North Texas is experiencing one of the hottest stretches of summer, which could be deadly.<\/p>\n
As a result, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an Extreme Heat Warning<\/a> for Dallas-Fort Worth, with heat index values as high as 116 degrees.<\/p>\n Actual air temperatures are running from 100 to 106 degrees, and forecasters say triple-digit highs will continue through the end of the week and into next week, with little to no rain chances across the Metroplex.<\/p>\n The NWS also noted that this pattern is well above the normal July high of roughly 96 degrees for DFW, and long-range outlooks point to more triple-digit days ahead.<\/p>\n The Heat Wave That Won\u2019t Quit<\/p>\n This week\u2019s Extreme Heat Warning extends a stretch of extreme temperatures that has gripped North Texas for the past month.<\/p>\n The Dallas Express<\/a> reported on July 20 that the metroplex was already facing triple-digit highs and heat indices up to 112 degrees, with the NWS warning at the time that the pattern would likely persist through the following week.<\/p>\n That forecast has held \u2013 and worsened, with heat index values now running several degrees higher.<\/p>\n The extended heat also prompted The Salvation Army of North Texas to activate<\/a> its cooling and hydration networks earlier this month. That response \u2013 13 stations across five counties \u2013 remains active and is reflected in the cooling centers listed below.<\/p>\n Heat Wave Health Risks<\/p>\n Extreme heat is one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths in the United States. According to CDC data<\/a>, heat contributes to more deaths annually than many other weather events, including hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods.<\/p>\n Extreme heat often exacerbates or triggers deaths from heart disease, respiratory issues, and other conditions that may not always be recorded as primary \u201cheat deaths.\u201d And people without access to cooling or stable housing face drastically elevated risks during these heat waves.<\/p>\n According to the experts, those vulnerable populations \u2013 including older adults, young children, outdoor workers, and those experiencing homelessness \u2013 should limit outdoor activity, stay in air-conditioned spaces when possible, and check on neighbors during prolonged hot periods.<\/p>\n Cooling Centers Across DFW<\/p>\n Dallas <\/a><\/p>\n Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 2922 MLK Jr. Blvd. Fort Worth <\/a><\/p>\n Como Community Center
\nWest Dallas Multipurpose Center, 2828 Fish Trap Rd.
\nAny Dallas public library (29 locations) or recreation center (42 locations) during normal business hours
\nDART transit centers across the city also serve as informal cooling stops<\/p>\n
\nMartin Luther King Jr. Community Center
\nNorthside Community Center
\nWorth Heights Community Center<\/p>\n