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Abstract This study examines the relative extreme heatwave events (REHEs) observed in Texas through in-situ and reanalysis data during summer 2023. The results show the highest (lowest) frequency of days is predominately focused eastward (westward) of the Edwards Plateau. However, when employing a relative definition, two spatial hotspots are classified for the Texas metropolitans of Houston and Midland–Odessa. These frequency maximums are a result of four prolonged Texas REHEs determined during the summer of 2023. A soil moisture-temperature coupling analysis is completed to examine the relationship of each event and their near-surface conditions. Additionally, a synoptic analysis is performed for three mandatory atmospheric pressure levels (850, 700, and 500 hPa) in order to demonstrate how large-scale tropospheric variables (wind, temperature, geopotential height, and vertical velocity) contributed to each Texas REHE. From these findings, it can provide a foundation on relative extreme heatwave conditions and how state and federal agencies can better prepare for such future episodes in Texas.
Gilliland et al. (Wed,) studied this question.