By Stephanie Starks | Staff Writer
If you are coming to Baylor from outside of Texas, you may have noticed that Texas’ summer heat can be intense. The state’s large size, southern location, continental climate and recurring high-pressure systems all contribute to its high temperatures.
As of Tuesday, there has been 21 triple digit days in August. This month could very well hit 29 triple digit days, a record that was hit in both 2011 and 2023.
In addition, “heat domes” are high-pressure systems that trap hot air near the ground. As the air sinks and compresses, it warms and can lead to prolonged periods of extreme heat.
This sinking air also suppresses cloud formation and precipitation, allowing more sunlight to reach and heat the Earth’s surface. Texas’ large, relatively flat landscape can also help spread heat across the state.
Texas’ extreme heat carries risks. These include dehydration, heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
According to the National Safety Council, in the past decade, almost 1,000 people have suffered heat-related injuries and more than 150 people have died from intense heat.
Texans especially should know how to protect themselves from the heat as temperatures and heat-related risks increase.
George Nuñez, Director of Emergency Management, said preventing heat-related illnesses starts with personal preparedness.
“We must keep an eye out for one another, for personal safety, and when someone is not feeling well, to call for help,” Nuñez said.
He advised students concerned about their own safety or the safety of others to call Baylor University’s emergency number, 2222, or 911.
“The great thing is that Baylor has its own weather station on campus, and it is publicly accessible,” Nuñez said. “Earth Networks is the provider for our weather station, and they are also a partner with the National Weather Service, which means information is coming directly from the source.”
Nassau, Bahamas master’s student Westman Williams is a student in the Environmental Earth Science master’s program.
He recommends students “stay inside or get inside by 3 p.m,” as it is “hottest around 3 p.m.”
Williams worked outside in San Antonio, where he experienced intense heat.
“When someone had a lot of intense heat, they would bring a chest of ice and put towels in it, and then just put cool ice on your head,” Williams said.
Houston senior Kylie Scott said her walks to class required water.
“It was a 15-minute walk over to the business school,” she said. “It was really hot. I always had water on me.”
Scott said preparation is what helps her get through the Texas heat.
“I just use the weather app on my phone to see the humidity for whenever I am outside,” she said. “I make sure I am hydrated, and that I use sunscreen.”
