This morning in Dallas is starting thick and soupy, with mostly cloudy skies, muggy air, and temperatures around 73°F. Dew points are in the low 70s, which is why it feels so heavy out there. Expect a warm day with highs near 90°F, and plan on a noticeable jump in heat by midweek as temperatures climb into the mid to upper 90s. The National Weather Service relayed an Air Quality Alert yesterday after the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality declared an Ozone Action Day for the metro. If you have asthma or other breathing concerns, limit prolonged outdoor exertion this afternoon and consider moving strenuous activity indoors.
Heat And Ozone
The Air Quality Alert calls for elevated ozone concentrations today, so sensitive groups should take it easy instead of trying to tough out the heat. Officials are also nudging residents to help cut down on ozone formation by combining car trips and avoiding unnecessary idling. For the full rundown, see the official alert from NWS Fort Worth.
What To Expect This Week
Today should stay mostly dry with a high near 90°F. By tomorrow, the heat ticks up, with highs near 95°F and heat index values pushing into the 100 to 105°F range during the afternoon. Thursday looks hotter still, with highs close to 98°F and humid south winds; gusts could reach about 25 to 30 mph at times. A slow-moving front arriving late Thursday into Friday will increase the chance of scattered thunderstorms, and where storms do develop, they could bring heavy rain and strong gusts.
Morning Commute
Low clouds and patchy fog are possible during this morning's commute, especially where leftover boundary moisture lingers, but skies should improve to partly sunny by late morning. Winds stay on the lighter side today and then strengthen midweek, so allow a little extra time for early travel and be prepared for stronger crosswinds on exposed stretches Wednesday and Thursday.
Beat The Heat
If you need a cool place to ride out the hottest hours, the City of Dallas points residents to public recreation centers and libraries as temporary cooling locations. Hours vary by site, so check before you go. For locations, hours and heat safety guidance, see the City of Dallas resources at City of Dallas, and remember to stay hydrated, limit midafternoon exertion and check on older neighbors and pets.
