Clouds and warm air are only the opening act for North Texas today. A sharp, fast-moving cold front is set to barrel into Dallas today, flipping conditions from almost-summer to late-winter in a matter of hours. Highs could top out near 83°F before temperatures plunge into the 30s by Sunday night. Behind the front, expect sustained north winds of 25-35 mph with gusts near 50 mph. A Wind Advisory is in effect through 1 AM CDT tomorrow, and a Red Flag Warning is posted for parts of the region, especially near and west of Interstate 35, for Sunday afternoon and evening.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
The front is expected to sweep through the Dallas–Fort Worth area between about noon and 2 p.m., with winds ramping up for the afternoon drive and staying strong into the evening. Look for west-southwest winds of 15-30 mph ahead of the front, followed by an abrupt shift to north-northwest winds of 15-30 mph with higher gusts once it passes. High-profile vehicles could have a tough time, and anything not tied down may go tumbling. Residents are urged to secure patio furniture, trash cans and décor, and to allow extra time for travel, according to the National Weather Service Fort Worth.
Fire Danger West of I-35
A Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon to 9 PM today, for areas near and west of Interstate 35, where low humidity teamed with strong winds could help any fire spread quickly. Officials are asking residents to skip all outdoor burning, avoid tossing cigarette butts and hold off on welding or any other flame-producing work while the warning is up. For more on how the setup evolved, see how morning storms flip to evening wind whiplash.
Cooling, Then a Quick Warm-Up
Behind the front, temperatures will tumble overnight into Monday morning, with lows dropping into the upper 20s to 30s and brief late-season freezes likely in vulnerable spots. Protect sensitive plants if you can. Winds should ease on Monday, and then a southerly return flow takes over by midweek, pushing readings back into the 70s and 80s by Wednesday and Thursday. If you have outdoor plans, it is a good idea to secure lightweight items before Sunday afternoon and keep an eye on local updates through the evening.
