Texas: Where everything is bigger (and hotter.) From sweltering summers that can cause uncomfortable periods of dryness and drought to the potential for thunderstorms and hurricanes that can lead to flooding, the Lone Star State is known for its extreme weather. But nothing compares to the blistering heat that can turn even the toughest cowboy into a wilted flower.
At CleanSky Energy, we believe in the importance of preparing for extreme weather, and whatever that may be, we want to let you know what to expect for the 2023 summer forecast in Texas. So grab a glass of sweet tea, find some shade, and let’s dive into the ins and outs of Texas weather, and what to expect this year.
How Hot Will it Get in Texas?
Although it’s still a bit early in 2023, already there are numerous outlets coming forth with their forecasts on what we can expect for Texas weather in 2023. According to The Farmer’s Almanac, the months of April and May will be warmer than average, with rainfall above normal in Northern Texas and Oklahoma, plus normal rainfall levels in the Southern half of the Lone Star State.
As we move into the summer, expect hotter temperatures and drier periods with little to no precipitation. The hottest periods are expected in the second half of June, early to mid-July, and the beginning of August. Going into the early fall months, you can still expect warmer-than-average temperatures, with slightly below-normal to normal precipitation.
Another thing to keep an eye on is El Niño. El Niño refers to a warming of the ocean surface, or above-average sea surface temperatures, in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. These events can lead to warm annual temperatures globally and more potential for storms in the Southern United States. Previous El Niños in Texas have resulted in destructive flooding events, such as the Memorial Day Floods from 2015. The Climate Prediction Center shows an increased probability of an El Niño pattern by late Summer 2023.
What About Hurricanes?
Texas is among the top states that are impacted by tropical activity including storms, and hurricanes. The Atlantic Hurricane season lasts from June 1 through November 30 each year, with peak activity occurring in August and September. With El Niño entering the picture during this hurricane season, you may wonder what impact that may have on the potential of tropical weather.
According to Tropical Storm Risk (TSR), we should actually experience a less-than-average hurricane season for 2023. TSR is an organization that provides independent forecasts of tropical storms, hurricanes, and typhoons in the Atlantic and East Pacific, as well as the Northwest Pacific and Indian Ocean basins. The organization uses a variety of factors, including sea surface temperatures, atmospheric pressure, and wind patterns, to create statistical models that predict the likelihood of tropical storm activity in different regions of the world. TSR releases its forecasts in the months leading up to the hurricane season.
For the Atlantic Hurricane Season for 2023, TSR is forecasting about 13 named storms, with the potential of 6 for those storms to become hurricanes. Approximately 3 of those hurricanes are predicted to become major hurricanes (category 3 or above). Within Texas, the areas most likely to be impacted remain along the coast, with cities such as Houston and Galveston.
If you’re a resident of any coastal Texas city, you’ll want to ensure that you and your family are prepared before hurricane season begins. If you already have a plan in place, it’s a great time to review your plan and make necessary adjustments. Ensure you have a disaster supply kit ready, a plan to protect your home (including insurance), and an evacuation strategy if needed. CleanSky Energy has compiled a list of tips to ensure you’re prepared for hurricane season, including a hurricane preparedness checklist.
How Will Summer Impact My Energy Rates?
If you’re a Texas resident, you may be wondering how an increase in temperatures and the potential for tropical storms may impact your energy rates. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, or EIA, power prices are expected to decrease in 2023. This is due to lower natural gas prices and growth in renewable energy. Texas is one of the states in which energy prices will drop in 2023. Although you may not see savings right away, due to a lag in wholesale and retail pricing, these will eventually be passed on to the consumer.
Now is the time to ensure that you’re getting in your spring cleaning and making your home more energy-efficient. It’s also a great time to book an appointment to get your HVAC serviced before the humid temperatures make their presence known. If you’re looking for ways to stay cool beyond relying on your air conditioner, check out the CleanSky blog for tips on how to stay cool this summer.
Spring is a great time to review your energy usage, explore ways to reduce your consumption, or transition to a renewable energy company. CleanSky Energy is committed to connecting customers to the power of solar and wind energy, at an affordable and honest rate. Ready to make the change to 100% renewable energy? Give us a call at 1-888-355-6205 and we’ll help you make the switch today!
Sources:
https://www.almanac.com/weather/longrange/TX
https://comparepower.com/texas-electricity-prices/
https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/steo/pdf/steo_text.pdf
https://www.tropicalstormrisk.com/
