North Texas has only seen a few days over 100 degrees this summer. Here’s why
This summer has been relatively cooler than years past in North Texas, with only a handful of days exceeding 100 degrees.
As of Aug. 19, the Metroplex has recorded five days over triple digits thus far. The first 100-degree day of the year was recorded on July 29, which is latest first occurrence of 100 degrees since 2019, when that temperature was recorded on July 30.
Despite the few triple digit days, temperatures have still be toasty in the region, with daily highs in the mid to upper 90s for much of July and August, according to National Weather Service Fort Worth climate data.
With just under two weeks left in August, why has the Metroplex seen so few days over triple digits this summer? Here’s what to know.
What’s behind this ‘cooler’ summer in North Texas?
There’s a couple factors, NWS meteorologist Allison Prater said.
Having more rain in the spring and wetter soils going into the summer can help stave off 100 degrees, Prater said. North Texas recorded more than 9 inches of rain in April (5.22) and May (4.51) this year.
Through Aug. 18, the Metroplex has recorded 23.5 inches of rain for the year. The NWS’ normal rain total for the first eight months of the year is 24.55 inches.
Another factor for keeping the heat at bay is the distance from where an upper-level ridge pattern sits up for the summer.
An upper-level ridge is like a dome of high pressure and warm air, also known as a “heat dome,” Prater said. Parts of the state have felt the effects from a “heat dome” this year, including areas in East and South Texas.
The Metroplex was on the edge of a “heat dome” in early June and felt temperatures in the low 90s.
What’s in store for the rest of the year?
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The NWS’ Climate Prediction Center’s three month outlook, issued on July 17 and valid from August through October, predicts a 33-40% chance for above-normal temperatures.
The normal high for August is 95.8 degrees, followed by 88.6 degrees in September and 78.4 degrees in October, according to NWS data.
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.
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.
How does this year’s 100-degree day count compare to past years?
The last few years have been scorchers:
- 2025- 5 days of 100 degrees, as of Aug. 19
- 2024- 23 days
- 2023- 55 days
- 2022- 47 days
- 2021- 8 days
- 2020- 9 days
