Willacy forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 26.477, -97.592 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

By proxy with nearby ASOS, AWOS, and Texas Water Development Board Mesonet sites, it is realistic to interpolate heat index values between 111 and 115 degrees across inland Willacy County during the afternoon of June 19th. Slightly lower values are common here compared with locations in Kenedy/Brooks and Cameron, due to the populated areas being in a zone of slightly lower, but still dangerous, high temperatures.

Heat, Coastal Kenedy

When: June 19, 1:00 PM CST to 6:30 PM CST
Where: Coastal Kenedy forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 26.928, -97.636 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

It can be assumed that, by proxy, Coastal Kenedy County had 5 hours of heat index at or above 111 degrees. The Cameron County Airport ASOS reported a heat index of 111 as early as 12:30 PM CDT, with 111 or higher values persisting until approximately 5:30 PM CDT on June 19th. The Texas Water Development Board mesonet site at Sarita (TW100, Sarita) had around 4.5 hours with 111 degree or higher heat index values between 4 and 730 PM CDT, including around 45 minutes of 116 or higher. Lower temperatures near the coast suggest slightly lower peak values, in the Heat vs. Excessive Heat criteria category.

Excessive Heat, Southern Hidalgo County

When: June 19, 1:53 PM CST to 4:53 PM CST
Where: Southern Hidalgo County forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.397, -98.181 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The McAllen-Miller International Airport ASOS station (KMFE) recorded heat indices reaching or exceeding 116 degrees between 3:53PM CDT and 5:53PM CDT the afternoon of June 19th. The highest heat index was recorded at 3:53PM CDT of 121 degrees. The South Texas International Airport AWOS station (KEBG) recorded a max heat index of 119 degrees at 4:15PM CDT.

Excessive Heat, Northern Hidalgo County

When: June 19, 1:53 PM CST to 4:53 PM CST
Where: Northern Hidalgo County forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.397, -98.181 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Heat, Zapata

When: June 19, 1:55 PM CST to 5:15 PM CST
Where: Zapata forecast zone
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 27.001, -99.169 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Zapata County Airport AWOS reported a heat index of 111 by 2:55 PM CDT, with 111 or higher values persisting until approximately 6:15 PM CDT on June 19th.

Excessive Heat, Inland Kenedy County

When: June 19, 4:00 PM CST to 5:10 PM CST
Where: Inland Kenedy County forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 26.928, -97.636 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Texas Waterboard Mesonet site in Sarita (TW100) in northern Kenedy County recorded heat indices reaching or exceeding 116 degrees between 5:00PM CDT and 6:10PM CDT the afternoon of June 19th. The highest heat index was recorded at 5:00PM CDT of 123 degrees.

Heat, Cameron

When: June 20, 11:53 AM CST to 2:53 PM CST
Where: Cameron forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.152, -97.453 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Brownsville-South Padre International ASOS reported a heat index of 111 by 12:53 PM CDT, with 111 or higher values persisting until approximately 3:53 PM CDT on June 20th.

Heat, Willacy

When: June 20, 11:53 AM CST to 2:53 PM CST
Where: Willacy forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 26.477, -97.592 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

By proxy with nearby ASOS, AWOS, and Texas Water Development Board Mesonet sites, it is realistic to interpolate heat index values between 111 and 115 degrees across inland Willacy County for about three hours during the afternoon of June 20th. Slightly lower values are common here compared with locations in Kenedy/Brooks and Cameron, due to the populated areas being in a zone of slightly lower, but still dangerous, high temperatures.

Heat, Coastal Willacy

When: June 20, 12:30 PM CST to 4:30 PM CST
Where: Coastal Willacy forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.477, -97.592 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

It can be assumed that, by proxy, Coastal Willacy County had at least three hours of heat index at or above 111 degrees. The Cameron County Airport ASOS reported a heat index of 111 as early as 12:30 PM CDT, with 111 or higher values persisting until approximately 5:30 PM CDT on June 20th. Peak values were listed at 113 degrees at 1253 PM. Inland Willacy County, by proxy with the Texas Water Development Board site (TWB67) near Monte Alto, had only around an hour with 111 degree or higher heat index values after the sea breeze arrived late.

Heat, Coastal Kenedy

When: June 20, 12:30 PM CST to 5:30 PM CST
Where: Coastal Kenedy forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.928, -97.636 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

It can be assumed that, by proxy, Coastal Kenedy County had at least three hours of heat index at or above 111 degrees. The Cameron County Airport ASOS reported a heat index of 111 as early as 12:30 PM CDT, with 111 or higher values persisting until approximately 6:30 PM CDT on June 20th. Peak values were listed at 113 degrees at 1253 PM. The Texas Water Development Board site at Sarita (TW100) jumped from below 111 to 117 when the sea breeze arrived at 705 PM CDT, with 111 or higher values continuing until 755 PM CDT.

