Dallas rolled in today under clear, muggy skies, with temperatures already in the upper 70s and a soupy dew point making the air feel sticky before lunchtime. The city is headed for a high near 93 this afternoon, and it will feel closer to 100 during the hottest part of the day once you factor in the heat index.
Weekend Into Next Week: Heat Ramps Up
High pressure is tightening its grip on North Texas, and that means the thermostat is only going one direction. Daytime highs are expected to reach the mid 90s this weekend and climb into the lower 100s early next week. The forecast calls for a high near 96 tomorrow, then rising to roughly 101 to 102 by next Tuesday and Wednesday, with heat index readings topping out around 100 to 103 on peak afternoons. Little, if any, rain is on tap through next week, according to the National Weather Service.
Where To Cool Off
If the heat starts to feel like too much, the City of Dallas and local partners are running "Beat the Heat" cooling centers and encouraging residents to head for recreation centers and libraries during their regular hours. Neighborhood options include the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center and the West Dallas Multipurpose Center. Hours vary by location, so it is smart to call ahead. Details and locations are listed on the City of Dallas website.
Today: Isolated Storms, Gusty Afternoon Winds
There is a small chance of isolated storms this afternoon, mainly along and west of U.S. Highway 281, but most of those cells should fade out after sunset. South winds will run about 5 to 10 mph, with afternoon gusts up to roughly 20 to 25 mph. That breeze could kick up dust and make outdoor work feel even hotter than the thermometer says. Spotter activation is not expected, and any storms that do pop up should be brief and localized.
Hydrate often, shift heavy outdoor chores to the morning or evening when you can, and keep an eye on children and pets for any signs of overheating. If you rely on cooling assistance or plan to use a public facility, double-check hours with the site first, since availability can change.
