Dallas started Memorial Day on the steamy side, waking up to a clear but muggy morning with temperatures near 68°F and a dew point around 66°F. Translation: the air feels sticky early, long before lunchtime. By midday, skies should turn partly sunny and highs are expected to climb into the mid 80s, near 86°F, so the afternoon will be warm and humid. Light east winds mean the heat and moisture will not mix out quickly, so plan on a sluggish, soupy feel if you are headed outside for holiday events.
Afternoon Storm Chance
There is a slight chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms after 1 p.m. today, mainly during the afternoon and early evening. Coverage is expected to be spotty, so most neighborhoods will likely stay dry, but any storm that does bubble up could pack a punch with brief heavy downpours, frequent lightning, and gusty, erratic winds. In other words, great weather for a cookout until a random cell drifts over your backyard. Most of the storms should weaken after sunset, according to NWS Fort Worth.
Ozone Alert For The Metroplex
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has declared an Ozone Action Day for the Dallas-Fort Worth area today. During the midday and afternoon hours, ozone levels could climb into ranges that may affect people with asthma, older adults, and anyone doing prolonged outdoor exercise. Officials are recommending that residents cut back on driving and avoid heavy outdoor exertion during the worst of the heat, and to check local air quality before planning extended time outside. Forecast details are available from TCEQ.
Midweek Rain Risk
A larger storm system is expected to move in late tomorrow, bringing a better chance of more widespread showers and thunderstorms from tomorrow night into Wednesday. Forecasters note that storms in this window could be slow-moving and efficient rain producers, which raises the possibility of locally heavy rainfall totals and brief flooding in low-lying or poor drainage spots. Residents are urged to monitor updates for any watches or warnings from NWS Fort Worth as the system draws closer.
Plan Ahead
If you are planning to be outside, it is a good day to pack a light rain jacket and have an indoor backup plan. Today’s storms will be very hit or miss, but the midweek system could bring steadier, heavier rain. Those who are sensitive to ozone should skip strenuous afternoon exercise, and everyone may want to keep a radar app handy in case one of those pop-up downpours decides to crash the holiday.
