local
What is a high pressure system?
By Leah Rodriguez at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 24, 2026
· 3 min read
It’s that time again when the ‘heat high’ becomes the main character of the weather story. Sometimes the high can be relentless and result in endless days of scorching summer heat. So why do we call it a “heat high,” and why do we hear about it so often? What is a high pressure system?A high pres...
Key takeaway A high pressure system can cover Texas or the entire southwestern United States.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
In San Antonio , the impact of a high pressure system is particularly pronounced due to the city's location in a region prone to intense summer heat. The longest stretch without rain, a 63-day period in 1993, is a stark reminder of the effects of a dominant high pressure system. During such periods, the lack of cloud cover and rainfall can lead to severe drought conditions, exacerbating the already hot temperatures. This, in turn, can have significant consequences for the local ecosystem, agriculture, and water supply. As the city's population continues to grow, understanding and preparing for the effects of high pressure systems will become increasingly important. Residents can expect prolonged periods of heat and dryness, making it essential to conserve water and take measures to protect themselves and their properties from the extreme temperatures. The city's water management and emergency response plans will be put to the test during these periods.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? It’s that time again when the ‘heat high’ becomes the main character of the weather story. Sometimes the high can be relentless and result in endless days of scorching summer heat. So why do we call it a “heat high,” and why do we hear about it so often? What is a high pressure system?A high pres...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Leah Rodriguez at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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