Today (Friday, July 20), the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a heat advisory for the region, including Missouri City, until 8 p.m. Temperatures are forecast to be near or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with indices near or above 108 degrees.
NWS reports that a persistent upper level ridge of high pressure that has been drying the area out for the last week will strengthen throughout the weekend, boosting temperatures to near the 100-degree mark well inland and 92-93 degrees even on the immediate coast.
Combined with the relative humidity heat index, readings will likely reach 100 degrees by 11 a.m. or noon today, Saturday and Sunday, peaking at 105 to 112 degrees. Additional heat advisories are possible throughout the weekend.
Missouri City Emergency Management Officials urge residents to take precautions for heat illness by:
- Taking frequent breaks if working outdoors;
- Wearing sunscreen and lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. Avoiding dark clothing as it absorbs the sun’s rays;
- Drinking plenty of water;
- Checking the backseat of your vehicle for children and pets before exiting;
- Checking on family members, friends or neighbors who do not have access to air conditioning or may be affected by the heat;
- Checking on the elderly, those with special needs and others who may be more susceptible to the heat; and
- Checking on outdoor pets and animals to ensure they have access to shaded areas, have access to water and are not impacted by the heat.
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Residents are reminded that the 2018 Hurricane Season runs through Friday, Nov. 30, and, if disaster strikes, Missouri City’s Emergency Operations Center is ready to respond. In the meantime, residents and businesses in Fort Bend and Harris Counties are encouraged to sign up to receive emergency alerts and to learn how to prepare supply kits and stock up on necessary items such as non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, radios, first-aid kits, cell phones, chargers, maps and important documents. Residents may also sign up for Emergency Management alerts via Twitter.com/MissouriCityEM.
Visit www.missouricityready.com to learn more.
Residents can download the US National Weather Service Houston-Galveston Texas’ Hurricane & Severe Weather Guide to learn how to prepare for different weather hazards and stay safe in an emergency: View Guide.
While Fort Bend is designated by the State as a pass-through county for evacuees who live along the Gulf Coast, residents are still encouraged to prepare themselves and stay aware of the potential for severe weather that can accompany tropical systems.
As the “Show Me City” and the region witnessed last year during Harvey, hurricanes can produce heavy winds, storm surges, torrential rains, inland flooding and tornadoes. It is important that all citizens and businesses be aware of the hazards severe weather presents.
EOC officials also stress the importance of keeping a list of informational resources for reference. Recommendations for City residents include:
- Police and Fire Departments: 911 or 281.403.8700
- CenterPoint Energy: 713.207.2222
- American Red Cross – Fort Bend County Branch: 281.342.9480, Greater Houston Branch: 713.526.8300
- Ready Harris (www.readyharris.org); 713.881.3100; the Harris County Office of Emergency Management’s official website.
- Enable Fort Bend (www.enablefortbend.com); 281.238.3514; the agency assists individuals with functional and medical needs during an emergency or disaster.
- UT Physicians Nurse Triage Line – 713.486-UTRN (8876)
- University of Texas Physicians has a nurse advice line available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Registered nurses from a diverse background of medical specialties staff this multi-lingual advice line and are ready to answer questions about medical problems, medications and treatments. Nurses can even contact caller’s pharmacist or physician.
- During Hurricane Harvey, this phone line was open throughout the entire emergency.
- MCTV: Comcast Ch. 16; AT&T U-verse Ch. 99
- WQMN – 1690 AM: Emergency advisory radio station
- MCTX Mobile App: Download it in the Apple App store or on Google Play
For more information about Missouri City, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat—@MissouriCityTX, watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse) or download the MCTX Mobile app (available for free in Google Play and the Apple app store).
