Gustav brings waves to South Padre

HARLINGEN - Although an assembly line of storms is swirling across the Atlantic, meteorologists here say the Rio Grande Valley will only see hot and dry weather this week.

In fact, Geoff Bogorad, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Brownsville, said the weather this week would be "quite nice."

"It's just warm and drier than it has been," Bogorad said Monday.

With Hurricane Gustav moving along and expected to become a tropical storm, the Valley will not feel any of the rainfall associated with the storm, but northwest to west winds through today bringing the heat.

"It is going to be quite warm," he said, adding that today's temperature could reach above 100 degrees.

This time of year is also the driest, Bogorad added.

With the northwest to west winds comes high tides and high surf. Bogorad said a coastal flood advisory would remain in effect through today.

The rough waves are expected to taper off on Wednesday, he added.

U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Robert Capiro said the surf at South Padre Island was estimated at around 8 feet high.

"It's been calmer throughout the day," he said.

Beach goers were taking advantage of the high waves on Monday, but officials urged caution when wading out through rough waters.

Boaters were also warned about the small craft advisory that is expected to last through Wednesday, Capiro said.

The swells from the Gulf hitting the island are not expected to cause any serious beach damage.

"Water is flopping up against the dunes, but beach erosion will be minor," Bogorad said.

The biggest concern here is the heat, he said. "It'll be warmer in the west, but individuals need to make sure they drink plenty of liquids to prevent heat stress and strokes."

Dispatchers at the South Padre Island Police Department and the Coast Guard station reported no major incidents over Labor Day weekend.