The hottest day of the week is expected to arrive Thursday as dangerous, potentially record-breaking heat settles across the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles.
Widespread triple-digit temperatures are forecast across the region, with most climbing above 100 degrees. Several locations, particularly across the central and eastern Panhandles, could exceed 105 degrees, possibly breaking some daily high temperature records. Amarillo is forecast to reach 103 degrees Thursday afternoon which would break the previous record of 102 set in 2012.
The prolonged stretch of extreme heat is becoming increasingly dangerous as several consecutive days of hot temperatures and warm overnight lows limit the body’s ability to recover. Heat-related illnesses become much more likely during prolonged outdoor exposure, especially for older adults, young children, outdoor workers, and those without access to air conditioning.
Remember to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activities during the afternoon, wear lightweight clothing, and check on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbors. Also, never leave children or pets unattended inside vehicles, where temperatures can become deadly within minutes…