Temperatures on the Rise in Dallas as Heat Dome Forms

Posted: June 16, 2023 9:00 am

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The heat is about to be turned up across Dallas and many other areas in Texas as a heat dome continues to build across the region. Temperatures in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex are forecast to hit the century mark in the coming days with some communities potentially experiencing record-breaking readings.

Here is what you need to know about this scorcher of a forecast.

Temperatures Forecast to Hit Century Mark in Dallas and Beyond

It has already been an exceptionally hot June for much of the Dallas area. The daily high temperature readings have not landed below 87 degrees since the end of May. Unfortunately for those tired of the heat, the upcoming forecast is calling for more searing temperatures.

The mercury is expected to climb into the triple digits by the end of the week and into the weekend, potentially bringing down some daily high-temperature records.

The real feel temperature will climb even higher. Not only will this weather pattern create dangerous conditions for those vulnerable to the heat but it may also put the Lone Star State’s power grid in jeopardy of failing.

Dallas is bracing for the temperatures to exceed the 100-degree mark on Friday. Should this happen as predicted, it will be the first time this year that this benchmark is reached. The metroplex typically sees temperatures in the triple digits for the first time in early July. The record high temperature for June 16 in Dallas is 103 degrees, dating back to 1924.

Building high pressure across the border in Mexico will support the increasing temperatures. This trend will continue into the weekend. The strong rays of the June sun will send real feel readings up to about 107 degrees during the peak afternoon heating hours.

A heat dome will encourage the temperature to increase and remain high in the coming days. This dome is an area of high pressure that stretches from the ground to high levels in the atmosphere.

The air is heated as it descends to the ground, increasing the temperatures in the process. This heating loop can continue for days, making it difficult for the dome to break up and leave the area.

Alerts Likely in Coming Days

Forecasters are warning that it is likely that the National Weather Service (NWS) will need to issue heat alerts for the Dallas and Fort Worth metro areas.

This is a good time to familiarize yourself again with the various degrees of alerts. For instance, an excessive heat watch means that the ingredients are in place for extreme heat in the next 12 to 48 hours.

An excessive heat warning or advisory comes into play when the dangerous temperatures are imminent. Less serious temperatures translate to an advisory while potentially life-threatening conditions call for a warning.

Dangers of Relentless Heat

There are several types of complications that can result when temperatures hit these levels. This is particularly true when high humidity levels pair with the excessive heat.

Heat exhaustion typically precedes heatstroke. Signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, heavy sweating, and an accelerated heart rate.

Heatstroke happens when the body temperature climbs to 104 degrees or higher. Symptoms of this life-threatening illness include nausea and vomiting, rapid breathing paired with a high heart rate, confusion, and altered behavior. Seek help immediately should you notice somebody experiencing these symptoms.

Other dangers to be aware of as the temperature spikes include hot vehicles. You should never leave children or pets in vehicles unattended. Hot pavement is also an issue for dog owners. The asphalt absorbs a significant amount of heat as the temperatures surge.

This heat can be dangerous to your dog’s paws. Walking your dog early in the morning or late in the evening when the mercury has cooled is recommended during the summer months.

Looking Ahead

Meteorologists are predicting that the heat will linger through the weekend and into the middle of next week across North Texas. The high readings will hover in the upper 90s and low 100s for the Dallas area.

The northern edge of the heat dome will also feature the fuel needed for thunderstorm development over the next several days. This includes the risk of derechos, powerful inland hurricanes that pack strong winds that can cut across a path that stretches for hundreds of miles.

The severe weather will likely trigger numerous air travel disruptions heading into next week. Be sure to keep a close eye on these developments if your plans have you flying in, out of, or through the two major airports in the metroplex.

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