While scorching summers are no stranger to Texans, the timing of this heat surge — arriving well before the official start of summer — has caught many by surprise. In some areas, temperatures have exceeded those of Death Valley, often considered the hottest place on Earth.
Central and southern parts of Texas have seen highs ranging from 100°F to an oppressive 111°F, sparking warnings from public health officials and meteorologists alike. The National Weather Service (NWS) labeled the conditions "unseasonably hot," urging people to stay indoors, keep hydrated, and limit time outdoors during peak heat.
In Austin, temperatures hit 101°F by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, surpassing the previous record of 97°F set in 2022. Forecasts had warned the city could reach up to 105°F, well above the May average high of 87°F.
The sweltering temperatures are expected to persist into the following week, raising concerns about public safety and energy reliability.
Power Grid Strained as Energy Demand Soars
The extreme heat is putting Texas's power grid under pressure, as residents across the state turn to air conditioning for relief. On Wednesday afternoon, energy usage spiked past 78,000 megawatts — a new all-time high for May — according to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).
The surge in electricity use is compounded by increased demand from growing industries, including energy-intensive cryptocurrency mining operations. The state's energy infrastructure, already challenged in recent years, is now facing heightened scrutiny.
Climate Change Behind Intensifying Heatwaves, Scientists Say
Scientists have consistently warned that climate change is driving more frequent, intense, and longer-lasting heatwaves. According to global data, 2023 was the hottest year on record, and each of the past ten years has ranked among the warmest since reliable measurements began in the 19th century.
Despite these warnings, the Trump administration has reversed multiple climate policies, including efforts to cut emissions and uphold environmental protections. The U.S. retracted its commitment to the Paris climate agreement once again under Trump's leadership, and references to climate change have been stripped from key federal agendas.
Environmental experts say the rollback of climate policies comes at a dangerous time. As global temperatures rise, events like the current Texas heatwave are likely to become increasingly common — and costly — unless decisive climate action is taken.