Heat Advisory Extended for Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Area
As of 5 p.m. Friday, Dallas-Fort Worth still has not hit 100 degrees.
That’s unlikely to change over the weekend, as highs on Saturday and Sunday are forecast to drop down to the mid-90s. Despite that pleasant downward shift in the air temperature, North Texans are not expected to reap the benefits during the heat of the day.
The National Weather Service’s Fort Worth office extended the heat advisory for the metro area through 9 p.m. Saturday. Rising humidity is expected to push the heat index, or “feels like” temperature, into extremely unpleasant territory, with some parts of the region possibly reaching 108.
Understanding Heat Advisories and Extreme Heat Warnings
Related: What’s the criteria for heat advisories and extreme heat warnings in North Texas?
D-FW Weather Wise
It’s essential to understand the difference between heat advisories and extreme heat warnings. A heat advisory is issued when the heat index is expected to reach 100-104 degrees for at least two consecutive days. An extreme heat warning is issued when the heat index is expected to reach 105 degrees or higher for at least two consecutive days.
Weekend Forecast
Saturday could also see some scattered showers, but there’s currently only a 20-30% chance of precipitation for the metro area. Rain chances are higher to the southeast.
While any alerts for Sunday likely won’t get issued until the day before, similar conditions are forecasted for the heat index.
The body has a harder time cooling itself through sweating when there is already so much moisture in the air, making it important to practice heat safety tips like staying well hydrated, wearing loose clothing and taking frequent breaks indoors.
Dallas Weather Forecast
The latest Dallas weather forecast from KXAS-TV (NBC5):
SATURDAY: Variably cloudy and very warm. 30% chance for a spotty afternoon shower or thunderstorm. High: 95. Wind: S 10-15 mph.
SUNDAY: Sun, clouds, hot and humid. Low: 77. High: 97. Wind: S 10-15 mph.
MONDAY: Mostly sunny, hot and humid. Low: 79. High: 98. Wind: S 5-10 mph.
TUESDAY: Mostly sunny, hot and humid. Low: 79. High: 99. Wind: S 5-10 mph.
WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny, hot and humid. Low: 78. High: 101. Wind: SE 5-10 mph.
Heat Safety Tips
To stay safe during the heat wave, remember to:
Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water and electrolyte-rich drinks.
Wear loose, light-colored clothing to help keep you cool.
Take frequent breaks indoors or in shaded areas to avoid heat exhaustion.
Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day (usually between 11am and 3pm).
Check on vulnerable neighbors, such as the elderly and young children, to ensure they are staying cool and safe.
Conclusion
The heat advisory for the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area has been extended through 9 p.m. Saturday, with rising humidity expected to push the heat index into extremely unpleasant territory. It’s essential to practice heat safety tips and stay informed about the latest weather forecast to stay safe during the heat wave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a heat advisory?
A: A heat advisory is issued when the heat index is expected to reach 100-104 degrees for at least two consecutive days.
Q: What is an extreme heat warning?
A: An extreme heat warning is issued when the heat index is expected to reach 105 degrees or higher for at least two consecutive days.
Q: How can I stay safe during a heat wave?
A: Stay well hydrated, wear loose clothing, take frequent breaks indoors, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day.
Q: Who is most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses?
A: The elderly, young children, and people with pre-existing medical conditions are most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
