High pressure brings extreme summer heat waves and tropical threats build in the Gulf

By
FOX Local
Published July 18, 2026 8:20 AM CDT
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Houston weather: July 18 morning forecast

High pressure pushes feels-like temperatures toward 108 degrees while the National Hurricane Center tracks Tropical Storm Elida and new Gulf systems.

The Brief

    • High pressure is driving temperatures into the mid- to upper 90s this weekend, pushing heat index values (feels-like temperatures) up to 108 degrees.
    • The National Hurricane Center named Tropical Storm Elida in the Pacific, though it is moving into cooler water and is expected to dissipate without making landfall.
    • We are tracking a low-pressure area in the eastern Gulf with a 30% chance of tropical development, which could bring heavy rain to Florida before Saharan dust likely suppresses it.

HOUSTON - As high pressure builds just off the Coast, temperatures soar into the middle to upper 90s for the weekend. 

Feels like temps will also climb above 100, nearing 108 for some. As you enjoy your weekend plans outdoors, please remember to drink plenty of water, use sunscreen and take breaks if working or exercising outside.

Tropical Forecast

The National Hurricane Center has named Tropical Storm Elida in the Pacific. This system is not expected to make landfall, and it will likely dissipate as it moves into cooler water throughout the weekend. 

Meanwhile, in the eastern Gulf there is a 30% chance for tropical development over the next week.  

A brief tropical depression or tropical storm could form near north or central Florida, impacting places like Tampa and Jacksonville with heavy rain. Saharan dust will likely end chances for development over the coming week. 

Download FOX Local for your daily tropical updates.

7-Day Forecast

The Source: Information in this article is from the FOX 26 Houston weather team.

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