Heat, Coastal Cameron

When: June 20, 12:53 PM CST to 3:53 PM CST
Where: Coastal Cameron forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.152, -97.453 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Cameron County Airport ASOS reported a heat index of 111 by 1:53 PM CDT, with 111 or higher values persisting until approximately 4:53 PM CDT on June 20th.

Heat, Starr

When: June 20, 1:11 PM CST to 6:11 PM CST
Where: Starr forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 26.562, -98.738 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Texas Mesonet site at Rancho Los Comitas (extreme northern Starr County) recorded heat index values of 111 to 115 generally between 6:10 PM and 6:50 PM CDT on June 20th. The RAWS site at Falcon Lake, which runs hotter than most locations but is a proxy for locations along the Rio Grande in Starr, had actual temperatures of 110 and heat index between 111 and 119 between 2:11 and 7:11 PM CDT. The time provided is a blend of the two observations, and Starr County overall was likely between 111 and 115 during this window.

Heat, Zapata

When: June 20, 3:35 PM CST to 5:15 PM CST
Where: Zapata forecast zone
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 27.001, -99.169 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Zapata County Airport AWOS reported a heat index of 111 by 3:35 PM CDT, with 111 or higher values persisting until approximately 6:15 PM CDT on June 20th.

Excessive Heat, Southern Hidalgo County

When: June 20, 3:53 PM CST to 4:53 PM CST
Where: Southern Hidalgo County forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.397, -98.181 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The McAllen-Miller International Airport ASOS station (KMFE) recorded heat indices reaching or exceeding 116 degrees between 4:53PM CDT and 5:53PM CDT the afternoon of June 20th. The highest heat index was recorded at 5:53PM CDT of 119 degrees. The South Texas International Airport AWOS station (KEBG) recorded a max heat index of 117 degrees at 5:15PM CDT.

Excessive Heat, Northern Hidalgo County

When: June 20, 3:53 PM CST to 4:53 PM CST
Where: Northern Hidalgo County forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.397, -98.181 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Excessive Heat, Inland Kenedy County

When: June 20, 6:10 PM CST to 6:20 PM CST
Where: Inland Kenedy County forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 26.928, -97.636 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Texas Waterboard Mesonet site in Sarita (TW100) in northern Kenedy County recorded heat indices reaching or exceeding 116 degrees between 7:10PM CDT and 7:20PM CDT the afternoon of June 20th. The highest heat index was recorded at 7:10PM CDT of 120 degrees.

Heat, Willacy

When: June 21, 12:00 PM CST to 5:00 PM CST
Where: Willacy forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 26.477, -97.592 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

By proxy with nearby ASOS, AWOS, and Texas Water Development Board Mesonet sites, it is realistic to interpolate heat index values between 111 and 114 degrees across inland Willacy County during the afternoon of June 21st between 1 and 6 PM. Slightly lower values are common here compared with locations in Kenedy/Brooks and Cameron, due to the populated areas being in a zone of slightly lower, but still dangerous, high temperatures.

Heat, Starr

When: June 21, 12:11 PM CST to 5:11 PM CST
Where: Starr forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 26.562, -98.738 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Texas Mesonet site at Rancho Los Comitas (extreme northern Starr County) recorded heat index values of 111 to 115 generally between 5:10 PM and 5:20 PM CDT on June 21st. The RAWS site at Falcon Lake, which runs hotter than most locations but is a proxy for locations along the Rio Grande in Starr, had actual temperatures of 110 and heat index between 111 and 119 between 2:11 and 6:11 PM CDT. The time provided is a blend of the two observations, and Starr County overall was likely between 111 and 115 during this window.

Heat, Zapata

When: June 21, 1:35 PM CST to 4:35 PM CST
Where: Zapata forecast zone
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 27.001, -99.169 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Zapata County Airport AWOS reported a heat index of 111 by 2:35 PM CDT, with 111 or higher values persisting until approximately 5:35 PM CDT on June 21st.

Heat, Cameron

When: June 21, 1:53 PM CST to 3:53 PM CST
Where: Cameron forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.152, -97.453 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Brownsville-South Padre International ASOS reported a heat index of 111 by 2:53 PM CDT, with 111 or higher values persisting until approximately 4:53 PM CDT on June 21st. The Harlingen-Valley International ASOS reported a heat index of 112 at 3:53 PM CDT.

