DFW weather forecast includes several days of 100-degree temps for 1st time in 2020
The Dallas-Fort Worth region is expected to see its biggest heat wave so far of 2020 starting this weekend, with temperatures climbing into the hundreds and high humidity values making it seem even hotter.
The heat index — or what it feels like with the humidity — was expected to reach around 106 on Friday in Fort Worth, according to the National Weather Service. The high temperature was only expected to be around 99, but that should change by Saturday. The high is predicted to be near 102, potentially making it the first day of 2020 to exceed 100, while the heat index could peak around 109.
The sweltering heat isn’t expected to go anywhere for several days, with anticipated highs of around 103 on Sunday, 104 on Monday, 104 on Tuesday and 101 on Wednesday. Heat index values could be between 105 and 110.
A heat advisory from the weather service in effect until 8 p.m. Sunday warns high temperatures and humidity will increase the risk for heat-related illnesses.
MedStar has activated its extreme weather response protocol in response to the heat wave, meaning patients found outside in unprotected areas will have upgraded priority, a spokesman said in an email. There were four heat-related on calls on Friday as of around 1:15 p.m.
David Bonnette, a meteorologist with the weather service, said this stretch of hot days will be even “harsher” than the sweltering Fourth of July weekend. That’s due in part to temperatures rising above 100, he said.
“If you’re going outside, just be sure you plan for the heat,” he said over the phone on Friday. “Be sure you can take frequent breaks, drink plenty of fluids, bring the fluids with you for going outside...and the other thing is be sure you always check your vehicles for your children and pets.”
Wearing light and loose-fitting clothing is also a good idea for those who have to be outside, according to the weather service, as well as limiting activities to the early morning or evening. But the agency urges people try to stay inside in air-conditioning as much as they can. People are also advised to check up on their neighbors and relatives.
The cause of the rise in temperatures is due to a high pressure system building up to the west and southwest, Bonnette said. That — coupled with increased humidity due in part to moisture from recent rains — will make for an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous weekend, he said.
A break from the heat isn’t expected to arrive until around Thursday, he said, when the high pressure system moves east and temperatures drop to the upper 90s. It will be a more “normal summertime pattern,” he said.
But the high on Thursday is still expected to reach around 99, according to the weather service forecast.
This story was originally published July 10, 2020 at 3:59 PM.
