textproduct: Brownsville/Rio Grande Valley

KEY MESSAGES

Updated at 601 AM CDT Wed Aug 19 2026

- Hot, dry, and at times breezy conditions will continue through the weekend into early next week.

- Moderate (level 2 of 4) to major risk (3 of 4) of heat-related impacts through the weekend with peak afternoon heat indices generally between 105 to around 110 degrees.

- There is a potential of elevated fire weather conditions across the Rio Grande Plains and portions of the northern ranchlands Wednesday and Thursday due to gusty conditions and drying fuels.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 1033 PM CDT Tue Aug 18 2026

The persistent 500mb ridge over the Four Corners extending into Texas will provide strong subsidence across the region through late week. The mid-level ridge will then build farther eastward over west Texas this weekend into early next week. Therefore, hot and rain- free conditions are forecast to continue through forecast period. Daily high temperatures are expected to range from the the upper 90s to around 105 degrees, except near the coast. The combination of hot temperatures and elevated dewpoint temperatures in the 70s will support heat indices generally between 105 to 110 degrees each afternoon. Heat indices may briefly reach 111+ at a few locations in the afternoon, especially Thursday and Friday. Widespread Moderate (Level 2 of 4) to Major (Level 3 of 4) Heat Risk expected through late week into the weekend. Whether a Special Weather Statement (SPS) or a Heat Advisory is issued for portions of the area, be sure to exercise caution if spending time outdoors and always look before you lock.

The hot, dry, and at times breezy conditions will support the potential increase of fire weather concerns Wednesday and Thursday. Minimum relative humidity below 30 percent is expected each afternoon, mainly along and west of I-69C/US 281.

Generally low to marginally moderate rip current risk is forecast through the rest of the week and into the weekend.

AVIATION

(12Z TAFS) Issued at 601 AM CDT Wed Aug 19 2026

VFR will prevail at the aerodromes through the next 24 hours. Breezy winds with higher gusts today will be bookended by lighter winds for the nighttime hours. Dry weather with limited cloud cover is also anticipated.

MARINE

Issued at 1033 PM CDT Tue Aug 18 2026

Generally favorable marine conditions will prevail along the Lower Texas Coast through the period with light to moderate winds and seas of 2 to 3 ft. However, winds may increase to 15 to 20 kts over the Laguna Madre Wednesday into Friday, which could lead to Small Craft Should Exercise Caution conditions.

PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS

BROWNSVILLE 97 82 98 81 / 0 0 0 0 HARLINGEN 101 78 102 78 / 0 0 0 0 MCALLEN 103 81 104 81 / 0 0 0 0 RIO GRANDE CITY 103 79 104 79 / 0 0 0 0 SOUTH PADRE ISLAND 90 82 90 82 / 0 0 0 0 BAYVIEW/PORT ISABEL 97 80 97 80 / 0 0 0 0

BRO WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

None.