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Lack of rain is fueling Fort Worth heat wave. We’re now up to 30 100-degree days this year
North Texas has recorded 30 days over triple digits this year and the heat isn’t stopping.
The first triple digit day of the year came on June 25, with the month finishing at five days over 100 degrees. Things got hotter in July, as the North Texas saw 18 days over triple digits, including the hottest day of the year at 108 degrees on July 18.
August has kept things in check thus far with seven days over triple digits. But how does this year compare to last year’s 47 days over triple digits, will North Texas surpass or come close to that?
“Right now, it’s still too early to tell, but it looks like we’re going to make a run at it,” said Jason Dunn, meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Fort Worth office.
Triple digits are expected for the remainder of this week and going into next.
One of the big factors for the heat is the lack of rainfall, going all the way back to early July, Dunn said. When the ground starts getting dry it heats up faster, adding to the problem.
The NWS’ weather site at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport recorded only 0.47 inches of rain in July, with zero recorded in August. Rain chances are on the way, but they’re very low, Dunn said.
Both Tuesday and Wednesday nights bring around 10 to 20% rain chances for North Texas. However, a majority of the Metroplex will likely not feel it, with storms expected to stay north around the Red River area, Dunn said.
This story was originally published August 9, 2023, 9:37 AM.