Heat, Coastal Kenedy

When: June 21, 2:00 PM CST to 5:30 PM CST
Where: Coastal Kenedy forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.928, -97.636 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

It can be assumed that, by proxy, Coastal Kenedy County had at least three hours of heat index at or above 111 degrees. The Cameron County Airport ASOS reported a heat index of 111 as early as 3:30 PM CDT, with 111 or higher values persisting until approximately 5:30 PM CDT on June 20th. Peak values were listed at 113 degrees at 1253 PM. The Texas Water Development Board site at Sarita (TW100) jumped from below 111 to 119 degrees when the sea breeze arrived at 3:50 PM CDT, with 111 or higher values continuing until 630 PM CDT.

Heat, Coastal Willacy

When: June 21, 2:30 PM CST to 4:30 PM CST
Where: Coastal Willacy forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.477, -97.592 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

It can be assumed that, by proxy, Coastal Willacy County had at least two hours of heat index at or above 111 degrees. The Cameron County Airport ASOS reported a heat index of 111 as early as 3:30 PM CDT, with 111 or higher values persisting until approximately 5:30 PM CDT on June 21st. Peak values were listed at 114 degrees at 4:53 PM. Inland Willacy County, by proxy with the Texas Water Development Board site (TWB67) near Monte Alto, had about five hours with 111 degrees or higher through late afternoon.

Excessive Heat, Inland Kenedy County

When: June 21, 2:50 PM CST to 4:00 PM CST
Where: Inland Kenedy County forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 26.928, -97.636 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Texas Waterboard Mesonet site in Sarita (TW100) in northern Kenedy County recorded heat indices reaching or exceeding 116 degrees between 3:50PM CDT and 5:00PM CDT the afternoon of June 21st. The highest heat index was recorded at 3:50PM CDT of 118 degrees.

Heat, Coastal Cameron

When: June 21, 2:53 PM CST to 3:53 PM CST
Where: Coastal Cameron forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.152, -97.453 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Cameron County Airport ASOS reported a heat index of 111 by 3:30 PM CDT, with 111 or higher values persisting until approximately 5:30 PM CDT on June 21st.

Excessive Heat, Southern Hidalgo County

When: June 21, 4:53 PM CST to 5:53 PM CST
Where: Southern Hidalgo County forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.397, -98.181 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The McAllen-Miller International Airport ASOS station (KMFE) recorded heat indices reaching or exceeding 116 degrees between 5:53PM CDT and 6:53PM CDT the afternoon of June 21st. The highest heat index was recorded at 5:53PM CDT of 117 degrees. The South Texas International Airport AWOS station (KEBG) recorded a max heat index of 117 degrees at 5:55PM CDT.

Excessive Heat, Northern Hidalgo County

When: June 21, 4:53 PM CST to 5:53 PM CST
Where: Northern Hidalgo County forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.397, -98.181 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

It is reasonable to infer that Northern Hidalgo County reached Excessive Heat criteria due to readings at the McAllen/Miller International Airport, Edinburg International Airport, and Brooks County Airport, all of which reached criteria on June 21st.

Excessive Heat, Brooks

When: June 21, 5:15 PM CST to 6:35 PM CST
Where: Brooks forecast zone
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 27.032, -98.219 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Brooks County Airport (KBKS) recorded heat indices reaching or exceeding 116 degrees between 6:15PM CDT and 7:35PM CDT the afternoon of June 21st. The highest was recorded at 6:35PM CDT of 119 degrees.

Heat, Cameron

When: June 22, 8:53 AM CST to 12:53 PM CST
Where: Cameron forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.152, -97.453 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Brownsville-South Padre International ASOS reported a heat index of 111 by 9:53 AM CDT, with 111 or higher values persisting until approximately 1:53 PM CDT on June 22nd. The Harlingen-Valley International ASOS reported a heat index of 113 at 3:52 PM CDT.

Heat, Coastal Kenedy

When: June 22, 9:30 AM CST to 2:30 PM CST
Where: Coastal Kenedy forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.928, -97.636 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

It can be assumed that, by proxy, Coastal Kenedy County had at least three hours of heat index at or above 111 degrees. The Cameron County Airport ASOS reported a heat index of 111 as early as 10:30 AM CDT, with 111 or higher values persisting until approximately 2:30 PM CDT on June 22nd. Peak values were listed at 115 degrees at 11:53 AM. The Texas Water Development Board site at Sarita (TW100) reached 111 at 1 PM CDT, but higher values were likely along the coast an hour or two earlier. jumped from below 111 to 117 degrees when the sea breeze arrived at 2:20 PM CDT, with 111 or higher values continuing until 555 PM CDT.

