Heat Dome to Set Up Over Plains, Bringing 100-Degree Days

Posted: July 25, 2021 8:21 am

Drought Conditions Continue to Affect How High and Low the Mercury Goes

The central and southern Plains are finally going to get a real taste of summer heat this week. Although the northern Plains states have seen their fair share of record heat already this summer, areas to the south have been lagging behind in days of extreme warmth. That is all about to change in the coming days.

Heat Dome to Expand Southward

Beginning this weekend, a heat dome is going to cover the area of the northern, central, and southern Plains. The heat will continue to expand southward throughout next week, bringing 100-degree days to some areas for the first time this year. Cities that have normally experienced this type of relentless heat by this point in the summer will finally see weather more typical of late July as the heat dome persists.

Cities to Break 100-Degree Mark for First Time This Summer

For example, forecasters predict that Dallas will see its first temperature reading of over 100 degrees in 2021 as the heat moves in. In a typical year, Dallas records a triple-digit reading by July 1. The metroplex is forecast to hit the 100-degree benchmark on Monday. If this happens, it will be 26 days later than usual.

In addition to Dallas, cities in West Texas, such as Wichita Falls and Abilene, are also on tap to reach 100 degrees for the first time this summer. What is most surprising is that both of these cities usually hit this reading by mid-June, making this year quite the anomaly.

Different Story in the Northern Plains

While the southern Plains has seen a cooler than average summer, it has been the opposite story in the northern Plains. For example, Bismarck, North Dakota, is already hovering eight degrees above average for daily temperatures since the beginning of June. Although Dallas has yet to hit the century mark, Bismarck has notched nine days of temperatures in the triple digits. The city broke three daily records this year as the persistent heat has hung on indefinitely.

There will be no relief for Bismarck this week either. The temperature is forecast to soar to 110 degrees on Tuesday. The all-time daily high in Bismarck is 114 degrees, set back in 1936. Other areas throughout the northern Plains are also set to see some of these 100-degree temperature readings as the week progresses.

The heat is predicted to hang on until the end of the week. However, even the relief from the heat dome will still deliver temperatures in the upper 80s and lower 90s throughout the northern Plains.

Drought Contributing to Temperatures Departing from Normal

Part of the blame on the extreme heat in the northern tier of the Plains states rests with the drought conditions. According to the US Drought Monitor, much of this region is currently under extreme to exceptional drought. Because the ground is so dry, the energy from the sun is better able to penetrate the ground to raise the mercury.

The current drought conditions also help to explain why the southern and central Plains have been cooler than average. Unlike their northern counterparts, this region has seen more rain this summer, helping to keep the temperatures suppressed.

Cities Yet to Break 100

Dallas is not the only city that has yet to surpass 100 degrees. Other cities that have normally hit this mark by now but have not yet include Oklahoma City, Wichita, and Waco. This may change this week as the heat dome starts to push toward the south.

Forecasters are also warning that just because the actual temperature reading is not soaring past 100 degrees, it does not mean that residents should not exercise caution when outside. While the high humidity levels in the southern Plains may keep temperatures below 100 degrees, this moist air will also make the real feel readings soar higher.

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