August heat could break 1875 record

By Chris Paschenko

The Daily News

Published August 24, 2010

There is a slim chance the average temperature this month could be the hottest on record, but islanders are likely to settle for second place behind 1875, a meteorologist said Monday.

A heat advisory for Galveston is expected to continue today as it has for 18 out

of the past 20 days, Dan Reilly, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in League City, said.

Those working outside should use precaution, as relief from sweltering heat and humidity, with a heat index of 105 degrees, isn’t expected until week’s end, Reilly said.

Medical crews responded to a few calls in Kemah about heat-related illnesses Saturday, but Galveston EMS, which operates on the mainland and in Galveston, reported no similar emergencies.

The average temperature for August as of Monday was 87.3 degrees, just a 10th of a degree below the previous record set in 1875, Reilly said.

This month is expected to surpass an average of 86.6 degrees set in July 1996 and August 2005, Reilly said.

Galveston already has tied records this month on the 11th, 15th, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday for high minimum temperatures, Reilly said, noting the temperatures those nights didn’t drop below 84 degrees.

Galveston County’s forecast for the week calls for highs in the middle 90s, but by week’s end lows could drop to the upper 70s, Reilly said.

For those expecting to be outside for extended periods, it’s best to avoid consuming alcoholic or caffeinated beverages, which help the body lose fluids, according to the National Institute on Aging.

Water and juices are the best at keeping the body hydrated, Kurt Koopmann, a spokesman for the Galveston County Health District, said. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, Koopmann said.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued an ozone warning Monday for Houston and for Galveston and Brazoria counties, saying atmospheric conditions were expected to favor high levels of air pollution. Elevated ozone levels could act as a lung irritant, especially for those suffering from lung diseases, and for the elderly and young children.

To avoid exposure, minimize exertion outdoors during the midday to early evening hours, the commission said.

The weekend beach forecast calls for a 30 percent chance of rain or thunderstorms with highs in the lower 90s, Reilly said.

(News Media: For more information contact Kurt Koopmann, GCHD Public Information Officer, 409-938-2211 or kkoopman@gchd.org)