When will fall bring cooler weather to Dallas-Fort Worth? Here’s what to know
Dallas-Fort Worth is still in the dog days of summer, so will fall bring cooler temperatures to the region?
North Texas has recorded more than 21 days over 100 degrees this year, which may seem like a lot, but it is actually lower than in years past. In 2023, the region saw 55 days over triple digits, and in 2022, there were 47 days over 100 degrees.
There’s less than a week left in August and the National Weather Service Fort Worth office is forecasting warm temperatures throughout. High temperatures are in the high 90s and right around 100 degrees for the coming days.
As summer winds down, the fall season is taking over next. But will temperatures cool down as leaves start to fall over the next couple of months? Here’s what to know:
When is the first day of fall?
The date varies, but fall always starts in September.
Meteorologists break the seasons into three-month groupings, with the fall season being Sept. 1 to Nov. 30, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
This method was made to mirror the actual calendar and stay consistent, as each season lasts around 90-92 days.
However, many people will recognize the first day of fall as Sept. 22. The autumnal equinox is on Sept. 22 and is recognized as the start of astronomical fall.
The natural rotation of Earth around the sun forms the foundation for the astronomical calendar, according to NOAA. On the astronomical calendar, the four seasons are defined by two solstices and two equinoxes.
Earth’s tilt and the sun’s positioning over the equator determine the astronomical calendar for the following:
- Autumnal equinox: On or around Sept. 22 every year.
- Winter solstice: On or around Dec. 22 every year.
- Spring equinox: On or around March 21 every year.
- Summer solstice: On or around June 21 every year.
What’s the fall temperature outlook for Dallas-Fort Worth?
The Climate Prediction Center released its three-month temperature outlook last week, valid for September, October, and November.
Most of Texas is “leaning above” normal conditions for the three-month stretch. Dallas-Fort Worth is firmly in the “leaning above” section on the weather outlook.
This means that Dallas-Fort Worth will likely see above-normal temperatures this fall. However, above-normal temperatures don’t always equate to drastic conditions.
“Above normal doesn’t necessarily mean extreme heat,” NWS meteorologist Patricia Sanchez previously told the Star-Telegram. “It could be a couple degrees more.”
.gif "off01_temp (1).gif")
The annual high temperature for September in Dallas-Fort Worth is 88.6 degrees, according to NWS data.
October’s annual temperature is a tad lower at 78.4 degrees, followed by 66.6 degrees in November.
What’s the fall precipitation outlook for Dallas-Fort Worth?
The Climate Prediction Center also released its fall precipitation outlook for the next three months.
Dallas-Fort Worth is showing to have below normal precipitation from September to November. The model is also forecasting that about 75% of the state will also face below normal precipitation this fall.
The annual precipitation totals in Dallas-Fort Worth for September are 2.72 inches, according to NWS data.
October’s annual precipitation is higher at 4.37 inches, followed by 2.53 inches in November.
When will Dallas-Fort Worth see its last day at 100 degrees?
On average, the NWS says the last 100-degree day of the year falls on Aug. 27.
Over the last decade, the last triple-digit date of the year fluctuated between August and September. Here’s a look:
- 2023: Sept. 24
- 2022: Aug. 17
- 2021: Sept. 20
- 2020: Aug. 29
- 2019: Sept. 7
- 2018: Aug. 18
- 2017: Aug. 19
- 2016: Sept. 20
- 2015: Sept. 7
- 2014: Sept. 10
This story was originally published August 22, 2024 at 1:14 PM.
