Dangerous Memorial Day heat wave for Gulf States: Record temperatures expected

Record temperatures
Dangerous heat for Memorial Day weekend

TemperatureRadar shows a swelting Saturday afternoon across portions of the southern Plains and Southeast.

Gulf states are bracing for a sweltering Memorial Day weekend, with record-breaking temperatures and perilously high "feels like" temperatures anticipated.

As we approach the holiday, the Gulf Coast—from Texas to Florida—will experience escalating heat levels. Alongside this, abundant moisture will keep overnight temperatures uncomfortably high, providing little to no relief.

South Texas is set to bear the worst of this heatwave, with feels like temperatures expected to soar between 110-120°F. Laredo, Kingsville, Alice, and Cotulla are predicted to be among the hottest spots from Friday through Monday.

Know the difference

While the heat index measures how hot it feels by considering temperature and humidity, the feels like temperature also factors in wind and cloud cover, providing a more comprehensive understanding of how hot it truly feels outside.

The early season heatwave will also grip the southern Mississippi Valley and Florida. Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida are facing a major to extreme heat risk, rated levels 3 to 4 out of 4, throughout the weekend. Cities like Baton Rouge and New Orleans in Louisiana and Mobile and Jackson in Mississippi will see overnight temperatures barely dip below the upper 70s.

In southern Florida and southern Texas, temperatures are unlikely to fall below the 80-degree mark.

The intense heat will persist across the region into early next week, although some relief is expected by midweek with the arrival of a cold front. Stay updated with the latest temperature changes on our interactive TemperatureRadar and make sure to keep an eye out for those feels like temperature on our app.