The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has announced a high-temperature alert for Dallas, with the mercury expected to soar to potentially hazardous levels. Today's forecast predicts a mostly sunny sky with highs nearing 97 degrees, and heat index values could tip just above 100, according to the National Weather Service.
In addition to the heat, Dallas residents should brace for a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 pm Saturday. While skies are expected to remain mostly sunny, the heat index could escalate to a sweltering 102 degrees. Northeast winds will shift southeast in the afternoon, easing slightly, but not enough to dispel the mounting heat that will continue into the week with highs reaching up to 103 degrees by Thursday.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has also issued an Ozone Action Day for the Dallas-Fort Worth area for Friday, signifying that atmospheric conditions are ripe for producing high levels of ozone air pollution. "You can help prevent ozone pollution by sharing a ride, walking, riding a bicycle, taking your lunch to work, avoiding drive-through lanes, conserving energy, and keeping your vehicle properly tuned," urges the TCEQ in a statement relayed by the National Weather Service.
The outlook for hazardous weather also includes the possibility of scattered thunderstorms, particularly this afternoon and evening. Strong downburst winds and lightning pose the primary threats, "The best chance for strong to marginally severe storms will be this afternoon across Central Texas," warns the National Weather Service, indicating that the turbulent weather may continue sporadically into the weekend. Despite the threat of storms, the NWS does not expect organized severe weather or spotter activation at this time.
