Heat advisory for Kerr County Thursday as heat index nears 111

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Kerr County, with the heat index expected to climb as high as 111 degrees Thursday afternoon.

The advisory takes effect at noon Thursday and runs through 8 p.m., according to the weather service’s Austin/San Antonio office. Forecasters expect a high near 99 Thursday, with the combination of heat and humidity pushing the heat index above 110 across most of the region.

The heat is building ahead of the advisory. Kerrville will see a high near 96 today with a heat index as high as 104 under sunny skies, followed by an overnight low around 76.

Forecasters said a potential tropical cyclone moving away from the area to the east is leaving rising heat and humidity as the region’s main concern. Most of South-Central Texas will stay dry, with only a slight rain chance well to the east.

Kerr County falls under the heat advisory, while areas along the Interstate 35 corridor, the Coastal Plains and the southern Rio Grande Plains are under a more serious excessive heat warning.

The weather service urged residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned spaces, avoid direct sun and check on relatives and neighbors. Officials recommended limiting strenuous activity to the early morning or evening and watching for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency; residents who suspect it should call 911.

Some relief is expected by Friday, when winds shift to a more easterly direction and heat index values ease. A stalling frontal boundary and incoming Gulf moisture will bring an increased chance of showers and thunderstorms Friday night into Saturday, with locally heavy rain possible, before drier weather returns Sunday.