Dallas-Fort Worth woke up to a thick blanket of clouds and muggy air today, with temperatures hovering near 75°F and south winds already starting to stir. Thermometers are set to climb into the upper 80s to around 90°F this afternoon, and it will feel even hotter, with heat index values flirting with the upper 90s in a few spots. Most of North Texas should stay dry, but a stray storm or two could bubble up late in the day. Any storm that manages to get going could pack hail and damaging wind gusts.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
South-southeast winds of 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to around 35 mph, are expected this afternoon and evening and could give unsecured patio furniture, tents, and canopies a serious workout. That steady breeze will keep overnight lows stuck in the mid 70s, so it will be a warm and sticky night with not much relief. Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be extra cautious on elevated and exposed roadways where crosswinds can be tricky.
Storm Chances This Evening
There is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms later today, with the best, though still low, odds roughly along the I-35 corridor from late afternoon into the early evening. Rain chances sit around 10 to 20 percent for most locations, which means most folks will stay dry. Forecasters note that if any storm can punch through the warm layer aloft, it could briefly turn strong to severe, producing large hail and damaging winds.
Week Ahead
Rain and storm chances step up as the new week gets going. Tomorrow stays hot with a slight chance of afternoon storms that could become severe in a few isolated spots. Tuesday looks more active as a front moves in and showers and thunderstorms become likely. Cooler air should filter in by mid to late week, but several rounds of storms through Thursday could trigger localized flooding issues, so it is worth keeping an eye on forecast updates.
Plan Ahead
Tie down or bring in canopies, patio furniture, and any lightweight outdoor gear before the gusty winds kick up, and build in extra time on the roads if you are driving a tall vehicle that is more vulnerable to crosswinds. Keep wireless alerts enabled on your phone and follow the latest products from the NWS Fort Worth for forecast changes and any severe weather advisories. If watches or warnings are issued, follow guidance from local emergency officials.
For more on the pattern setting the stage for today, check out our earlier look at the heat and gusty winds on Hoodline that ramped up yesterday. We will post updates here if any watches or warnings are issued.
