By early Sunday, July 5, at 5:40 a.m. CDT, Dallas was quiet and clear at about 79°F. That calm will not last. By afternoon, temperatures are expected to rocket toward 99°F, with heat index values near 103°F, and scattered showers and thunderstorms could start popping up after about 1 p.m. With the July 4 holiday weekend still in full swing, anyone spending time at area lakes or out on boats should be ready for sudden gusty winds and brief, heavy downpours.
Afternoon Storm Chance
From roughly 1 p.m. through early evening on Sunday, July 5, there is about a 30–40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Most spots that get rain will only see a few tenths of an inch, but any storms that do form could kick out strong, damaging wind gusts. According to the NWS Fort Worth, storms that fire along stalled outflow boundaries may intensify quickly and send powerful outflow winds well ahead of the main cores. If you have outdoor plans, especially on the water, keep a close eye on radar and move to shelter as soon as you hear thunder.
Heat Through The Week
The heat is not clocking out after the weekend. Hot, mostly dry weather is expected to hang on into next week, with daily highs around 98–101°F and heat index readings frequently topping 100°F through midweek. Sticky afternoon humidity will make it feel hotter than the thermometer suggests, so try to avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat and drink plenty of water. Forecast guidance indicates the ridge of hot air will strengthen from Tuesday through Thursday, which should keep storm chances low aside from a few isolated afternoon cells.
Where To Find Relief
If your air conditioning is unreliable or you just need a break from the heat, local community centers and city-designated cooling locations are open to help. Many centers are available this summer for residents who need a safe, cool place to spend the hottest hours of the day. For the latest list of locations, hours, and addresses, check the City of Dallas. Planning is especially important if you will be on the water or far from air-conditioned spaces.
What To Watch
This afternoon, keep an eye on changing skies and have a quick shelter plan in mind. Lightning can strike well ahead of the rain, and strong outflow winds can catch swimmers and boaters off guard. If you notice sudden wind shifts or strong, sustained gusts, head off the water and secure any loose gear. Local alerts and NOAA Weather Radio will provide the fastest warnings if conditions go downhill. Otherwise, expect the rest of the holiday weekend to be dominated by high humidity and dangerous heat.
