Dry and windy conditions in the forecast will increase the risk of wildfires across North Texas on Friday.
Over the first half of the month, DFW International Airport has only received 0.01 inches of rainfall, compared to the normal of 1.19 inches. Other parts of the metro area got more rain on Jan. 9, like the 0.3 inches that fell in downtown Dallas, but the entire region is still drier than usual.
Those dry conditions, when combined with possible wind gusts of up to 30 mph in the afternoon, increases the likelihood that a fire could spread quickly once it starts. The National Weather Service’s Fort Worth office recommends avoiding all outdoor burning and says people should never toss lit cigarettes.
The elevated fire threat is not currently forecast for any other days this weekend.
D-FW Weather Wise
Those gusty winds will help usher in a cold front, which is expected to bring freezing temperatures some nights during the holiday weekend. The high is expected to fall from 59 degrees Friday to 47 degrees Saturday, with the most widespread chance of freezing temperatures Saturday night.
The latest Dallas weather forecast from KXAS-TV (NBC5):
FRIDAY: Mostly sunny, windy, and cool. High: 60. Wind: N 15-25 mph with higher gusts.
SATURDAY: Mostly sunny and brisk. Low: 34. High: 48. Wind: N 5-10 mph.
SUNDAY: Quite cold in the morning with a hard freeze. Mostly sunny and pleasant by afternoon. Low: 27. High: 57. Wind: SW 5-10 mph.
MONDAY: Mostly sunny and slightly cooler. Low: 36. High: 55. Wind: NE 5-10 mph.
TUESDAY: Sun, clouds and cool. Low: 33. High: 56. Wind: S 5-10 mph.