Harlingen residents concerned over dry resaca

Residents of the Treasure Hills neighborhood in Harlingen are alarmed by the nearly dried-up resaca behind their homes, which has transformed from a water body to cracked earth. Homeowner Susie Mahaffey noticed the water levels dropping about a week and a half ago, raising concerns about local wildlife, including birds and turtles. Another resident, Jenny Mowers, recalled that just days ago, the resaca was filled with water and home to numerous shorebirds. Both women have contacted local agencies for answers, but the Cameron County Irrigation District clarified that the resaca is intended for drainage, not permanent water retention, raising worries about property values and home foundations.

More intense heat heading to the Valley

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) —  The heat will be unrelenting the next couple of days in the Rio Grande Valley. With sunny skies on Friday, most of us will top out in the 100-102 range, with 105 in western Starr County, 96 in the lower Valley and closer to 90 at the coast. It will also

A dry July puts the Valley back on the drought map

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A wet June quenched the soil and pulled the Rio Grande Valley off the U.S. Drought Monitor map. A dry July now drags deep South Texas back on the map with moderate drought conditions from Brownsville to McAllen. So far this month, rain has been pretty hard to come by across

ERCOT: Texa power grid meeting record demand now, but could falter when it doubles by 2032

Valley Storm Team: The heat is on as August starts this weekend

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Meteorologist Lexie Walker and Forecaster Craig Verley sat down in this week's episode of Valley Storm Team to discuss all things heat, weekend forecast, and hurricane frequency as the month of August starts. The team also gets into the regional forecast for Texas and how the Valley hasn't quite hit the

Wildfires Force George Clooney's Family to Evacuate Their Home in France

PARIS — George Clooney's family has been forced to evacuate their home in southeastern France as a wildfire burned nearby, his agent reported on Thursday. The Hollywood star made the statement in a letter addressed to Didier Bremond, the mayor of Brignoles, about 55 miles east of Marseille, publicist Guido Gotz told The Associated Press in an email. Addressed to 'Dear Didier,' the letter states: 'At this moment, we have no idea if our beautiful home will survive this terrible time, and as we evacuate Brignoles,' the family wanted to 'emphasize two things.' '(F)irst, we hope that you and the people of our town are safe, and second, that Amal and I are committed to ensuring that, no matter what happens to our town, we are part of this community and will be part of its rebuilding,' Clooney wrote, referring to his wife Amal, a human rights lawyer.

Texas named in emergency electricity order from Energy Department

Summer heat is expected to hit a large swath of the country this weekend, prompting an emergency alert.

Triple-digit heat and rising humidity hit the Valley

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — You may notice our skies look a bit more blue Thursday afternoon as the latest plume of Saharan dust leaves. Computer models show some more working its way back to the Valley over the weekend into early next week. However, at least we get a couple of days' break from the

Major heat risk continues through the weekend

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Low temperatures on Wednesday will fall into the upper 70s and lower 80s across the Valley, but it will heat up once again Thursday. Highs will range from the upper 80s to the lower triple digits, but it will feel even warmer due to the heat index values. There will mostly

Hot days and warm nights continue across the Valley

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Most cities will peak in the triple digits each afternoon, but factor in dew points in the upper 70s, and heat indices will be up to 110-115°. Hot, yes, but thankfully we'll see a nice southeast breeze with gusts all week ranging between 25- 35 mph, helping break up the hot

Tips for Keeping Your Home Cool and Saving Energy During Extreme Heat

With temperatures exceeding 100 degrees in the Rio Grande Valley, keeping your home cool without skyrocketing your electricity bill can seem challenging. However, experts say that some simple changes can make a significant difference. Jaime Gómez, an air conditioning systems specialist, recommends setting the thermostat between 77 and 78 degrees when people are home and raising it by about four degrees when leaving to prevent the system from overworking. He also advises setting the air conditioning fan to automatic mode so it turns off once the desired temperature is reached, and adjusting ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise, which helps push cool air down during the summer. Another key point is to change the air conditioning filter at least once a month. A dirty filter restricts airflow, forces the equipment to work harder, and increases energy consumption. Additionally, closing curtains or blinds during peak sunlight hours and avoiding the use of heat-generating appliances, such as the stove, dryer, or washing machine, during the hottest parts of the day can help maintain a more comfortable temperature indoors and reduce air conditioning usage.

