The Death Ridge over Texas is finally dissolving

Every summer, a high pressure system builds up over Texas, causing temperatures in the triple digits and little rainfall. And it has a name: Death Ridge.

In the Lone Star State, spring storms can be very intense. Thunder and lightning meet heavy rains, and hail and tornadoes are a constant threat to people and property. But when summer arrives, this activity usually dies down. Enter Death Ridge.

“As soon as it sets in, all the severe weather events of the spring disappear,” said Jim Deberry, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Midland. “It basically suppresses storms all summer long. As soon as the Death Ridge appears, it kills the rain and creates heat and drought.”

Death Ridge is a high-pressure system that is usually centered around the Four Corners region and extends into Texas, Deberry said. It lasts from about Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Labor Day this year is Monday, September 2nd, and according to the weather forecast for the weekend, Death Ridge is scheduled to dissipate.

“It's exactly at this time of year that the jet stream in the north begins to move southward toward the ridge,” Deberry said. “Just as birds fly south in the winter, so does the jet stream.”

The long-time Midlands meteorologist explained that storm systems from the north make their way south and begin to impact the ridge. Over the course of a month or two, this weakens the ridge and eventually opens up the possibility for storms.

“There's a storm system north of Montana right now. It's what's giving us this cooler weather,” Deberry said. “It's coming through here on Friday and pushing a cold front into the area. A second cold front is coming through late Sunday night. It's basically going to blow that ridge away. We're going to see severe storms in a couple of weeks.”

Rain is forecast for this weekend, but it should be a “nice rain” that will not cause major flooding, Deberry said. Temperatures will also be significantly lower.

Highs of 31 degrees are expected on Friday, with rain chances increasing from 30% in the morning to 70% in the afternoon, continuing through Friday night and Saturday. Highs on Saturday and Sunday will be around 28 degrees. Labor Day will be around 28 degrees, with rain showers likely.

Major League Baseball fans looking to see a game in the Lone Star State will be happy to know that the Rangers and Astros play indoors.

The Astros, who lead the American League West, host the Royals and Reds this Labor Day weekend. Rain is forecast for Houston every day, with highs in the 90s. The Texas Rangers face the Athletics and Yankees, who lead the AL East. Rain and highs in the 90s are expected in Arlington.

Whether you choose to Hook 'em, Gig 'em or Wreck 'em, you'll experience rain with highs in the 90s and a chance of rain if you're traveling to a football game on Saturday.