Introduction to the Summer of 2025
It’s not your imagination — this summer has not been as scorching as others in recent memory. The last three years, the Metroplex got its first triple-digit day in mid-to-late June. And as history has shown, once it gets sweltering, some years it rarely lets up. In 2022, from the first 100-degree day to the last, almost 70% of days were at or over 100.
Comparatively, North Texas only just had the first triple-digit day of 2025 on Tuesday. At this point, it was well behind schedule, since the historical average for that milestone is July 1, according to the National Weather Service’s Fort Worth office. The last year with no days at or over 100 was 1973, but several years in the ’90s and 2000s had five or fewer.
And it’s not just the dreaded 100-degree days that have been largely absent — averaged temperatures for the summer have been right at normal or slightly below normal. Weather service data shows this June was almost exactly on par with the typical high, and the same was true for the month’s overall temperature average. So far in July, the averaged high for the month is over a degree below the typical maximum temperature.
D-FW Weather Wise
The Reason Behind the Milder Summer
John Nielsen-Gammon, state climatologist, attributed this milder pattern to a wetter summer season. He said cloud cover can help keep temperatures from rising and moisture left behind in the soil can limit extreme heat after storms pass.
“All the energy that could have gone into raising temperatures goes into evaporating water,” he said.
Nielsen-Gammon also pointed out that rainfall in one place can affect temperatures in another, making it more important to think in comprehensive water totals than exact precipitation measurements.
Will the Mild Summer Trends Continue?
Historically, July and August have nearly identical normal temperatures. The average high is just under 96, and the mean of all measured temperatures in the month is about 86 degrees for both months.
While those similarities could lead Texans to hope for a similarly below-average August, it’s hard to say if that will be the case. The first half of July did see heavy rainfall in parts of Dallas-Fort Worth, which may bode well for August not being exceptionally hot. But if precipitation next month dries up, Nielsen-Gammon said, it’s likely August’s heat will top July’s.
The Climate Prediction Center does forecast slightly above average rainfall chances for the start of August, but it is unclear if those showers could be on a similar scale. It is also too early to say how much more rain will fall during the month.
When the first 100-degree day arrives at the tail end of July or in August, historical data suggests relatively few will follow. It stands to reason, since there are fewer days left in the summer for the conditions to develop, but it can depend on how far into September extreme summer temperatures stretch.
Only two years this century have had their first 100-degree day similarly late. Those are 2019, when it arrived on July 30, and 2007, when it arrived on Aug. 11. Those summers saw a total of 14 and five triple-digit days, respectively.
Nielsen-Gammon analyzed the historical data and said, given the late arrival of the 100-degree mark, it’s most likely there will be six total triple-digit days this year.
The Impact of a Milder Summer
While some may breathe a sigh of relief at the lack of truly sizzling days, the lack of record-breaking temperatures can cause some people to be less cautious.
Ashley Ward, director of Duke’s Heat Policy Innovation Hub, said people in the Sun Belt tend to expect heat and dismiss it, which can actually make the heat more dangerous for human health. She added that high humidity and rising overnight temperatures aren’t usually as big a part of the conversation about heat, but can also place serious stress on the body.
“Most people seem to heed warnings when it’s an extremely hot day, but not so much when it’s an excessively hot day,” she said.
Ward also said the triple digits aren’t necessary for spikes in emergency room visits. Before D-FW’s first 100-degree day, Dallas County had already reported its first heat-related death of the year.
Officials recommend drinking plenty of water, wearing loose-fitting, light colored clothing and taking frequent breaks in the shade when spending time outdoors during the hot summer days.
For more heat safety tips, check out our ultimate guide to beating the heat in D-FW.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the summer of 2025 has been relatively mild compared to previous years. The late arrival of the first triple-digit day and the below-average temperatures in June and July are a welcome relief for many. However, it’s essential to remain cautious and take necessary precautions to stay safe in the heat. By understanding the reasons behind the milder summer and being aware of the potential risks, we can enjoy the rest of the summer while staying safe and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the historical average for the first triple-digit day in North Texas?
A: The historical average for the first triple-digit day in North Texas is July 1, according to the National Weather Service’s Fort Worth office.
Q: How many triple-digit days are expected this year?
A: Given the late arrival of the 100-degree mark, it’s most likely there will be six total triple-digit days this year, according to state climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon.
Q: What are some heat safety tips for staying safe during the summer?
A: Officials recommend drinking plenty of water, wearing loose-fitting, light colored clothing, and taking frequent breaks in the shade when spending time outdoors during the hot summer days. For more heat safety tips, check out our ultimate guide to beating the heat in D-FW.
