The hot weather is here to stay in Dallas — likely for much longer than normal years, according to a meteorologist from the National Weather Service.
Severe summer temperatures normally start to drop in early September, but NWS meteorologist Brennen Darrah said the timeline for cooler weather has been pushed back to later this fall.
“We’re actually expecting the heat to linger a little longer than normal, and that’s because of the El Niño that’s developed in the equatorial Pacific,” he said.
The El Niño climate pattern will transfer heat from warm water pooled in the Pacific Ocean to the air directly above it. This means that the first half of fall in North Central Texas will likely be hotter and drier than normal, according to Darrah.
The extended heat comes after a relatively temperate start to the summer, with average temperatures in the low 80s throughout June, according to the NWS. Darrah attributed the mild temperatures to the increased rainfall throughout the spring.
“When you have wet springs and a wet early summer, you’re going to see the onset of those higher temperatures later,” he said.
But this July has been sweltering — temperatures have averaged nearly 90 degrees, far above the normal 86 degree average for July recorded by NWS. The heat peaked at a scorching 106 degrees in mid July, with little to no precipitation recorded throughout the month.
That heat could prove deadly for residents — especially for the elderly, those with medical conditions and children. Two delivery workers in North Texas died on the job this summer, collapsing in the sweltering heat. At least one of their deaths is currently being investigated as a result of a heat-related illness.
As the heat gets worse, doctors have various strategies to stay cool and healthy. Experts recommend staying inside during the hottest times of day, as well as drinking plenty of water and wearing loose clothing to avoid getting heat stroke.
August is typically the hottest month in North Texas, with highs averaging at 107 degrees. Temperatures normally cool off in September as students roll back to school, but Darrah cautioned residents to keep their fans and water bottles at the ready throughout the start of fall.
“The general trend is going to favor the above average temperatures and drier conditions through the first half of the fall for us here,” he said.
Temperatures will continue climbing as July draws to an end — Wednesday’s high will be 99 degrees, with a 101 degree high on Friday. This week’s heat index values peak at 112 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. As of Tuesday night, a heat advisory remains in effect through 8 p.m. Wednesday.