August heat will ‘likely’ be above normal for North Texas. Here’s the forecast
Traditionally, August is the hottest month of the year in North Texas with a normal monthly high of 95.8 degrees.
It’s been a warm, but not exceptionally hot, summer in the Metroplex through June and July. In fact, the region finally recorded its first 100 degree-day of the year earlier this week on July 29.
On average, North Texas records its first 100-degree day on July 1. As of July 30, the region has recorded two days over triple digits.
With August quickly approaching, just how hot is the month expected to be? Let’s take a look.
How hot will be August be?
Issued on July 17, the Climate Prediction Center’s monthly temperature outlook for August shows that North Texas has “equal chances” for normal temperatures.
When forecasters use “equal chances,” it means they think an area has three possible outcomes — well above, well below, or near normal — that are all equally likely, according to the center. Or, sometimes it means that there are no strong influences that would favor one outcome over another.
While this is a snapshot of how things are expected to look in the future, a one month outlook and subsequent weeks’ and days’ forecast will give a better look at what to expect as the date grows near, according to the National Weather Service.
Here’s a more closer look at the next few weeks:
6-10 day outlook
- Issued: July 30.
- Valid from: Aug. 5-9.
- Verdict: A 60-70% chance of likely above normal temperatures.
8-14 day outlook
- Issued: July 30.
- Valid from: Aug. 7-13.
- Verdict: A 50-60% chance of likely above normal temperatures.
3-4 week outlook
- Issued: July 25.
- Valid from Aug. 6-22.
- Verdict: Equal chances for normal temperatures.
Above-normal temperatures doesn’t always equate to extreme heat, according to the NWS. Instead, above normal could simply mean temperatures are a few degrees above the normal parameters.
How much precipitation is expected in August?
Typically, August is one of the drier months of the year for the Metroplex, with a normal monthly total of 2.18 inches.
The CPC’s seasonal monthly outlook for August is showing “equal chances” for precipitation in North Texas. The 3-4 week outlook is also showing “equal chances” for the region.
Conditions appear more favorable in the 8-14 day outlook, valid from Aug. 7-13, with “near normal” precipitation in the mix. The 6-10 day outlook, valid from Aug. 5-9, shows a 33%-40% chances of “leaning below” normal precipitation.
In the immediate future this weekend, North Texans will see 20%-30% chances for rain, according to the NWS. The front will also help lower temperatures under triple digits for much of the weekend.
