What is an “Omega Block”?

The term “Omega Block” refers to a meteorological pattern in the upper atmosphere that resembles the Greek letter omega (Ω). It involves a potent high-pressure system wedged between two cutoff low-pressure systems, and these patterns tend to stick around for a while. Areas beneath the cutoff lows typically experience cooler temperatures, cloudier conditions, and precipitation, while clear skies and warmer temperatures dominate beneath the high-pressure system.

Brace For The Heat

While Southeast Texas is not directly beneath the high-pressure system bringing record highs across the Upper Midwest and Northern Tier, a mid-level ridge and associated high pressure are setting up to bring very warm, but drier, conditions to the area this weekend.

Inland highs will climb into the lower 90s from Friday through Monday, while areas closer to the coast will be a bit cooler, reaching the mid-to-upper 80s. Heat index values throughout the weekend are expected to reach the upper 90s and, in some isolated areas, the lower 100s.

Remember to keep the heat in mind during any outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and check on your neighbors. Unfortunately, there will not be much relief after sunset this weekend, with overnight lows only dropping into the mid-70s and coastal regions barely falling below 80 degrees.

Changes To Come

Some relief is on the horizon. As the ridge of high pressure weakens, moisture and daily storm chances will return to Southeast Texas next week. As of now, any rain or storm chances would mainly occur during the afternoon and evening hours due to peak instability and daytime heating.

Additional relief may arrive by midweek as temperatures ease back into the mid-to-upper 80s, but make no mistake — the Southeast Texas summer heat is here to stay.