High of 107 degrees is expected in Dallas-Fort Worth for next 2 days. Here’s what to know
A heat wave grips Fort Worth, with 107 degrees possible this week.
Dallas-Fort Worth officially recorded its first triple-digit day of the year on Sunday, topping out at 101 degrees. The National Weather Service derives its official temperature readings from its climate site at the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport.
The exceptionally warm temperatures continue for North Texas this week with 104 degrees possible Tuesday, followed by 107 on Wednesday, 104 on Thursday and finally 103 degrees on Friday.
With warm weather in full swing, here’s what to know about keeping yourself and your home cool:
When will relief from cold fronts come?
Cold fronts don’t typically happen until October or November in North Texas, according to the NWS.
Until then, the heat and humidity are here to stay. Rainfall could also help relive some heat, along with cloudy days.
Where are cooling centers in Tarrant County?
A few cooling centers have opened up across Tarrant County:
Arlington Corps Community Center — 712 W. Abram St.
J.E. & L.E. Mabee Social Service Center — 1855 E. Lancaster Ave.
While not official cooling centers, public libraries welcome anyone looking to escape the heat. A list of Fort Worth libraries can be found here. A list of Arlington public libraries can be found here.
How can I make my air conditioning last all summer?
With many North Texans looking to escape the heat by cranking up their air conditioning, it’s important to keep the machine in good shape.
Replacing dirty air filters can help A/C units work better, as can opening all vents to allow proper circulation. Spraying the unit with water can help with cleaning of grass and debris, but should be done by a professional due to electrocution hazard. Here’s a few more tips:
- Relationship — Building a relationship with a contractor that you can trust is important, as they can service the AC unit every year. Just like a car that needs its oil changed regularly, the AC unit needs attention too.
- Temperature check — Turning the thermostat down to 60 degrees or lower does not help the unit create colder air, in reality, it increases run time which can cause the unit to freeze up.
- Thermostat — Most thermostats have a fan setting which either says “on” or “auto.” Make sure the fan is in the auto position, because the “on” setting can cause humidity in the unit to increase, rather than decreasing and cooling.
- Unit size — When buying a new unit make sure to buy the appropriate size for your home. A bigger AC unit doesn’t always mean better, as it can cause higher bills.
- Professional — If you don’t know what you’re doing when it comes to an AC unit, it’s best to let a professional take a look before you damage yourself or the unit.
- Replacement — Replacing an AC unit between October and April can help save money on installation and cost.
This story was originally published June 26, 2023 at 2:56 PM.
