A New Normal? As extreme weather conditions become more common, NASA stresses climate preservation, while Texans worry about recovering from catastrophic storms, energy security, and high temperatures
Brace yourselves, San Antonians. Although it’s still spring, summer temperatures have already arrived. South Texas faces more excessive heat, with the heat index expected to reach up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas this weekend. While actual temperatures will be lower, the high humidity will make it feel much hotter.
The National Weather Service predicts a 50-60% chance that our region of Texas will experience hotter-than-average temperatures, indicating an ‘above-normal’ season.
May typically marks the beginning of the hot weather we Texans endure each year. However, this year we are facing more than just high temperatures. Powerful storms have ravaged Texas, destroying homes and schools, downing trees, and shattering windows in high-rise buildings. Tornadoes battered the Greater Houston are on May 16 and North Texas this patch weekend, with winds surpassing 100 mph. Multiple people across the state including children have died due to these catastrophic events.
PLACES TO ‘STAY COOL’ MAP
Click on the below map to view a full list of cooling centers and hours of operation:
Last year, NASA announced that the summer of 2023 was the hottest ever recorded. During this time, hundreds of millions of people around the world experienced extreme heat, and each month from June through December set a new global temperature record for that month.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stated, “From extreme heat, to wildfires, to rising sea levels, we can see our Earth is changing. There’s still more work to be done, but President Biden and communities across America are taking more action than ever to reduce climate risks and help communities become more resilient…”
The increasing frequency and intensity of such extreme weather conditions align with scientific predictions about the impacts of global warming. Scientists warn that without significant efforts to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate impacts, the severity and frequency of extreme weather events will continue to rise, posing greater risks to ecosystems, economies, and human health.
As temperatures rise and more people crank up their air conditioning, the energy needed to keep millions comfortable and safe during this upcoming summer will be at an all-time high.
Texans are likely to wonder if the state’s power grid is prepared to meet electric demand. Previously, ERCOT has asked residents to conserve energy 11 times last summer and twice during a January arctic blast.
Venkat Tirupati, ERCOT’s vice president of DevOps and Grid Transformation stated, “Power plants and transmission facilities across the state have been upgraded to ensure they can withstand extreme temperatures…” Legislation passed in 2021 after the February 2021 freeze requiring energy providers to “weatherize” their facilities after some power plants shut down during Winter Storm Uri.
No matter what this summer brings, it is important to stay cool and hydrated while also being mindful of A/C usage. As a new normal arises from these high temperatures, the City of San Antonio is committed to helping all residents stay cool during extreme heat. To provide relief from the intense heat, several places are open to the community, including libraries, senior centers, and park community centers.
Additionally, splash pads and community swimming pools are available for cooling off. For more details, see the “Places to Stay Cool Map” above. Stay cool.
