North Texas is experiencing one of the hottest stretches of summer, which could be deadly.
As a result, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for Dallas-Fort Worth, with heat index values as high as 116 degrees.
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.
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.
The Heat Wave That Won’t Quit
This week’s Extreme Heat Warning extends a stretch of extreme temperatures that has gripped North Texas for the past month.
The Dallas Express 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.
That forecast has held – and worsened, with heat index values now running several degrees higher.
The extended heat also prompted The Salvation Army of North Texas to activate its cooling and hydration networks earlier this month. That response – 13 stations across five counties – remains active and is reflected in the cooling centers listed below.
Heat Wave Health Risks
Extreme heat is one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths in the United States. According to CDC data, heat contributes to more deaths annually than many other weather events, including hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods.
Extreme heat often exacerbates or triggers deaths from heart disease, respiratory issues, and other conditions that may not always be recorded as primary “heat deaths.” And people without access to cooling or stable housing face drastically elevated risks during these heat waves.
According to the experts, those vulnerable populations – including older adults, young children, outdoor workers, and those experiencing homelessness – should limit outdoor activity, stay in air-conditioned spaces when possible, and check on neighbors during prolonged hot periods.
Cooling Centers Across DFW
- Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 2922 MLK Jr. Blvd.
- West Dallas Multipurpose Center, 2828 Fish Trap Rd.
- Any Dallas public library (29 locations) or recreation center (42 locations) during normal business hours
- DART transit centers across the city also serve as informal cooling stops
- Como Community Center
- Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
- Northside Community Center
- Worth Heights Community Center
The Salvation Army has activated its full heat-relief network across five counties, offering air conditioning, water, and food on-site:
- Dallas County: Carr P. Collins Social Service Center (5302 Harry Hines Blvd.), Garland Corps Community Center, Irving Corps Community Center, Oak Cliff Corps Community Center, Pleasant Grove Corps Community Center
- Tarrant County: Arlington Corps Community Center (712 W. Abram St.), Northside Corps Community Center, J.E. & L.E. Mabee Social Service Center (1855 E. Lancaster Ave.)
- Collin County: Plano Corps Community Center, McKinney Corps Community Center
- Denton County: Denton Corps Community Center (1508 E. McKinney St.), Lewisville Corps Community Center
- Ellis County: Waxahachie Corps Community Center
Hours vary by site and can change day to day, so calling ahead is recommended. Updated hours and locations are posted at SalvationArmyNTX.org.
Staying Safe Under The Sun
Staying safe during this dangerous heat wave means knowing the signs of heat exhaustion (heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea) versus heat stroke (confusion, hot/dry skin, rapid pulse) – the latter is a medical emergency.
Stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity to early morning or evening, never leave people or pets in vehicles, and check on elderly or homebound neighbors.
Provided by Dallas Express
