HOUSTON, July 7 (UPI) -- Officials in Texas say as many as nine people have died because of the heat wave gripping the Houston area.
The temperature tied a record of 101 degrees Wednesday and officials said the mercury would remain in the upper 90s through the week. The Houston Chronicle said the temperature has reached at least 97 degrees every day this month.
Heat was blamed for the death of a 78-year-old Harris County man and eight other deaths were believed linked to the heat wave, the Chronicle said.
Officials asked that people check on neighbors and relatives who might be vulnerable to such conditions, especially the elderly.
The heat is accompanied by drought-like conditions in southeastern Texas. Many communities have imposed water-use restrictions, such as limits on watering lawns, refilling pools and washing vehicles, the newspaper said.
