Dallas is waking up to clear skies and temperatures already around 82 degrees today, with a hotter afternoon ahead and only a slim chance of rain. The forecast calls for a high near 101, a heat index up to 104 and a brief break from the relentless dryness as moisture begins moving in from the southeast.
Triple-Digit Heat Takes Over Tuesday
The National Weather Service expects mostly sunny conditions across Dallas today, with a slight chance of showers late in the morning and isolated showers or thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening. Southeast winds will stay light at 0 to 5 mph, so any storm that forms will be a hit-or-miss event rather than a region-wide rainmaker.
Temperatures should climb through the 90s, reaching about 101 degrees late this afternoon. Many Dallas neighborhoods may stay completely dry, particularly areas north and west of the main tropical moisture plume.
Ozone Action Day Adds Another Tuesday Concern
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has issued an Ozone Action Day for the Dallas-Fort Worth area today, with pollution levels expected to be highest during the afternoon and early evening. Residents can help by carpooling, avoiding drive-through idling, conserving energy and keeping vehicles properly tuned.
With the heat, sunshine and light winds all working together, people with respiratory sensitivities may want to limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day. Outdoor plans are best handled early, before the pavement and air both start feeling like they have personal grudges.
Rain Chances Rise Wednesday And Thursday
Rain chances increase tomorrow, when Dallas could see a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, a high near 95, and heat index values around 100. Winds will run 5 to 10 mph from the east-southeast, with gusts up to 20 mph possible.
Thursday brings another 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with temperatures near 94 before easing slightly during the afternoon. The better rain chances will generally favor areas south and east of Dallas, and a storm could still bring a brief downpour or gusty winds even though widespread severe weather is not expected.
Weekend Heat Builds Back Toward Labor Day
The forecast turns mostly sunny again Friday through Sunday, with highs near 97, 98 and 99 degrees, respectively. Overnight lows will remain stuck in the upper 70s, making for warm mornings even when skies are clear.
By Labor Day, the heat is forecast to reach about 101 degrees once again. For Dallas residents, the week offers a narrow window for showers tomorrow and Thursday, followed by another round of serious summer heat just in time for holiday plans.
