“Oppressive heat” has arrived in the North Texas region and is here to stay.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Fort Worth has predicted high temperatures across the metroplex. Some chances of severe weather will also be present for this week.
Previously, the organization had predicted elevated temperatures across the region for the last weekend, anticipating that the beginning of this week would bring ambient temperatures to triple digits along with a heightened heat index.
The NWS told The Dallas Express that despite ambient temperatures not yet hitting 100 degrees, the heat index and lingering humidity would make it feel as if the temperature is much higher.
Dangerous heat levels warranted an excessive heat warning across the region for June 20. Projected temperatures indicate that areas like Fort Worth could reach temperatures up to 101 degrees. The peak heat index for the day would exceed 110 degrees, the NWS said, with areas south of the metroplex reaching up to 115 degrees.
The last time the metroplex reached a heat index of 116 degrees was in 1980, according to the NWS.
Dangerous temperatures are expected to continue through the afternoon hours of June 21. Juan Hernandez with the NWS in Fort Worth told The Dallas Express that Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons will be the hottest of the week.
“Oftentimes in the summer, if it’s a dry day, it doesn’t feel that bad even though it might be 100 degrees. But if it’s a humid day, it’s just oppressive heat,” said Hernandez. “It feels heavy when you breathe. So we can expect that oppressive heat to continue both this afternoon and tomorrow afternoon, across the Dallas Fort Worth area,” he continued.
Also in the forecast for Wednesday is the possibility of storms arriving in the metroplex from the west. The NWS warns that any storms that hit the area have the potential to become severe, with hazards such as hail and damaging winds being likely.
Hernandez said these storms would arrive overnight on June 21 if they push into the region.
Heat index values are expected to drop below 100 degrees on Thursday but rise back above triple digits as the weekend approaches. Citizens are advised to practice heat safety by wearing light and breathable clothing, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding being outside if possible.