Summer heat is already here and it's not officially summer yet. The heat index today could be as high as 105 according to the National Weather Service.
The reason for the heat is an upper level ridge of high pressure that usually does not build until later in the season, said Brandi Hughes, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Shreveport, La.
"It's early this year, and no widespread rainfall has allowed us to dry out," Hughes said.
Today could be the hottest day so far with forecasts calling for a high of close to 100 degrees in Texarkana.
"I don't think we will reach 100, maybe closer to 98, but it's still going to be really hot," Hughes said.
Air temperatures will rise into the middle 90s with just enough humidity to boost the afternoon heat index readings from 100 to 105. No other hazardous weather is expected at this time.
The heat is expected to peak early this weekend, then isolated showers and thunderstorms will be possible on Sunday along a weak cold front boundary. Slightly cooler temperatures could start the new work week. Then isolated thunderstorms return by late Monday along Interstate-30 and spread and linger through Wednesday as a Pacific upper low drifts down around the upper ridge.
"It just depends on the weather pattern and the direction it gets pushed next week. It could drop a few degrees," Hughes said.
According to Accuweather forecast, the majority of summer 2018 will likely spend its time gradually settling into the neutral phase with a possible late-season surge into El Nio. When considered alongside previous years where this occurred, it looks like a warmer than average summer for much of the country. Much of this warmth may also be favored early, shifting back to the northwest towards August.
Everyone should follow heat safety tips and check on their elderly family members and neighbors.
The NWS recommends everyone drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in the shade and do not perform over exertion activities during the hottest part of the day.