Heat advisory continues as 'feels like' temps climb to 111 in Houston area

HOUSTON – A heat advisory is in effect for the Houston area Friday as the “feels like” temperature is expected to climb as high as 111 degrees.

The advisory runs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for all of Southeast Texas.

Meteorologist Britta Merwin said temperatures will climb into the upper 90s for most places, but it is the combination of hot temperatures and high humidity that will create dangerous heat.

RELATED: List and map of Houston cooling centers

To prevent heat-related illness, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, drink plenty of noncaffeinated and nonalcoholic beverages and take frequent breaks in the shade or air-conditioning.

Although it will still be hot and humid this weekend, "feels like" temperatures will drop below the advisory level.

More relief is expected Sunday with widely scattered midday and afternoon storms in the forecast.

What are officials saying?

With heat indices expected to surpass 100 degrees, the city is urging residents to stay cool.

“The temperature here in Houston, it is rising. It is June, and we see this every year, and it’s really important that people pay attention because there are certain dangers that come along with this heat,” said Dr. David Persse, with Houston’s Public Health Authority.

The heat advisory is expected to last until Friday evening.

"Take this heat very seriously. It's going to get hot. It's very hot, but we want you to be safe, and we want you to be cool,” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said.

The city has opened cooling centers for those who need to a place to cool off.

Who is most vulnerable to the heat?

Persse said the elderly, children and those who work outside are at most risk to the rising temperatures.

“Maybe start work earlier in the day and then work later in the day, take a longer break,” Persse said. “Also, please make sure to check on your neighbors and start that relationship now so that when you knock on their door they won’t be afraid.”

What is heat exhaustion and what can you do?

Stay hydrated by drinking more water than usual. You don’t want to wait until you’re thirsty, according to city health officials.

Take breaks if working outdoors and avoid midday activities when the sun is at its highest point.

Cool off by going to cooling centers or places that have air conditioning.

Check on the vulnerable populations like young children, older adults who live alone and those who are working outdoors.

Heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke

Knowing the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke can potentially save a life.

“Heat exhaustion is typically not a medical emergency but can quickly escalate,” Scott Packard, Houston public health spokesperson, said. “Symptoms are when you feel faint or dizzy, excessive sweating, cool, clammy skin, nausea or vomiting, rapid or weak pulse and muscle cramps.”

If this happens, officials said to move the person to a cooler place, drink water, take a cool shower or use a cold compress and rest.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency.

“Symptoms are throbbing headache, confusion, no sweating, red, hot, dry skin, nausea or vomiting, rapid strong pulse and may lose consciousness,” Packard said.

If that happens, officials said to call 911 and take immediate action to cool the person until help arrives.

Cooling center locations

Reliant Energy has opened 11 Beat the Heat cooling centers around the city. The centers will be open weekdays from June through September.

Find the location closest to you by checking out our article on how to stay cool in Houston.