Historical Occurrences

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        In other parts of the country and the world, sever summer heat hazards have had devastating consequences. For instance, in 1995 a two-week-long heat wave hit Chicago and the heat index pecked at 119 degrees Fahrenheit. There were 465 deaths directly attributable to the heat wave and more than half of the victims were 75 years of age or older.

        According to the National Climatic Data center, from 1999 to 2009 two heat events affected counties in the planning area: Victoria and Refugio. In September of 2000 a stagnant high pressure light winds and below normal rainfall allowed temperatures to remain above 100 °F; Victoria County remained above 109°F in the first 5 days of September. No deaths or property damage was reported. In May of 2006 very hot and humid conditions developed in South Texas including Victoria and Refugio Counties. On May 10, 2006 heat indices reached 115 to 125°F. No deaths or property damage was reported. While no deaths were reported for these two events, such devastation is possible and has occurred state wide.