Heat, Starr

When: June 22, 10:11 AM CST to 6:11 PM CST
Where: Starr forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 26.562, -98.738 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Texas Mesonet site at Rancho Los Comitas (extreme northern Starr County) recorded heat index values of 111 to 115 generally between 6:40 PM and 6:50 PM CDT on June 22nd. The RAWS site at Falcon Lake, which runs hotter than most locations but is a proxy for locations along the Rio Grande in Starr, had actual temperatures of 110 and heat index between 111 and 119 between 11:11 and 7:11 PM CDT. The time provided is a blend of the two observations, and Starr County overall was likely between 111 and 115 during this window.

Heat, Coastal Willacy

When: June 22, 10:30 AM CST to 1:30 PM CST
Where: Coastal Willacy forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.477, -97.592 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

It can be assumed that, by proxy, Coastal Willacy County had at least three hours of heat index at or above 111 degrees. The Cameron County Airport ASOS reported a heat index of 111 as early as 10:30 AM CDT, with 111 or higher values persisting until approximately 2:30 PM CDT on June 22nd. Peak values were listed at 115 degrees at 4:53 PM. Inland Willacy County, by proxy with the Texas Water Development Board site (TWB67) near Monte Alto, had about two hours with 111 degrees or higher through mid afternoon.

Heat, Coastal Cameron

When: June 22, 10:53 AM CST to 12:53 PM CST
Where: Coastal Cameron forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.152, -97.453 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Cameron County Airport ASOS reported a heat index of 111 by 11:53 AM CDT, with 111 or higher values persisting until approximately 1:53 PM CDT on June 22nd.

Heat, Willacy

When: June 22, 12:50 PM CST to 4:15 PM CST
Where: Willacy forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.477, -97.592 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

By proxy with nearby ASOS, AWOS, and Texas Water Development Board Mesonet sites, it is realistic to interpolate heat index values between 111 and 115 degrees across inland Willacy County for four hours during the afternoon of June 22nd. Slightly lower values are common here compared with locations in Kenedy/Brooks and Cameron, due to the populated areas being in a zone of slightly lower, but still dangerous, high temperatures.

Excessive Heat, Inland Kenedy County

When: June 22, 1:20 PM CST to 1:50 PM CST
Where: Inland Kenedy County forecast zone
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 26.928, -97.636 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Texas Waterboard Mesonet site in Sarita (TW100) in northern Kenedy County recorded heat indices reaching or exceeding 116 degrees between 2:20PM CDT and 2:50PM CDT the afternoon of June 22nd. The highest heat index was recorded at 2:30PM CDT of 117 degrees.

Heat, Zapata

When: June 22, 2:15 PM CST to 3:35 PM CST
Where: Zapata forecast zone
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 27.001, -99.169 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Zapata County Airport AWOS reported a heat index of 111 by 3:15 PM CDT, with 111 or higher values persisting until approximately 4:35 PM CDT on June 22nd.

Excessive Heat, Southern Hidalgo County

When: June 22, 2:53 PM CST to 4:53 PM CST
Where: Southern Hidalgo County forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.397, -98.181 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The McAllen-Miller International Airport ASOS station (KMFE) recorded heat indices reaching or exceeding 116 degrees between 3:53PM CDT and 4:53PM CDT the afternoon of June 22d. The highest heat index was recorded at 3:53PM CDT of 116 degrees. The South Texas International Airport AWOS station (KEBG) recorded a max heat index of 119 degrees at 3:55PM CDT.

Excessive Heat, Northern Hidalgo County

When: June 22, 2:53 PM CST to 4:53 PM CST
Where: Northern Hidalgo County forecast zone
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 26.397, -98.181 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Excessive Heat, Brooks

When: June 22, 2:55 PM CST to 6:15 PM CST
Where: Brooks forecast zone
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 27.032, -98.219 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

The Brooks County Airport (KBKS) recorded heat indices reaching or exceeding 116 degrees between 3:55PM CDT and 7:15PM CDT the afternoon of June 22nd. The highest was recorded at 4:35PM CDT of 121 degrees.

What these are

Heat: Heat below excessive heat criteria that still caused deaths, injuries or significant impacts.
Excessive Heat: Heat at or above the local excessive heat warning criteria, or heat that caused deaths.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Texas in 2023 Every state in 2023 This day in weather history Warnings in Texas, June 2023

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1116728, 1116749, 1116736, 1117061, 1116716, 1116742, 1117069, 1110802, 1110874, 1116722, 1110795, 1110884, 1116737, 1116744, 1117062, 1116729, 1116750, 1117070, 1110869, 1110875, 1116717, 1110885, 1116730, 1116751, 1117063, 1117073, 1116738, 1116745, 1116718, 1110870, 1110876, 1110888, 1116752, 1116747, 1116719, 1116731, 1117074, 1117064, 1110890, 1116739, and more.