Two kinds of weather for the Valley: Hot and breezy

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A classic weather pattern is settling in across the Rio Grande Valley. Over the next seven days, a dome of high pressure will dominate the region, keeping skies mostly sunny and temperatures running hot each afternoon. Highs are expected to climb into the mid to upper 90s and 100s from the

More heat and less dust heading our way

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The little blue "H" centered near the Texas Panhandle is having a big impact on temperatures across much of the country. The heat dome effect will be bringing above-normal temperatures across many areas, including the Rio Grande Valley, for several days to come. In fact, our heat will be building as

Triple‑digit temperatures and sweltering heat index values are sticking around this week

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The heat isn’t letting up anytime soon. A strong high‑pressure system parked over the central U.S. continues to dominate the weather pattern across Texas and the Rio Grande Valley, keeping conditions hot and stagnant. This setup is pushing in steady southeast winds, helping temperatures climb from the mid‑80s along the coast to around 104

The summer-sizzle continues all week long

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — High pressure spinning in the Gulf and across the 4-corners of the continental U.S. keeps hot and rain-free conditions in place. Highs this Monday afternoon will climb into either side of 100°. There will be mostly sunny skies all day with southeast winds at 5 to 15mph and wind gusts up

Central and Southern U.S. Endures Second Consecutive Day of Extreme Heat

The central and southern regions of the United States are experiencing a second consecutive day of extreme heat and high humidity, with no short-term relief in sight. Heat indices are expected to exceed 105 degrees Fahrenheit from Memphis to Montana and Las Vegas, with some southwestern areas potentially reaching up to 120 degrees. This oppressive heat is due to a heat dome phenomenon that traps atmospheric heat, prolonging already high temperatures. Experts warn that vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, are at increased risk for severe reactions. Recommendations include seeking air conditioning, staying hydrated, and limiting sun exposure.

Wildfires in France and Spain Force Over 250,000 People to Evacuate

Wildfires in southwestern France have forced the evacuation of 55,000 people, bringing the total to 220,000 in the region as flames approach Bordeaux, known for its wine industry. Spain is also conducting evacuations due to fires on its eastern coast. Strong winds and dry conditions have complicated firefighting efforts. French Interior Minister Laurent Núñez described the situation as extremely unfavorable, with the fire becoming unpredictable and generating its own winds. In response, France has mobilized 1,400 firefighters and deployed military aircraft, while Spain has sent 2,600 personnel to combat two fires near Madrid. The fires have burned over 130,000 hectares in Spain this year, exceeding the annual average.

Heat Dome Expands Across Central U.S. and Puts Millions at Risk

A heat dome is affecting much of the central United States, with temperatures soaring and around 80 million people under heat advisories. Meteorologists predict that the extreme heat will persist into the following week, with nighttime temperatures not dropping enough for relief. Areas from Dallas to North Dakota are expected to experience temperatures 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. In Nebraska, temperatures could reach 108 degrees Fahrenheit, impacting local businesses. Authorities warn that children, the elderly, and those with health conditions are at high risk for heat-related illnesses. Some relief may come next weekend, but it could be temporary.

Summer sizzle returns to the Valley while rain takes a vacation

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A stretch of classic summer weather is settling in across Harlingen and the Rio Grande Valley, and it’s not letting up anytime soon. A mid-level high-pressure system parked over the region will keep skies mostly sunny and temperatures running hot through the weekend and well into next week. Afternoon highs will