AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has issued an Ozone Action Day for Central Texas on Thursday as high levels of ozone will be possible during the afternoon hours.
Groups with sensitive respiratory issues should limit outdoor time.
High levels of ozone at ground level can be found when chemical reactions between two pollutants (nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds) happen in sunlight and stagnant air.
Thursday morning was off to a cool start with a record low of 63 reported at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Temperatures will climb to above average with sunshine and dry air in place.
This will be the 19th consecutive day of triple-digit heat. The current record for consecutive days of triple-digit heat is 27 days in 2011. Triple-digit heat continues as a ridge of high pressure holds in the western half of the country.
A north wind at the surface keeps low humidity in place before a southeast wind returns on Friday, bringing the muggy weather back for the weekend.
Unfortunately, the rain deficit for Central Texas continues to grow. Since June, Camp Mabry is reporting an over four-inch rain deficit. This means worsening drought conditions. Moderate drought status has expanded to include portions of Travis County, Hays County and the Texas Hill Country.
Our next chance of rain comes with tropical moisture. Deep tropical moisture could return as two tropical depressions have taken shape in the Atlantic.
Current paths have both tropical depressions entering the Gulf. The Gulf Coast should pay close attention to the forecast for early next week.
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: