Mastering the Grill When Its 100 Degrees Outside
Grilling in South Texas summer heat presents unique challenges. When its 100°F in the shade, your grill gets hotter faster, meat cooks quicker, and you need to adjust your approach. Here is how to get perfect results even in extreme heat.
Temperature Challenges
- Grills heat up faster and run hotter in ambient heat
- Meat comes to room temperature quickly (good!)
- You sweat more, so stay hydrated
- Direct sunlight can make temperature gauges read inaccurately
Adjustments for Hot Weather
Reduce Your Heat
- Use fewer coals or lower gas settings than normal
- Your grill runs 25-50 degrees hotter when ambient temp is high
- Indirect cooking becomes even more important
Shorten Cook Times
- Everything cooks faster – check early and often
- Use a meat thermometer – do not guess
- Pull meat 5 degrees earlier than usual
Manage Flare-Ups
- Fat renders faster, causing more flare-ups
- Keep a spray bottle of water handy
- Trim excess fat before grilling
- Have a cool zone with no coals/burners
Food Safety in the Heat
Critical: Bacteria grow rapidly when temperatures are above 90°F
- One-hour rule: Do not leave raw meat out more than 1 hour when its over 90°F
- Keep meat in cooler with ice until ready to grill
- Marinate in refrigerator, not on the counter
- Use separate coolers for raw meat and drinks
- Get cooked meat off the grill and served quickly
Keep the Cook Comfortable
- Position grill in shade if possible
- Stay hydrated – have cold drinks nearby
- Take breaks and let a friend tend the grill
- Wear light clothing and a hat
- Start earlier in the morning or later in the evening
Best Cuts for Hot Weather Grilling
Quick-cooking cuts work best when you want to minimize time over the hot grill:
- Fajitas and skirt steak (3-4 minutes per side)
- Thin pork chops
- Chicken thighs (faster than breasts)
- Burgers and hot dogs
- Pre-cooked sausages (just need heating)
Stock up on quick-grilling cuts at Ruiz Custom Meats – we will slice your fajita meat thin for fast cooking in the summer heat!
