Severe heat and your mental health
We all love Houston's heat, right? Well, be careful, because studies have shown that people's mental health problems are exacerbated in the severe heat.
Although it's not clinically diagnosed like seasonal affective disorder, which occurs in the fall and winter months when there is a lack of sunlight, the severe heat can increase mood swings, irritability and road rage episodes.
Krystin Holmes, a licensed marriage and family therapist with the Harris Center for Mental Health, told me it can also cause people to isolate and stay indoors, not see their friends as much and skip activities just because of the heat.
Simply put, "people get upset when the temperature goes up," Holmes said.
Check out my story for some strategies Holmes gives patients when dealing with mood swings and anger. We would also like to hear from you: how do you deal with the summer heat affecting your mood?
 | Ryan Nickerson, Weather Reporter |
Justin's Five Day Fit Check
Photo by: Ken Ellis
Scattered storms are likely Monday and Tuesday, but more widespread rain is likely late Tuesday through Wednesday. This week's flood risk should subside later in the week, but we'll maintain daily chances for at least scattered downpours that may force you to reach for the umbrella.
The Gulf of Mexico could produce its first tropical depression of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.
It's called a depression because of the drop in atmospheric pressure. When a tropical disturbance's winds increase to a maximum of 38 mph, it's a tropical depression. But it is not considered a significant threat and is relatively weak to what it could develop into — a tropical storm.
Where to stay dry this week
Photo by: Courtesy Of The Sewing Family
Rain is in the forecast this week, but that won't stop us from recommending somewhere to stay dry.
We recommend attending the Juneteenth celebration at The Bryan Museum on Thursday this week. It will be hosted by Houston Chronicle news columnist and children's book author Joy Sewing.
The Houston Chronicle also compiled a list of Juneteenth events around Greater Houston, for those who may be unaffected by this week's rain.
Something to read
Photo by: KTRK-TV / Taylor Womac
An image captured by Taylor Womac, a viewer of Houston Chronicle media partner KTRK-TV, shows a waterspout that formed off the coast of Galveston on June 10.
Waterspouts can pose a significant hazard to boaters and beachgoers. Check out Newsroom Meteorologist Justin Ballard's story on waterspouts to learn more.
 | Ask a Meteorologist |
What's going on in the tropics?
We've been closely keeping an eye on a disorganized area of low pressure in the southern Gulf of Mexico. While it isn't a named storm yet, it could soon become a tropical depression or Tropical Storm Alberto.
What can Southeast Texas expect?
Numerous tropical downpours will occur Monday afternoon, thanks to daytime heating. The main heavy rain event arrives later in the day Tuesday, lasting through most of Wednesday.
How much rain is expected?
The heaviest rainfall totals will be found along and south of I-10. In this area, 4 to 8 inches of rain are possible, with the highest totals likely closer to the coastline. Some higher rainfall amounts occurring locally can't be ruled out, though that risk seems to have dropped since late last week. Still, given how saturated soils have been since spring, it won't take much to cause headaches with local flooding.
What can coastal communities expect?
Flooding rains and coastal flooding will be the biggest hazard on nearby barrier islands, but conditions in the water will also be rough. High seas and rip currents will make getting in the water a dangerous activity this week.
Weather wonk trivia
The all-time daily rainfall record at Houston's official climate observation site, Bush Intercontinental Airport, occurred on what day in 2017?
A) Aug. 27
B) June 26
C) Sept. 19
D) Oct. 25
Meet the Team
The 713 Weather Radar newsletter is fueled by reporting from meteorologist Justin Ballard and reporter Ryan Nickerson. Texas Weather Science Editor Roberto Villalpando edits this newsletter.
You can reach out to any of them by emailing them directly at firstname.lastname@houstonchronicle.com or by replying to this email.
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